So you booked your photographer and your photo shoot is just around the corner. You’re going to call your hair stylist and book an appointment for tomorrow. We have one thing to say, “Put down the phone and back away slowly!” Here are a list of 14 do’s and don’ts when preparing for your photo shoot.
The Don’ts
1) Don’t Get Your Hair Done In A New Style
If you decide to be bold and try something new for your portrait session you are taking a big risk. What happens if you absolutely hate your new look? You’re gonna hate every single image with you in it. Let me assure you, neither you, nor the photographer want this to happen. Don’t go beyond anything but a simple trim and a few highlights.
2) Stick To What Works
Don’t try any new lotions, makeup in case you could be allergic. Your not going to want your photo take if you’ve broken out into hives and can’t stop itching. Even if you do decide to go ahead with the shoot it will cost you an arm and a leg for your photographer to go in and remove these drastic skin blemishes. They’ll do it, but I can guarantee you it’s a LOT cheaper to just leave that new cream in the cupboard until you get home from the shoot.
3) Wear The Right Clothing
Keep it simple! Find something nice but not over the top (black tie style is overdoing it, and your jogging outfit is just plain sloppy). If you look in the mirror and CAN’T say “Yeah I would normally go out in this” you need to change!! Also keep in find what time of year your shoot is booked in, if you are doing a location shoot in the fall for example don’t wear any fall colors. You’ll blend into your background and depending on the shot just look like a floating head and arms. Wear a contrasting color so you stand out in your photos.
4) Don’t Clash
Look at what everybody is wearing. Do you really want one son wearing red, the other thee wearing lime green, and your daughter wearing hot pink? We didn’t think so either. Solid similair colors are a great distraction less way to balance out your image.
5) Avoid Logos
Leave the logos at home. Logos can become a distraction in your photos and depending on the logo sometimes its all you can focus on when you look at the photos.
6) Don’t Show Too Much Skin
Avoid the low cut tops. When you show to much skin that is all that the viewer can focus on which takes away from your photo.
7) Schedule Your Photography Session When You’re In Your Prime
Some people are morning people and some aren’t. If you absolutely hate getting up first thing in the morning don’t schedule your shoot for 9 am. Chances are you’re going hit the snooze button and not be awake for your photos. Guess what, it’ll show and you won’t like one picture because you’ll look like you just rolled out of bed.
The Do’s
1) Scout The Location Out
If the photographer is doing their job properly they will be there early, scouting out angles and looking for nice backdrops. Why don’t you do the same? Look for what you like, if you have an ideal shot in your mind go find a spot to shoot it. There is no point in spending 20 minutes of your session looking for a spot when you can get there early. Even go the day before your shoot to scout out possible backgrounds.
2) Know What You Want
Think about ahead of time what pictures you want. Not only as in whose in what picture, but also what sizes you want. If you’re going to want a bunch of 4×6′s and 16 x24′s your photographer will shoot much differently then if you want a bunch of 8×10′s and 16×20′s. Not only does this make it easier on the photographer, but it also allows more time for you to get the shots that you want because you’re not just telling the photographer “Just shoot whatever”. Knowing what you want ahead of time ensures that you get exactly what you want.
3) Plan Out You Poses
Before your shoot do some research and find out different poses you want to do. Having a list of poses on hand will help you and your photographer come up with what poses will look best with what backgrounds.
4) Get A Good Nights Sleep
If you’re tired it’ll show in your pictures.
5) RELAX!!
Nothing ruins a picture more if you’re as stiff as a board. If you freeze up and feel frazzled it WILL show. Take some deep breaths and have fun.
6) Plan Out Your Wardrobe Ahead Of Time
As we said earlier you don’t want everyone to clash. Make sure you pick out your wardrobes ahead of time including accessories like jewelry, scarves, hats, shoes, mitts, etc. This will make it easier for you to choose which outfit you want to wear when and, if you keep everything for each outfit together it will make it faster for you to change.
Hopefully these tips will help get better results from your next photo shoot.
