Before every photo-shoot I try to come up with ideas of what I'm going to do. Ideas of what poses and how to place my clients. But each idea doesn't always work every time. Especially when dealing with a new family, person or place. I planned for what I knew, which in most cases is location and how many people.
Here's some tips on how you can make the most of your photo-shoot and get great images to hang on the wall.
For Portraits or Couples
2. Bring Extras!
Outfits aside, bringing an extra accessory or a "prop" will allow for a wider range of pictures. We can always find a way to incorporate it into pictures. Especially when taking senior pictures. Pom-poms, class rings, sports equipment or anything from activities. Bringing ultrasounds, blocks or even ribbons to a maternity session can break it up from being just a belly shot.
Even if you don't plan out every picture you want. Coming to your session with ideas or even sending them to me before hand will help me make your pictures exactly what you want. Pinterest is an awesome tool. Make a board full of pictures you love and tell me to follow it. That way I know what you want out of your session. If you don't have time that's perfectly fine. Letting me know what kind of pictures you want will help me find ideas.
Families
1. Bring Extra's
Depending on the age of your kids this suggestion may or may not work. Little kids tend to get bored or don't want to look at a stranger with a camera for too long. Bringing a toy will break up some of the time and allowing me to hold a toy they like by the camera may get them to look at the right spot. Another good thing to bring would be candy or mints. I know bribing doesn't sound like the best thing to do but most of the time it works and will keep you from getting frustrated.
When I know there is going to be little little kids I will sometimes bring my little chairs, if it fits with our location.
2. Be ready.
Again depending on the age of your kids having the session scheduled after a nap time will make sure your child is rested up and not getting cranky during the session. Also having them already eat will make sure if we take a little longer than expected they aren't complaining and will be a lot happier.
Also having ideas of what you want will help move the session along more quickly and kids will be less likely to get antsy if they aren't posing for too long.
3. Take a short break.
Don't focus on poses and take a short break. I may still be shooting but your kids can relax and we can get some fun candid photo's.
For All Sessions
1. HAVE FUN!
The most important thing is to have fun. Fun pictures are more likely to be your favorites. Its okay to laugh and be silly along with the more serious looks. I cant tell you how many times a picture where someone's laughing has become my favorite.
Here's some tips on how you can make the most of your photo-shoot and get great images to hang on the wall.
For Portraits or Couples
1. Bring an extra outfit.
Most people don't plan their outfit for a specific location. Bringing an extra outfit will allow you to change if there are areas or poses we want to get in that your outfit cant permit. It also allows you to change if the weather does. If its summer this is really important in case you sweat. It can also allow us to get more pictures. Changing an outfit can add variety and even the same location can seem to change with an outfit. Even an extra shirt and/or shoes will work.
2. Bring Extras!
Outfits aside, bringing an extra accessory or a "prop" will allow for a wider range of pictures. We can always find a way to incorporate it into pictures. Especially when taking senior pictures. Pom-poms, class rings, sports equipment or anything from activities. Bringing ultrasounds, blocks or even ribbons to a maternity session can break it up from being just a belly shot.
3. Have a Plan.Even if you don't plan out every picture you want. Coming to your session with ideas or even sending them to me before hand will help me make your pictures exactly what you want. Pinterest is an awesome tool. Make a board full of pictures you love and tell me to follow it. That way I know what you want out of your session. If you don't have time that's perfectly fine. Letting me know what kind of pictures you want will help me find ideas.
Families
1. Bring Extra's
Depending on the age of your kids this suggestion may or may not work. Little kids tend to get bored or don't want to look at a stranger with a camera for too long. Bringing a toy will break up some of the time and allowing me to hold a toy they like by the camera may get them to look at the right spot. Another good thing to bring would be candy or mints. I know bribing doesn't sound like the best thing to do but most of the time it works and will keep you from getting frustrated.
When I know there is going to be little little kids I will sometimes bring my little chairs, if it fits with our location.
2. Be ready.
Again depending on the age of your kids having the session scheduled after a nap time will make sure your child is rested up and not getting cranky during the session. Also having them already eat will make sure if we take a little longer than expected they aren't complaining and will be a lot happier.
Also having ideas of what you want will help move the session along more quickly and kids will be less likely to get antsy if they aren't posing for too long.
3. Take a short break.
Don't focus on poses and take a short break. I may still be shooting but your kids can relax and we can get some fun candid photo's.
For All Sessions
1. HAVE FUN!
The most important thing is to have fun. Fun pictures are more likely to be your favorites. Its okay to laugh and be silly along with the more serious looks. I cant tell you how many times a picture where someone's laughing has become my favorite.
