5 TIPS FOR A GREAT PHOTOSHOOT
Does the thought of getting your picture taken cause you stress? It's not just you. Having your portrait taken should be fun and easy. I've put together 5 tips to help you along your way.
1. GET A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU TRUST
Hiring the right photographer for the job is crucial. Make sure you've looked at their portfolio and you like the overall aesthetic of their online presence. Next ask yourself, are you looking for a photographer who has a working business? Or are you looking for a hobbyist? Remember, you get what you pay for, especially in this field, so find someone reputable and professional for best results. And if you want to feel at ease in front of the camera, it is best to hire someone whose personality you gel with. It is important to have a photographer that makes you feel relaxed and can provide clear posing direction so that you know you will be satisfied with the end results.
2. HOW DO YOU PLAN TO USE THESE IMAGES?
Are you planning on creating wall art for you home? Are you looking for a gorgeous contemporary album? Will you be using these in a professional manner on social media? How you decide to use the images could effect how we shoot, so it's best to have an idea before hand. For example, if you were looking to create a canvas, we would make sure we left a bit of room around the edges of the image so nothing important gets cut off during the wrapping process. If you are looking for a wall mural, we would shoot a cohesive sets of images that would work well when organized next to each other. Your photographer likely will have an array of products and offerings so if you are not sure, just ask! They will likely be happy to walk you through what they offer.
3. GATHER INSPIRATION
I love when my clients send me inspiration boards of looks they are going for. Oftentimes, I can see a thread of commonality between images that a client may not be able to verbally articulate. It might be that they really like golden hour outdoor shoots, or maybe they gravitate towards studio black and white. The more I know about what inspires you before the shoot, the greater the chance we have of creating images that take your breath away.
4. HAIR CUTS / MAKEUP / ETC
Typically, you want to give haircuts about a week to settle in before your shoot. Make-up can be worn a little bit heavier for the camera, but you should avoid reflective powder as it can cause a bit of an unexpected surprise with flash. Do NOT over-contour or use extreme makeup trends. The trends will fade so fast you will likely hate your pictures before you even get them back! If putting on make-up isn't your thing, I have a highly trained make-up artist that can make you look amazing for your shoot, and the process is as relaxing as it is fun. Additionally, do not do anything to yourself outside of your normal routine right before the shoot. If you don't know how your body / skin / face will react, best not to risk it and start now. (I'm looking at you, spray tanners!)
5. CLOTHING
PLAN your clothes. In advance. Trust me on this - Murphey's Law of getting ready for a photoshoot declares you will NOT find anything you like at the store. It's a fact. So give yourself time to plan. The more time you put in to preparing for the shoot, the more you'll enjoy the results.
Don't know what to wear? I typically recommend bringing a variety of options. Jeans and a nice shirt is always a solid choice. You might want to include something a little nicer, (think business professional) and I encourage all my clients to go for it and bring an outfit that makes them feel like a movie star. Rent the Runway is a great place to rent high end dresses for a fraction of the cost. Bentley and Lace has GORGEOUS, couture gowns for adults, teens and kids for either rent or purchase.
Think ACCESSORIES. An outfit can go from bland to Bam! with a statement necklace, earrings, scarf or hat. And the best part is - you don't have to commit to to wearing it for the whole shoot. We can do some with some without to give you more variety and longevity to your images.
When you book a shoot with me, a wardrobe consult is always included. I look good, when YOU look good, so I am always happy to help!
Have an upcoming shoot? I hope these tips were of use to you! If they were, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more great content like this!
Angelique Hanesworth is the owner and photographer of Eye Spy Photography serving New Paltz and all of the Hudson Valley. She specializes in contemporary portraiture and is passionate about making women of all ages and sizes feel great behind the camera.
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