Tips To Prepare You For Any Photoshoot (From My Clients)
Have you ever scrolled down your newsfeed and seen stunning professional photos of your friends or family? Or maybe you walked into a friend’s house and saw exquisite wall art from their family portraits and thought wow I really would like a professional photoshoot. Well, successful photos don’t just happen on accident they come with preparation and planning. I took the time to ask my clients what tips would they give to others so that they can have a successful photoshoot and here is what they suggested:
Prepare your outfits in advance. Planning a photoshoot takes time and preparing outfits is probably the most time consuming. Once you have your outfits in place be sure to try them on to ensure everything fits appropriately.
Place your outfits on hangers and inside garment bags. Transitioning from the home to the photo studio it is possible that clothes will become wrinkled or even stained. To prevent either of these incidents from occurring hangers and garment bags are imperative.
Place accessories in zip loc bags or small carrying case.
Speak to your photographer about thoughts on colors. Want more guidance on choosing colors for your photoshoot? Check out our blog Choosing The Right Color Scheme For Family Portraits.
Place shoes in a separate rolling case or in plastic bags to keep clothes from being stained.
Hire reliable professional hairstylist and makeup artist. Everyday makeup typically doesn’t work for photoshoots especially when it professional studio lighting is involved. Professional makeup artist understands the proper makeup application and have the necessary skills to ensure clients look authentic and camera ready. As a professional photographer I would not do my own makeup a for a photoshoot. I highly recommend that you hire a professional.
Have a friend or family member help you on the day of your photoshoot.
Hire a wardrobe stylist or get feedback from a stylish friend. Outfits choices can make or break your photoshoot. Wearing clothes that are not flattering to ones body type or not properly tailored can destroy the photoshoot. If you cannot hire a wardrobe stylist do this. Step 1: Go to Pinterest.Com Step 2: Search Outfits for {Insert your body type: hour glass, apple, pear, inverted triangle, or rectangle}. Step 3: Find outfits that could work for you.
Use appropriate undergarments. Having the proper undergarments goes well with the tip above. These two are important to help clients look and feel their best.
Have hair products with you such as brush, hair spray, bobby pins, comb, etc.
Be early! I cannot stress this enough. If your appointment start time is at 10am you should be arriving to your appointment no later than 9:40am.
Have a goal for your photoshoot. Think to your self. Do you want these photos to be on the walls of your homes? Are you sending these photos out for graduation announcements? Have a goal in mind so you and the photographer can be on the same page.
Don’t change your skincare products before your photoshoot. We don’t want any unnecessary redness, rashes or bumps to appear.
Have your nails groomed. I personally don’t go to the nail shop but I will groom my nails. If I want nail extensions I purchase press ons or glue-on nails specifically for the photoshoot. However, going to the nail shop works as well.
Relax. Don’t overthink everything. Let things flow and be yourself.
Have everything packed the night before.
Bring slide in shoes just in case you have to walk and your feet are hurting.
Bring lotion.
Bring a bottle of water and easy to eat snacks if it’s a long shoot. Being hydrated and nourished will help to decrease the anxiety and keep you in good spirits. As a professional photographer I recommend eating a light meal before your photoshoot. This could be a piece of fruit, half a bagel, oatmeal, or even yogurt. I wouldn’t recommend eating a heavy meal due to stomach bloating.
Bring a towel just in case you sweat.
Photoshoots can be really fun but also a headache if things are not planned. Of course, some things don’t always go as planned and life happens; however, the best thing you can do for your photo shoot is to try your very best to have everything in place. I hope these tips help and I look forward to capturing your life long memories.
