How to prepare for a photoshoot:
We thought it was about time we did another post on photos, and from a photographers’ perspective, we feel we have a fair insight into the easiest and most effective ways to get ready and prepare for your photoshoot. These points may vary depending on the type of shoot, but also once you realise what we’re getting at, you’ll probably understand why we’re recommending certain things.
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Decide what kind of photoshoot you want
This might seem kind of obvious, but actually it’s not. Many people would like photos taken of themselves, but may not decide what kind of angle they’re going for yet. And by angle we don’t mean showing the photographer the side of your face you think is the prettiest – we mean what kind of shoot you want. The first question you want to ask is: what am I intending on using these photos for? This can be anything from needing a new profile picture on Facebook, or wanting to audition for modelling or acting roles, wanting to highlight fitness progress, or wanting to share with family and friends. There are a multitude of reasons behind wanting photographs professionally taken, but an indication of what that reason is will help your photographer plan everything from the location of the shoot, to the type of angles, colours, and editing they use on your shot.
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Do a little bit of research yourself
Oh no! You’ve been assigned homework! Yeah, sorry. Research doesn’t mean poring over books, it can be as simple as doing a quick Pinterest or Instagram search to see what other kind of shots people are taking that you like. This can help your photographer immensely too, as people have varying styles. For instance, personally I really enjoy brighter images, so unless told otherwise, I’m more likely to shoot and edit images brighter. However, if you sent me a couple of images from Pinterest that indicated you like darker ones, I would know to lean more in that direction. You don’t even have to know what you like – often the pictures you will choose and send to the photographer will show them things you might not have realised. Furthermore, this research can also help you choose things like outfits etc, by giving ideas and inspiration.
Want instant inspo? Check out our own Pinterest, Instagram, or even our photography portfolio here on our website!
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Ask your photographer if they have any tips or suggestions
Wait what? But that’s what this blog post is about?? No, this post is only to help you get the ball rolling, but your photographer might have their own tips in regards to your specific shoot. For instance, for glamour or fitness shots, I like to let clients know things like how mosquito repellent body spray makes your skin shiny, and is great for these kinds of shots. Tips from your photographer might be as small as that, or larger things about the logistics of the shoot. They may have nothing, in which case you can just do your own research if you want, but I would say it always pays to ask.
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Let your photographer know what you’re comfortable with
This is a really important one, and it covers a lot of areas! For instance, if you aren’t comfortable getting in the freezing cold water – let your photographer know. If you don’t want your photos to come across a certain way that’s also important. One big thing is to let your photographer know how you feel about retouching. This is a big one, because it can often be difficult for photographers to bring up with clients, simply because of how rude and unprofessional it can sound saying “how do you feel about me editing you in terms of retouching?”. As a general rule, I only retouch things to make them appear how they look in real life (e.g. the colour of a tan, or the flex of a muscle may have faded through the camera), or to retouch aspects that may take away from the main message of the image, such as a hair out of place etc. If you have a particularly strong stance either way on retouching, it’s always a great idea to let the photographer know, so they can accommodate you either way.
The final tip is a cheesy one: have fun! Getting your photos taken should be an exciting and enjoyable experience, and we hope this blog has helped with that!
Want your photos taken? Drop us a line and we’ll get down and creative with you 😉
