How to prepare for a photo shoot

1. Figure out what photographer you want to shoot with

Different photographers have different styles. There is usually a color theme in most of the photographers pictures. If you are loyal to one photographer, just know that its okay to have shoots with another photographer. Their styles may be different. They shouldn't be mad, you just may want a different style of pictures. Research photographers in your price range and communicate with the photographer before the shoot. For example...

These pictures are based around a dark green, brown, and black theme. The pictures are more of a unique and artsy vibe. photo by @focuslexi . On the other hand....

These pictures are more of a white, cream, and pink color scheme. They are more of dance poses rather than artsy, odd poses. As you can tell they are much more colorful. Pictures by @synkotography

Photographers all have their own unique style so its important to find out what style you want for your photos. Do your research and check out their Facebook/Instagram photos.

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2. Think about what setting you want

-In studio

ex: Photo by @chris_hendrickson

Some things to think about are,

- what color background?

-Are you going to match your outfit to the background or contrast to the background?

-Do you want props?

-Do you want it to be the same color floor as the backdrop or a different color like hardwood?

-In the city

City shoots are usually much more colorful. There may be more people around so you have to be careful if you don't want people in the background of your pictures.

-Beach shoots

-garden shoots

-field shoots

-and so many more

3. Choose your poses

Especially if you are limited to a certain time frame or a certain amount of pictures, its important to choose what poses you want to do. You want to make your pictures count and make sure that your poses are perfected. If you come up with poses on the spot, they may not be as creative as you would like them to be. A tip that I use is that whenI come across a picture on Instagram that I like the pose, I will save it to a collection for reference later.

4. Choose an outfit that fits the setting

If you are doing a studio shoot with a black background, obviously you shouldn't wear something black because then you'll blend in. City shoots often are a combination of dance clothes and street clothes such as a leotard and jean shorts. If you are in a beach setting or a garden setting, you might want to wear something more costume-like and flow-like (if that makes any sense). If the photographer allows it, bring outfit changes for variety.

Other tips

-Do your hair based off of what your doing. If all of your poses are leaps/jumps you are going to want to style your hair up so that it doesn't get in your face. The same goes for windy locations

-be prepared to tell the photographer if you feel uncomfortable. Remember that this is a team effort and you should't try to be bossy and force them into all the decisions. However, if they suggest a pose that you feel uncomfortable doing, politely tell them. This also goes for bystanders. Sometimes you might glance a person who is making you feel uncomfortable. They might just be giving you super creepy vides or maybe they are following you, so don't feel bad about telling the photographer so that you can find a solution that you feel more comfortable in.

-Have a friend or parent to help out: They can be another helpful eye to see if there is something wrong with the picture. No one wants to get their pictures back to figure out they had a hair stuck to their face the entire time. Your hair/ makeup/ clothing person can also help you if you are in a difficult pose that you are holding. For example....

Though this is a great picture, you can see that my hair is tangled.

In this picture, my hair isn't tangled. This is because they noticed that it was tangled so rather that come up from this pose, untangle it, and go back into the pose, it may just re-tangle. They just ran up to me and quickly untangled it. (photo by @pbkdigital)

-make sure you stretch the proper muscles for your poses

-if you are shooting outside on a hot day, bring wipes or maybe a towel so you aren't super sweaty

-if you are shooting outside on a cold day, maybe bring a blanket or a robe to drape around yourself between shots

-go in with an open mind. The photographer has experience too and knows what thy are dong, so trust them. Be yourself and relax. Don't be rude or they may never want to shoot with you again or may not try as hard as they normally would on their pictures.

-select a makeup look that is good for YOU!

I hope these tips have helped you prepare for your shoot! See you next Saturday!