How to Get the Most out of Your Photo Shoot
Photo shoots can be an exciting occasion. Whether you’re doing a head shot for your new promotion, or planning a team picture, it’s an occasion to live out your secret red carpet fantasies. But photo shoots can also be a stressful time around the office. You only have a limited time with your photographer, and you want to use that time to get as many good pictures as possible. We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks to help you prepare for your next photo shoot and get the most out of your time in the limelight.
Prepare your Costume(s)
When you have a photo team in your office, the last thing that you need is to be fumbling around in your desk for the tie that you swear was in there last week. Ultimately, time that you spend assembling your outfit is time not spent making sure that your smile is perfect. Plan ahead for your photo shoot by assembling your outfit the night before, and making sure that it is all clean and pressed. For an added bonus, set aside a couple of options for accessories so that you can quickly exchange and aim for the perfect look
The more subjects you plan to have in a photo shoot, the more important it is to make sure that your costume is prepared. If you’re just doing a headshot, then the details are only on one person, and you can spare some time with the photographer’s artistic eye to get your outfit perfect. But in a group shot, you’ll be spending more time arranging people and doing retakes to make sure that every subject’s eyes are open.
Scout some Locations
Depending on the photo shoot, you may want to be indoors, outdoors, or try both! Take a second to think about what locations might make a suitable backdrop for your shoot. Your photographer will be able to help, but the less time they spend scouting, the more time they spend making sure that you and your team look great in your photos. So be sure to think about what places around you are well-lit and provide a compelling background for your photo shoot.
Prepare your Props
The props that you will be using in your photo shoot depend heavily on what type of photo shoot you are doing. A fun, dynamic group photo might incorporate props in a way that a professional headshot wouldn’t. But if you’re planning a group photo, you might want furniture to arrange everyone on or around. If you can’t think of what props you might want in the photo shoot, talk to your photographer and try to identify any items or furnishings you might want to incorporate. If in doubt, be sure to set the item aside and then mention it to the photographer during your shoot. It’s easy enough to try a prop out if you’ve already set it aside and it’s easy to find.
Ask Lots of Questions
Before, during, and after the photo shoot, it’s imperative that you communicate with your photographer. Be sure to ask any and all questions that might cross your mind. There’s no such thing as a dumb question on a photo set, and your photographer will probably be friendly enough to explain anything you might be curious about. Communicating and discussing the different aspects of your shoot will help your photographer understand your goals. Then, in turn, you can work together to achieve those goals. In the end, your photographer is a professional, but not a mind reader. So asking questions and communicating your goals can make it easier for them to realise your vision for your photo shoot.
Remember that you can also ask questions after the photo shoot. Whether you want to see the original photos (before they’re retouched) or whatever your request, your photographer can assist. However, anything that you don’t ask for they will assume you’re not interested in. It may sound counter-intuitive, but many photographers love to work with clients who have specific requests. These clients are more involved and interested in their work, and this in turn makes the job interesting to the photographer. So don’t be afraid to ask for help or to make special requests!
Any other pain points you’re worried about for your upcoming photo shoot? Let us help! Share in the comments below 🙂
