Just the FAQ’s #1
I’ve never done a photoshoot, how should I prepare?
Dallas Photographer and CEO of DFW Pro Photo, Rick Porier breaks down a few tips to help you get ready for your photoshoot. It’s good to be prepared but also important not to overthink things.
Doing a photoshoot for the first time can be overwhelming for some people. We know that. I have seen my fair share of people getting over-worked and stressed about something that turns out to be a lot easier than they thought it would be. Especially if they were prepared beforehand. I have been a professional photographer in Dallas for many years now and I have worked with thousands of people. Believe me when I say, if you are stressing about it, you are probably overthinking it.
1. Start styling your look a few days in advance
It can be stressful if you wait til the last minute to take care of all of the details. Be prepared well in advance so on the day and time of the shoot, all you have to do is show up. Put together clothing and accessories that match the theme of the shoot, and assess which pieces work together best. Make sure colors compliment your skin tones and make sure the outfits you are wearing compliment the outfits of others in your group. Plan to have all of the makeup and hair to be done hours before the shoot. Trying to arrange to do hair and makeup right before your shoot is almost always a mistake that can make you stressed, late and you may even miss your photoshoot. Yes, this has happened before. If your HMU is telling you you need two hours for hair and makeup, double it.
2. Gather reference images to give your photographer an idea of what you’re envisioning for the shoot
Having some example images can accomplish a few things. This will help you when styling and preparing for your shoot and also help communicate your vision to your photographer. At DFW Pro Photo, we are very experienced with matching looks when working with larger businesses. Even these large companies use storyboards to plan and communicate their vision for their projects. It’s a good idea to send these to your photographer in advance if possible. Pinterest can be a great place to find ideas and inspiration. This allows your photographer to have some kind of general idea of what you have envisioned for your photoshoot.
3. Do some research on different types of poses and facial expressions
Having a good idea of some basics on posing can help you feel more relaxed on the day of the shoot. Our professional photographers will help direct you of course, but having some idea of what works well for you is a good idea. Modeling is actually much harder than most people think. Luckily for most of you, we don’t need you to be a model, we just need you to be relaxed, confident and to simply be you while you’re in front of the camera. Here is a great guide with pictures: 13 tips for successfully posing people. The first 8 tips on posing are really simple and will help you be prepared for your shoot.
4. Arrive a few minutes early
There is a saying, “10 to 15 minutes early is on-time and on-time is late.” It’s always a good idea to plan to be a little early, this will minimize your stress levels because you will not feel rushed. This is also good so that you can get familiar with the location of the shoot, adjust to the environment, and check your grooming and outfit for the photoshoot before getting in front of the camera. This is also a good time to chat with the photographer and get to know them. The more you can connect with your photographer, the more comfortable you will be during the shoot. And, the more comfortable you are, the better your pictures will be. Just remember that if you have a studio session for your photoshoot that you can be too early as well. We will most likely have a session going on before yours and all sessions are private. We do not take appointments more than 15 minutes in advance.
5. Should you eat before your photoshoot?
Nobody is going to feel comfortable being stuffed and sporting a new food-baby right before they step in front of the camera. You’ll need to stay energized throughout the photoshoot so have enough food so that you don’t get hungry during the shoot, but no more than that. Just a snack unless it is going to be a longer shoot. For headshot photoshoots that are typically 15 to 30 minutes you really don’t need to worry too much about it. However, if you are going to be doing hair and makeup that takes two hours followed by a two to three hour photoshoot like a portrait session or boudoir, then I would recommend a light meal before hair and makeup, then a small snack during your shoot, if necessary.
6. Most important of all, don’t overthink it!
Maybe the most important tip of all is to not overthink it. Being relaxed also means not being stressed this is why being prepared in advance is a great idea but also why you do not want to overthink it. Most of the hard stuff is going to be done by your photographer and other staff on the set. Just bring your best (prepared) you, and you will do great. We’ve got you!
It is going to be great!
I have people tell me all the time, that they hate having their picture taken or they are not photogenic, etc… Yet, all of those people leave smiling saying things like,” that was easy”, or “that’s the first time I have ever felt comfortable in front of the camera.” That is why you came to a professional photographer in the first place though, right? We are going to make amazing images for you if you come to us. Guaranteed!
Still have questions?
We know you probably may still have some questions and at DFW Pro Photo, we are always happy to help and we are super easy to get a hold of too. You can call us, you can email us and you can even text us anytime and we will get back to you as soon as we are available to do so. We are a customer first, photography business built with your experience in mind. We want you to have the experience that we would want for ourselves. Just click here to Contact Us, or simply give us a call or shoot us a text at 972-878-9669.
