Preparing For A Photoshoot

Photoshoots are not catered to just models, those building a brand or influencers. You may be a professional wanting to get updated headshots, a fabulous woman investing in her singleness, couple or family wanting special occasion portraits. If you’re paying someone and want amazing photos, it’s best you plan and not just show up. The accountability and dare I say magic, should not be placed even on the best photographer. It’s important that you take initiative in the process to achieve the results you want.

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER

The process in which I initially choose a photographer is based on aesthetic. Can this person deliver what I want to achieve based on their portfolio, editing, and overall delivery. My next requirement is professionalism and the ability to maintain client relationship. You want to make sure the person is responsive, has great character, and puts out their professional expectations ahead of time. I also look at clientele. Does the clientele and branding exude similarity or better to who I am as it relates to inspiration and appearance. As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for”. I have learned the hard way in the past, that photography is not always an expense to skimp on. Every photographer is not keen on lighting, editing, nor experience with certain clientele and you don’t want them practicing on you at premium cost. Make sure your photographer welcomes input, so that you both can reciprocate ideas and inspiration leading up to the shoot. If you both have worked together in the past, the process becomes more seamless over time. I have worked with Breonna Collier multiple times. I never cut corners as it relates to her professional expectations because she just gets it and is about her business. My son, Prince L doesn’t really take to the camera, yet he enjoyed shooting with Breonna. I think he’s a natural with model potential and am working on getting him more in front of the camera

LOCATION, OUTFITS, PROPS, AND POSES

Choose an outfit(s) that compliments your backdrop(s). Put thought into your outfits but make sure not to overwhelm yourself. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s more than likely a sign to scale down or get input from your photographer or trusted individual who understands your vision. If you have the budget and don’t consider yourself as creative or style savvy, hire someone to do the personal shopping, vision and/or styling. Your goal should be an effortless backdrop that doesn’t clash with or mute your look. Decide on the locations you want to shoot ahead of time. Make sure the location doesn’t require permission beforehand or a monetary deposit with proof of confirmation. The worst thing is to show up the day of a shoot and have misunderstanding which, can impede session timing.  I prefer a photographer who charges by time and not outfit/looks. Seriously, what am I going to do with twenty images of the same look?! My goal is normally to get multiple looks in to maximize image selection and use relative to time.

After you have the looks and location down, put together a digital board of ideas and poses in order to capture a theme or vibe that you want to evoke. Utilize Pinterest, Google and Instagram (reference location page and search by tagged photos to get more context of the vibes and scenery) as sources. If you have time and access is possible beforehand, scout out the location. Watch posing videos to introduce range or to develop a natural comfortability with yourself. I get asked a lot do I model. It’s hilarious and flattering because I think I just have signature poses, yet I am comfortable and natural with myself when the camera is on me. The aforementioned is a result of practicing in the mirror, having silent confidence, ingrained poise and grace acquired as a result of life exposure. Practice makes perfect, so make becoming comfortable in your skin a norm rather than afterthought. Props are not always needed, yet they can add visual interest. I have used teacups, a Breakfast at Tiffany’s concept, a vintage phone to floral artistry, to name a few.

MAKEUP AND HAIR

If it’s within your budget, choose a professional makeup artist with experience regarding your tones and complexion. Look at their portfolio and clientele. How their makeup application shows on camera or film is important. Make sure the individual is customer oriented and professional. You do not want a nonchalant individual who overbooks or is nonreliable. That also benefits you when needing to stick with timelines the day of the shoot. Yanneek Brinson is a favorite of mine, in the Charlotte area, yet he travels all over. He does an amazing job and his artistry compliments Breonna’s. I prefer to get my hair done the day before the shoot or no more than two days prior relative to scheduling capacity-depending upon the hairstyle. It is of note, that photography and makeup are booked concurrently so that both are available same day.

DAYS LEADING UP TO THE SHOOT

The benefits of water are endless, hence we all should be striving for adequate intake daily. Days leading up to your photo shoot are key as it relates to hydration, in order to make your skin look hydrated and to debloat you. The day before the shoot, depleting is best by cutting water intake and having a balanced diet. Make sure you are exfoliating your skin, grooming brows, nails and body ahead of time which, makes for a more polished appearance. Feeling and looking well rested is a must in maintaining your energy the day of and reduces waking up with baggy or tired eyes. Make sure all your necessities are packed the night before for transport. Make a list and have immediate contacts of everyone involved in the process, to help you stay on task throughout the day and mitigate conflict if it arises.

STREET STYLE (Uptown)

Street style is easiest for me because I have buildings and scenery around me to work with. The street is my runway. I am not scared to shoot in front of strangers, yet it’s ideal to shoot with less foot traffic. It makes for a more efficient shoot. Also, I tend to get a fan club, an admirer or others I have to politely tune out during this style of shoot depending upon the day. Natural lighting is best, so early morning or evening are ideal unless there are shaded options during the day.

ON LOCATION ( Sophia’s Lounge at The Ivey’s Hotel)

On location is a great option, yet with indoor locations one must be aware of lighting. While not using a studio, your photographer may charge an additional fee to bring portable studio lighting.

STUDIO (1X Studios)

 A photography studio normally has all the bells and whistles, as it relates to lighting options, yet I find shooting in studio to be complex. I feel like I must stand in a designated space and slow down poses to capture the shot instead of prancing and twirling around. That is not the place for that-hilarious don’t mind me. It takes another level of alluring capture in which I am up for the challenge. There are props such as chairs and fans to use. Some studios may have more or less props for use so ask beforehand if there is a specific vision you have in mind.

 

Preparing for a professional photoshoot is a process, yet most importantly of all have fun. The results are worth it. Photographers offer varying packages to suit your preference and budget. What are your thoughts and experience as it relates to photoshoot preparation?

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