Preparing for a Portrait Photo Shoot
Where to begin…?
Have you ever found yourself staring down the imposing lens of a professional photographer? For most it doesn’t come easily - even for me! If I had the situation reversed, having that spotlight (which can be literal as well as metaphorical) can be very daunting and bring to mind all the discomfort one might have with ones self image. I literally end up being stiff, awkward and with some very disturbing facial expressions. I then ask myself, am I smiling like a senile, or frowning when trying to look imposing? I am one of those people who has a very expressive face and if captured at that split second can almost be a comedy reel when played in a sequence or painful to look at in one!
But really, if you break it down, that professional photographer, or me in this instance, wants to help you capture your beautiful in your own unique way, and enjoy the journey. It is also a private moment, I feel I need to earn your trust as my client as a doctor would or someone who looks at you closely. My aim is to want you to look your best, feel your best and LOVE the results and be super comfortable doing it.
So HOW do we do this?
WHAT does it involve?
In all honesty it all comes down to you and me, the raport we have and if you give yourself a chance and follow some helpful tips, not only can you have a fun and amazing experience to remember, but you will have a treasured (and commercially useful) keepsake. So moving on to some helpful tips:
Tip 1 - Come with an open mind, have FUN!
Don’t be shackled by what everyone else is doing or how society states you should look, but be ready to try something out of your comfort zone if you are not used to cameras. I want to make you feel safe, happy, comfortable and trust me. This will usually start when you make your enquiry and taking the time to learn more about you. This is a must for me. If I can make you laugh and comfortable on that initial call - even better! I want to play your favourite tunes, find a happy place or one that really inspires you or gets your heart racing (ie horseriding shoot on the beach or underwater shoots with sharks!)
Also, by all means, look for inspirations, looks and styles before the shoot that you love online ie pin-interest or instagram. Really take the time to groom yourself and feel beautiful.
It doesn’t matter if you are getting photos done for a corporate shoot (which may have strict guidelines and where professional clothing and makeup is a must) or a couple and family shoot, you still have an aspect of individuality by knowing no one else looks like you and they are not you. So, what can you say about yourself in an image with clothing, background and pose? This leads me to tip 2…
Tip 2 - Well thought out attire
There was a time when jeans and a white t-shirt was the way to go and everyone was dressed the same (and it can look really nice and neat on a wall) but if you really want to look great, think about the clothing that makes you look good, feel good and has the fit and style that complements your body. If you have to go shopping to get there, then do it. But make sure it is pressed, doesn’t make you uncomfortable, fits your body shape nicely and that the colours complement - not clash - with each other. A safe bet is to stick to more pastel tones of colours, the brighter or more contrasting colours are in clothing, the more distracting it can be if not planned carefully with your background and scene.
I have recently decided that using online colour matching tools and colour pallets can also work for your wardrobe - for instance, CANVA helps combine different colours that complement each other. See these examples of ‘pink pastel’ search results. But you must also consider your skin tone and the majority colour of your background. For instance, if its in a green environment outdoors, wearing green will not be a good choice! Having good contrast is important, hence why sometimes people fall back on black and white.
There is also the option of splashing out or going a step further to hire or buy a stunning formal attire for women to show movement, softness and elegance in your photos. Maternity images are great for these types of attire or a portfolio.
Tip 3 - Professional Hair & Makeup
Now unless you are after a raw and very natural shoot (which I love and can be absolutely stunning) having professional makeup is a must, and even ‘natural’ looks can have a much better result with artistically applied makeup to even skin tones and help reduce shine and blemishes. Getting your hair done professionally, even a simple cut, can help you also feel amazing about yourself. I don’t know about you, but I always hold me head up higher, my posture and confidence resonates when I have a beautiful hair day. You just naturally want to strut your stuff and feel happier about yourself. So if you are spending the money for stunning images, this can help you get an even better result.
Some of you may not be able to wear makeup if you have skin conditions or other issues, but seeing a professional might also give you the opportunity to look at skin care differently and may be beneficial.
Here in Agnes Water/1770 we are very lucky to have an amazing makeup artist by the name of Jen Campbell. I have not yet had a client she has done makeup for that isn’t perfect, whether its the more stunning look for a wedding, or a professional shoot. Accenting your eyes, the contours of your cheekbones and jaw line can make a huge difference to the wow factor of your photos.
Tip 4 - venue Locations and Backgrounds
I believe that really thinking this through is so important if you want to get the other parts right. For instance an outdoor shoot on the beach might call for a different set of clothing and ideas to one being done in the halls of an architectural wonder. So what look are you after, a railway line, country feel, office or city scape, beach or even underwater?!!
It will also help understanding the colour schemes that would work to make you look amazing, suitable attire or even completely over-the-top dresses to really create stunning art, as well as the set of poses or shots that would work in that scene.
I have two main sets of clients, those that want their candid event or lifestyle interactions captured with high-quality beautiful images, and those that want to take the time to be posed comfortably to look amazing. The second usually want their own piece of artwork on the wall* and so I must pose them and shoot accordingly. Both need to consider their venue or location, as well as have a backup if they are shooting outdoors and subject to the weather.
I will hopefully have an article soon about local Agnes Water/1770 venues to help you choose your ideal location. More on the greater Gladstone and Bundaberg regions soon!
To wrap up….
So many people get to an age or special moment in their lives only to realise when they dig through their photo archive, they don’t actually have any really good photos of themselves. It really is something of value to have on so many levels. It also makes a great gifts* for loved ones to remember and treasure you with.
So contact me or request a quote if you want to arrange your own shoot, you are my priority and so if we are a good fit, it will be an amazing experience and result!
*For all my clients now, they get their only online private gallery with slideshow that is connected to a store front with easy access to get stunning wall art, prints, keepsakes and albums both in Australia and internationally and which they can share with family and friends. Please contact me for any information