Oh Shoot!

Lights, camera, action is easier said than done.  Preparing for a photo shoot can be a delightful experience or a hectic one, depending on one’s ability to effectively prepare for their shoot.  Failure to plan begets chaos, chaos begets frustration and frustration begets the wrong energy for a photo shoot, which in turn spills onto the canvas of the photograph and into your book of memories. 

To begin the planning process, selecting a venue can be a tedious yet rewarding task.  As an on-location photographer, I think it is important that clients know the importance of venue selection.  It requires patience and of course research.  It’s probably not a bad idea to visit the venue to familiarize yourself with its surroundings and all of the indoor and/or outdoor goodies it offers.

I’ve compiled a list of 15 tasks that are highly recommended for preparing for a photo shoot with an on-location photographer:

1) Venue Selection.

2) Book an appointment with a professional photographer.  It may not be a bad idea to know the forecast for the day you’ve chosen, before booking the appointment.

3) Ask your photographer what he or she should expect from you, the client.

4) Arrive on time. 

5) If there are more than one persons in your shoot, make sure all persons are in the mood to be photographed.  Explain to them that this shoot is important to you and the camera can reveal exactly how they’re feeling at that very moment. 

6) If you have small children who will be photographed, make sure they’re rested and fed.  It’s a good idea to bring their favorite toy and a few snacks to keep them happy.

7) Be picture ready.  Make sure clothing is clean and wrinkle free. 

8) If it is hot outside, bring a soft cloth with you to dab away any excess oils or shine on the skin.  If the weather is cold, bundle up! Fact:  Some of the most beautiful photographs are taken in the Winter!  

9) Be prepared to walk.  If your shoes aren’t comfortable, bring an extra pair for comfortability until you and the photographer find a location in your choice of venue that jumps out at you.  Remember, when your feet are hurting, nothing else really matters!     

10) Listen to the directives of the photographer.

11) Ignore any distractions around you, including conversation.   

12)  Be patient, it's a virtue. 

13)  Feel free to make pose recommendations.  Photographers value their clients’ opinion.

14)  Remember, you likely hired your photographer by viewing his or her work and liking what you saw.  A photographers' ability to leverage their photos in a marketing capacity is important for business so many will ask you to sign a photo release for marketing purposes only. 

15) Don't assume, ask questions.  Get a full understanding of any photo releases the photographer may present. 

I hope this information helps in your decision making process in preparing for a photo shoot.

Visit my website:  www.geminiphotographyandgraphicdesign.com