I think something that is easily skipped over in the process of booking and showing up for a photoshoot as a client is the feeling of being prepared. It makes a lot of people nervous to be in front of the camera and it’s our job, as photographers, to guide you to a place that makes you feel confident and prepared for it! This blog article is going to cover the key parts of preparing for your photoshoot as a client.
Make sure you align with your photographer
I think one of the biggest factors, if not the most important one, is to be aligned with your photographer. Make sure you book with a photographer because you love the work they put out! Once you are booked in, it is the photographer’s job to communicate with you and give you the space to communicate what the vision is for this session. Even more so if the session has a creative concept or storytelling aspect. As a cinematic photographer, I will often create mood boards for clients who are looking for a more creative session. It is incredibly helpful in ensuring that you are on the same page for aesthetics, for location scenery and overall mood of the shoot. It gives you an idea of what to wear and an insight in to the posing and general direction of the shoot. The mood board also gives you an opportunity to give feedback and voice your thoughts if you don’t feel aligned with the vibe. If you are ever at a point where you feel like you are walking blindly into your session, don’t hesitate to reach out and touch base with you photographer! We are always happy to help!
Understand the purpose of your photoshoot
There are many different reasons that people get in front of the camera. The biggest goal however, is to be captured in a way that is true and honest to who you are. So keep that in mind when you are headed to your photoshoot and even during your photoshoot! If you have hired a documentary style photographer, they will document who you are as your natural self.
Understanding your goal for you photoshoot is an important one to keep in mind when booking a family photoshoot. It is easy for parents to get caught up in making sure their kids are on their best behavior, smiling and have all their clothes in order. If your intention is for these photos to truly be a time capsule of this moment in your lives, the best thing you can do for yourself, your kids and trust me, your photographer, is to let go. To let you kids be crazy, run around, pull silly faces and just be themselves. Looking back at these photos you are going to remember more than just the moment; you will remember their personalities and silly quirks during that phase of life.
Live in the moment during your photo session
Living in the moment is difficult in general and for some people, even more difficult when a camera is in their face. But this tip is truly the trick to getting photos that are joyful, have depth, feel carefree and fun! It is also the trick to actually having fun during your shoot! To be truly in the current moment, to appreciate the sunshine, to appreciate who you are with, to feel the wind, smell the ocean, to really be in the moment, wherever you are, will give you a result like no other. Often we are already thinking about how the photos look, is our hair in place, is that a good angle, is my dress sitting properly…etc. A good photographer will get incredible photos without you paying any attention to that! They will also tell you if your hair is sticking up randomly or your dress is caught on something. We are here to make you look amazing! This leads us to the next tip!
Trust your photographer
This is a big one you guys! Trust your photographer! I know this is hard sometimes because maybe they aren’t as assertive as you are or you feel like you would do it differently, etc. If their portfolio is beautiful, their way of capturing that beauty might be by letting go a little and letting things unfold. For myself, the best photos are often taken during in-between, un-posed moments! I always tell my clients “during poses and prompts you are free to just chat, have fun and joke around!” Trust that what they tell you is in your best interest because I PROMISE YOU that it truly is in your best interest! Trust them and take it seriously if they give you outfit advice because their professional advice will give you the best results! Trust them when they give you location advice because they know what locations are a yes or a no, they know how the light will hit and which way they will have to shoot! Let go and let them create the magic for you!
Combine the above tips and embrace a positive mindset!
Now, combine those 4 tips to instill a mindset that will prepare you! Book a session, create a vision with you photographer, lean on them for outfit and location advice if you need, show up with an understanding that this is a special opportunity to be documented in this wonderful and short stage of your life. Understanding the beauty in that will help you LIVE IN THE MOMENT and trust that the professional you hired is going to deliver beautiful results! Now go treat yourself to a photoshoot;)
Comment below if you found this helpful or have any tips to add!
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