So, you’ve done it! You’ve booked your shoot, whether that’s a wedding, a portrait shoot, a family photo shoot, or otherwise. Now, you want to make sure you get what you’re looking for.
Here are a few tips from a photographer to help you get the most out of your shoot and achieve the results you are looking for:
1. Do your research
What is it that you’re looking for? Have you looked on the photographers website? Do they capture the style and images that you like? There is an abundance of photographers available. Their skill sets and styles do vary. This is not to say one is better than the other and ultimately, this comes down to your personal taste. Photography is an art form and as such is subjective. A good image to one is not necessarily good to another, so make sure you make it clear to your Photographer the style of image you are looking to achieve, in order for the Photographer to deliver your perfect images.
2. Start a Dialogue
I always find that having a good dialogue between Photographer and client make a massive difference when it comes to your shoot. Unless you are a professional model, it is completely normal to feel nervous having your photograph taken by someone new or someone you don’t yet know! This is where building dialogue comes in.
The relationship is clear in the results if you feel nervous and awkward then this can come across in the photographs. Something I always like to do with new clients, is to spend 10-15 minutes at the start of the shoot; or even over the phone; getting to know the person. After all, chances are we are going to be spending the next hour plus together. If you are looking to have your wedding photographs for example; we will be sharing a special that very special day together; so we all want to be on the same page with the exact photographs that are desired!
Sit down. Have a coffee. Discuss exactly what poses you will be comfortable with. What backdrops do you want as a part of your photograph?
N.B. Your Photographer may offer advice on the day with regards to locations and settings etc, depending on lighting and weather.
3. Have a shot list
Whether your photo shoot is a wedding, family photo shoot or group photo shoot, it can swiftly become quite chaotic! People get easily distracted with emotions and excitement, so it is always a good idea to have a pre-determined list and number of shots that you have already agreed with your Photographer. This gives your Photographer a clear list to work from in order to achieve your perfect photographs providing you with the best results. It will also give your Photographer the ability to direct other parties involved.
4. Have fun!
It may sound cliché but to me, I want my clients to walk away at the end of the day having had a good time and feel like you’re on cloud 9. This makes for a better experience all around and in all honesty brings about better results for your photographs. If it’s your wedding photographs for example, you will want to remember the smiles and joy that the day brings; or even a posed photo shoot; it’s an experience to remember, so enjoy it!
4. Agree Delivery
Make sure that you walk away knowing exactly how many photographs as a minimum you want to get or at least how many should expect to receive. 9 times out of 10 I will end up over delivering on the number agreed. Also, agree any prints or albums before the shoot so that you know what price structure you are looking at. There is nothing worse than having a shoot getting to the end and then finding you need to pay extra for the prints you thought would have been included.
All in all; to me; the key is communication in the lead up, all the way until delivery. This will ensure better results are delivered as both the Client and Photographer have developed a good relationship.
Thank you very much for reading! If you have any questions or would like to book a shoot of your own then please click the ‘contact us’ button below.