In any shooting there is a very important stage, about which I have to talk and write a lot to my clients. This stage is preparation for the photo shoot. Yes, of course, you can just come to the shoot and take photos. And it’s even quite possible to get good photos. But will these be the photos you need? To ensure that your expectations and the result obtained do not diverge, you need to carefully prepare for the photo shoot, and now I will tell you how.

Content:

1. Set a shooting goal

2. Selection of references for a photo shoot

3. Looks and clothes

4. What to take with you to a photo shoot?

5. Makeup for a photo shoot

6. Preparing for a photo shoot for men

7. What to wear to a photo shoot

8. General tips

9. Conclusion

 

 

1. Set a shooting goal

Whatever photo session you have, it has a specific goal, a task that it solves. If you clearly formulate this goal, you will gain an understanding of what needs to be done during the shooting. Sometimes the main, global goal needs to be decomposed into small specific tasks. Let me give you a few examples:

A. Goal: Create the perfect resume as quickly as possible. It requires one good photograph, vertical orientation, half-length portrait with a light, inviting smile. I need a photo tomorrow.

B. Goal: get good family photos for social networks and family archives. You should get at least 30 good shots. Photos should convey sincere emotions and not be staged.

C. Purpose: to document your joint visit to Raleigh, NC. The photographs should show all the main city attractions and how happy we are.

Tell your goal to the photographer, and he (that is, me), based on it, will advise you on the most suitable conditions for implementation – how much time you need, where and when it is better to take photos.

Photo shoot in historical style

2. Selection of references

A clear picture has probably already formed in your mind; you can practically see future photographs in front of you. But describing what you imagine in words is a difficult task. It will be much easier for the photographer if you show him examples, similar photographs, which can now be very easily found on the Internet and saved to your phone.

This is a very important point! Don’t neglect it!

Even if you forget about it, take 5-10 minutes before the shooting itself, or even during it. Believe me, this will greatly improve the shooting result.

In addition to helping the photographer, references will also help you yourself – you will find successful poses or ideas while you select similar photos. Also, these photos can be shown to a makeup artist/stylist if you use their services before the shoot.

3. Decide on the images and their quantity. Prepare your clothes.

During an hour-long shoot, you can usually change clothes three times. Select clothes and accessories for each look in advance, make sure that nothing stands out from it, and that all things look harmonious together. Do a fitting. Check that the clothes are not wrinkled or stained.

High heels are highly recommended for girls – even if they themselves are not included in the frame, they greatly improve posture.

If there is a nude photo shoot, do not wear tight clothes, marks from straps and elastic bands take a very long time to disappear.

 

4. What to take with you to the shoot?

Of course, each photo shoot will have its own set of what you need to take with you. But I’ll give you a short checklist that might help you. Here, of course, everything is in a heap, different genres and different people need different points, but still:

• Comb, cosmetic bag, mirror
• Glasses (sunglasses and regular glasses), umbrella, hats, scarves
• Accessories of your profession (if shooting for business)
• Accessories for your hobby
• For business photo shoots – laptop, tablet, diary
• Food and drinks: coffee, ice cream, cotton candy, large lollipops
• Natural flowers
• Favorite pets
• Picnic sets (especially relevant for outdoor love stories)
• Various watches, jewelry
• Girl in a sweater near the Christmas tree

5. Makeup for a photo shoot

There are two main options here – do your own makeup, or have a specialist do it. The second, of course, is much preferable, because makeup for a photo shoot and everyday makeup are two very different things. The main feature of makeup for photo shoots is that it is stronger than usual and much more matte. In powerful studio light, your face will shine in almost any case, so you need to actively use powder and foundation.

Don’t be afraid of wearing too much makeup – it will look fine in the photo. Professional makeup artists usually know all these features, but it’s better to talk through and explain what exactly you are preparing for.

It matters where the photo shoot will take place – in the studio or on the street. For street photography, everyday makeup may be fine.

Preparing for a photo shoot for men

6. Preparing for a photo shoot for men

For men, makeup is also done, although, of course, much less often, rather, in exceptional cases. It will be much more important for them to visit a barbershop before filming,

Important: do not shave less than a day before the shoot. Light stubble is much preferable to a face shaved until blue, but with cuts and irritation. It is best, as I wrote above, to get it done at a good men’s hairdresser.

7. What to wear to a photo shoot

There are no clear rules/requirements. Not at all, and any colors, and style – everything is at your discretion. In fact, if you have already completed the first two points from this article – set a shooting goal and selected reference frames – then your question will disappear by itself.

The photographer can, of course, give the most general, obvious advice, but he doesn’t know what exactly you have, so if you have any doubts, take everything with you, we’ll figure it out during the shoot!

8. General tips

Before the photo shoot you need to get a good night’s sleep. There is no point in coming to it tired and broken, the result will be the same. Also, you don’t need to celebrate a lot before shooting – the next day your face will be swollen.

Don’t be late. If we take pictures in a hurry, the result will be worse.

Don’t be nervous, try to relax and be yourself. Talk to the photographer about abstract topics. It is normal that the best shots are taken towards the end of the photo shoot, when the model releases the tension and becomes herself.

In general, if we talk about psychology, it works out great when clients already know the photographer. This is why I always strongly advise newlyweds to do a trial photo shoot with me before the wedding – this is not only a test of the pen, it is also an acquaintance, after which you will feel at ease in the frame.

 

9. Conclusion

I hope at least some of this helps you. Just in case, here are a few more useful links on the topic: