Day of a Photoshoot
The day of a photography shoot can be exciting! There are several steps in the actual shoot, styling of hair and makeup, making sure that the location and lighting are all in place and prepared. These are the last few details that make for the day-of session work!
Preparation for the photoshoot
Depending on the kind of shoot that you’re undertaking you will need to be about 15-20 minutes early to the location. If you’re having hair and makeup done professionally on the location, you will need to ensure that you have the hour that the artist or artist team will need to get you camera ready. During this time your photographer and their team will review the location and set up lighting for the first look and testing the scene. The important part is to be thinking about how wonderful the results will be from the photos, because YOU will be part of it and in them.
The Photoshoot itself
When the shoot starts, the photographer will share with you the standing location, reviewing the moodboard for pose inspiration that was discussed, helping you go from the initial pose you start in, to one that fits you. Slight changes that help you get the expression that you want across. Keeping the mood light and happy is one of the things that I enjoy the most for photoshoots. My personal philosophy is that a photoshoot must be fun, otherwise it risks falling short and being an ordeal.
Intentions of the photoshoot - Create and have fun
For me, a photoshoot is art, and entertainment. It should be fun, it should be something where everyone has a laugh, and creates something that each participant will be happy to have. This is true of product shots, portrait work or headshots. Photography should be fun for everyone on both ends of the lens.
When I first started photography, I was shooting hunter-jumper horse shows. You could tell the riders and the horses were enjoying themselves. As I began taking event photos, you could see the joy of people with friends and family. I kept honing my skills and working with people to ensure that even for headshot photography, people were becoming themselves in front of the camera and enjoying who they are.
