How to prepare for a photo shoot: a client's perspective

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The perfect photo shoot is all about careful preparation and a little bit of luck. We tell you what you need to check and plan before shooting and what you should agree with the photographer so that you get the desired result and a minimum of headaches.

There are quite a few articles on the Internet on choosing ideas and even poses for photo shoots. But they are all a little about clichés, and I believe that the search for ideas is not limited to just ten options, as well as the choice of poses. I approached the issue of filming from a different angle and I want to share with you some practical moments that will help you get a good result from the photo session. It doesn't matter if you are a fan of fashion photography or like shooting outdoors in the most natural style. I'm sure you will find something useful here for yourself. For men planning a photo shoot, these tips will also come in handy.

The article was written based on my five-year experience of participating in. During this time, I have worked on many projects without being a professional model. I stuffed the cones, drew conclusions, came to my ideal formula and checklist.

1. Come up with an idea

Decide what you want. Start with a general idea, then think about the details: clothing, decor, makeup, hair (if needed). The easiest way to create a board with inspirational ideas and examples is on Pinterest.

The more detailed you describe your idea, the better.

As for the makeup artist and stylist: if you show photos with makeup and styling that you like, then make their work as easy as possible, and you will ensure the desired result for yourself.

2. Choose a format: photo day or individual shooting

Decide what is best for you: a photo day or an individual photo session. Each option has its own pros and cons.

Within a photo day, the shooting time is limited (usually half an hour per person), you will not be able to choose a place, make-up and styling. Therefore, you should look for the most suitable photo day for your tasks.

On the other hand, this format is much cheaper than individual photo sessions. Plus, you do not have to agree on a place (studio), a makeup artist and a hair stylist - they will do all this for you. Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision.

If you have rarely photographed before, I would not recommend starting with a photo day. There is a risk that in half an hour you will not open up, relax and look constricted. Although much depends on the chosen photographer.

In the case of an individual photo session, there are more costs for all items. But here you are the creator of your own happiness and the generator of ideas. And if the photo session lasts an hour and a half, then you have more chances to relax and go beyond the standard poses.

3. Agree on important things on the shore

So, you have decided on the idea and details, have chosen a photographer. What should be agreed upon before the photo session?

• Check the deadlines and the number of finished photos.
• If you want to view the sources and choose what you like, make an appointment in advance.
• Discuss whether you need face and body retouching.
• In addition to retouching the face and body, there is also color correction and other details of retouching the photo itself. You can ask the photographer to show one processed image. Using his example, discuss what you want in terms of retouching, so that the photographer will continue to focus on the specified parameters.
• If shooting outdoors is planned, the weather may interfere. Consider a fallback and discuss it with the photographer. There is always a risk that force majeure may occur. So it's better to have spare contacts of people who will come to your aid (make-up artist, photographer, studio manager, etc.) in your notebook.

It is customary for us to conclude contracts only for wedding photo sessions. But it is this procedure that will help save your nerves if something goes wrong. So feel free to ask about the contract or ask for a check.

4. Remember to take care of yourself

If the face is peeling, then it is better to moisturize it with cream in advance, otherwise it will be difficult for the makeup artist to work, and the result will be completely different from what you want.

Also, before the photo session, remember about manicure and pedicure. You can make them yourself or contact a specialist.

5. Look at the filming location in advance

If you have time, check out the location before filming. Perhaps in real life you will not like something and you will want to change it. In my practice, there was such a case.

Look at the shooting location and think again if you need additional decor, the help of a florist.

6. Think about what you can save on

Since a photo shoot with a whole team is a rather expensive undertaking, then perhaps you are thinking about saving. You can save money by doing your own styling and makeup and choosing to shoot not in the studio, but in the city or in nature.

The only specialist you definitely shouldn't save on is a photographer.

7. Accept that you will get tired

Be prepared for the fact that at photo sessions lasting an hour or more, you will get tired, and very much.

Long photo sessions are good because you can take your time, relax and open up better. But fatigue will come along with this. At the end of filming, you will feel like after a grueling workout. Therefore, after the photo session, it is best to plan a vacation.

8. Be careful with food

You shouldn't go to a photo shoot with a full stomach. If you have a heavy meal, it will not be very comfortable for you to move and work. But there is no need to go to the hungry either: a photo session, as I wrote above, is a physically costly action. If you are hungry, you will not be able to concentrate on the task at hand because of the stress, and imaginary cakes or steaks will fly in front of your eyes.

Grab a small snack before and bring something light with you if the photo session is going to be long.

9. Relax

Relaxation is key. Both moral and physical. And if the first thing depends on you and the photographer, then a good massage the day before the shooting, as well as a sauna or bath, will help you physically relax.

10. Be yourself

It often happens that you only relax towards the end of filming. It is at such moments that very beautiful shots can turn out. Be yourself, inspire and be inspired.

Tell us about your experience of participating in photo shoots in the comments. What would you like to add to the tips in the article?

The article was prepared by the author - a magazine dedicated to lingerie.