There are a lot of things that can go wrong on the day of a photo shoot. The weather could change, the car may have a flat tire or the child might not be in the mood for photos.
It is also important that clients prepare ahead of time for their session. Some of these preparations include:
1. Dress in Comfortable Clothes
Many people have memories of photo sessions as a kid or teenager that make them feel nervous about having their photo taken. Fortunately, those photos aren’t the norm anymore and there are a few things that can help clients feel more comfortable during their photo session.
The most important thing is to dress in comfortable clothes. This could be as simple as a t-shirt and jeans or a more dressed up outfit like a blouse and skirt or pants. Having clothing that fits well and is flattering for the body will also help to make the client feel comfortable during their session.
Avoid bright or large patterns, as these can often be distracting and may produce a funky pixelation effect on camera. It is also a good idea to bring a jacket or shawl just in case the weather turns cold.
2. Bring Props
A photo session can be a fun and rewarding experience, or it can be a disaster. To help ensure that it goes smoothly, it’s a good idea to create a checklist of items to bring.
This way, no important item gets left behind. It’s also a great idea to include items that speak to your client’s personality and interests, such as hats, sunglasses, flowers, food, or even pets!
It’s also a good idea to bring some props that can be used as hair accessories, such as hair ties. This will be a lifesaver if your model’s hair starts to get unruly. A lint roller is another essential item to bring to a shoot, as it will help keep clothing clean from pet hair, fuzzies, or random crumbs. This will make your clients’ sessions look their best!
3. Have a Plan
Before your photo session, talk to your client about their life. Learn about their hobbies, what they like to do for fun, and even what plans they have for the weekend. This can help you create a connection with them and show that you care about their well-being.
You can also use this time to make a list of poses and shots you want to get during the session. This can be a mental list or written down, and it will help your clients feel confident that you are in control of the session.
Lastly, it is important to know your equipment inside and out. This will help you avoid any surprises during the shoot, such as forgetting which button changes your shutter speed or that you need to switch the flash on.
4. Bring a Change of Clothes
Having a change of clothes to wear during your photo session is a great way to add variety and to make sure that you get the photos that you want. If you only have one outfit, your images are going to start looking like a collection of photos from one session. Having a few different outfits will help to give you more options when it comes time to pick out prints for your wall or frame them for your desk at work.
Avoid clothing with large patterns or logos. This is distracting to the eye and can take away from your natural beauty. Smaller patterns are okay, but try to match them with the colors of your surroundings. Also, don’t forget to bring a lint roller, this is a great way to quickly and easily negate any stray hairs or fuzzies on your clothes.
5. Bring a Pose Sheet
Prompting for natural poses is a great way to get more creative photos from your photo session. Whether you are working with a new client or an experienced model, having a cheat sheet can help you make the most of your session.
For example, crossing your arms can create a powerful pose that conveys confidence and strength. Similarly, a seated pose can be used to capture a family’s love and affection.
For a more dynamic family shoot, try encouraging kids to kiss their parents. This will create a fun and candid photo that shows genuine emotion. A quick list of prompts will also allow you to quickly go through your client’s photo list without getting bored or frustrated. This will give you the best chance of getting a quality photo for each family member. This is key if your clients have limited time for their photo session.
6. Bring a Drink
A good photo session is a long one and you will need to stay hydrated. You should also bring a few snacks to keep you going through the session. You can even try out some non messy snacks like a piece of fruit to help you get your energy back.
When arranging props and glasses in the frame, remember that an odd number of elements is commonly more visually appealing. Also, arranging objects into triangular shapes can help to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
Many food/drink photos rely on several different props to tell a story. A successful image should be able to invoke desire and emotion in the viewer. So, make sure to bring plenty of extras like a cutter and sharp knife, a lint roller (just in case), and a few drinks.
7. Bring Your Smile
While a lot of a photo session depends on the photographer and their abilities, a client’s preparation is equally important. If a person is not prepared they may not show up at all, or they might bring a bad attitude to the session that ruins everything.
The most important thing to bring to a session is your smile. The best way to do that is to relax your face muscles, think about something that makes you happy, and practice in the mirror before your shoot.
This can help you find that natural smile and create a session that leaves your clients with outstanding images and a positive experience to talk about for years. A well-executed pre-session consultation sets you apart, resulting in better outcomes, happier clients, and a thriving referral network. You’ll be glad you put in the extra work!
8. Bring Your Hairstyle
A lot of photo session success relies on the photographer, and it’s important to find a photographer that you have a great chemistry with. But you also need to be prepared for the shoot by doing a few things beforehand.
If you’re planning on wearing your hair up, consider bringing dry shampoo to the session. It will absorb excess oil and sweat on your head, making it look fresh and clean. It can also be used as a quick way to add texture and volume to your hair.
Finally, make sure to get a good night’s sleep and drink plenty of water before the shoot. This will help you feel more relaxed and ready to have fun! Plus, it’ll give you that gorgeous glow that everyone wants in their photos. And remember to keep up with your color appointments!
9. Bring Your Shoes
Having shoes to go with your outfits will help you add variety and make sure everything is coordinated. You can also use your footwear to convey a message or reflect your personality.
Bringing your shoes will also save you from having to walk around in bare feet for too long. Especially when you’re trying to get the perfect shot, standing too long in bare feet can make your legs look sore.
It’s a good idea to bring hair ties as well. These are a quick and easy way to change up your look without having to deal with windblown hair. Also, bring a lint brush to eliminate any extra stray hairs or crumbs from your clothes. This will save you from having to stop mid-shoot to clean yourself up. You don’t want to waste time you could be spending on poses!
10. Bring Your Jewelry
Jewelry can be difficult to photograph, especially if it has a lot of colors and textures. If you can, bring your jewelry items and some props to help them stand out. Props are fine, as long as they complement the jewelry and don’t overpower it.
Also, if you have a special piece of jewelry that you want to focus on (like your wedding ring, Mother’s Day pendant or college championship ring) let the photographer know ahead of time. This will allow them to choose the proper lighting, poses and digital enhancements to ensure that you get the best results possible.
A final tip is to write down your client’s names so that they don’t get lost in the moment. This will help the session run smoothly and prevent any mishaps! You can even use Blu-Tack or glue dots for things like dangling earrings.