When planning and preparing a photoshoot, it is important that you include a variety of different elements to make sure that it is the best it can be.
From the clients' perspective, they want to see an enjoyable atmosphere that allows for them to be presented in the best way possible, which will make for unforgettable photos that they’ll be happy to show off. For the photographer, having unique and unforgettable photo sessions is something you can show off to prospective clients to show that you deliver outstanding photography sessions.
CONCEPT
The first thing that you want to do once you have been contacted to put together a photoshoot is to come up with concepts that you think will make for unforgettable photographs.
COMMUNICATION
Once you start to put your mood board together, you can involve the subject with your thought process and what you plan to do for the shoot. Keep in mind that there may be creative differences between you and the subject, which could mean that one party has to adjust how they feel. However, it’s important to remember that if your subject isn’t into the ideas that you have, they likely won’t be into the photoshoot either.
RESEARCH
Once you have more concrete ideas, it’s time to go out and do some research on previous photoshoots that have been created and developed with the same variables.
BE FLEXIBLE
Unforeseen circumstances are likely going to come up during your photoshoot. If you haven’t figured this out yet, then you probably have yet to do your first real shoot. Whether, personal emotions, location problems, issues with clothing and so many other variables have the potential of going wrong during your photoshoot. However, instead of letting this completely ruin the overall presentation and ability to create a great photoshoot, learn how to be flexible during the process to ensure that you won’t be overly affected by whatever happens. The more you can plan for what could happen and be flexible with options to fix it, the more prepared you’ll be for your shoot.
PREPARE YOUR EQUIPMENT
It is incredibly unprofessional if the photographer is the one that is having issues on the day of a photoshoot. After all, if everything else is working in your favor and you are setting up for what looks to be a great shoot, the last thing you want to happen is for there to be issues that are your fault. Before your shoot, check, double-check and even triple-check your equipment to make sure that everything is working well. Do this same process for ensuring that you have all of your necessary equipment before you leave your office and head to the shoot. It’s your responsibility to be prepared during the shoot and if you aren’t, you’ll certainly hear about it when trying to find new clients.
TIMELINE
After the shoot has taken place and the session is over, it’s important to let people know of a timeline that they can expect to see for getting their photos back.
FIND THE BEST PHOTOS
Great photographers take hundreds of, if not more, photos and they have to find the best ones to use. Keep in mind that the photos you use will be on display for the entire world to see. These pictures will also be ones that you add to your portfolio, which you want to look great when you are pitching new clients.