Have you ever experienced a photo shoot that did not go exactly as planned? Perhaps you had the vision of what you wanted to capture although a few things just didn't work out the way you expected them to? For example, the blanket you envisioned wrapped lovingly around a couple ended up on their heads? (haha) I recently read a blog post on ChaseJarvis.com that listed some tips to help make sure things move a little smoother on the day of a photo shoot:
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| Fiander, Melanie, Brian and Kathy vs. The Blanket, 2014. |
Plan A + Plan B + Plan C: Always have a back-up plan. It might go without saying although, something could always go wrong with a shoot. The more organized you are, the better your shoot will go. Be sure to think about what challenges you will run into: weather, time constraints, props, location, and/or permits.
Pre-Shoot Meeting: Meet with your model, make-up and hair artists and any other crew member involved with the photo shoot prior to the day. Create a "check list" of what needs to be done before arriving to the photo shoot. If you're able to show a diagram or picture of what you're hoping to capture, provide it to everyone involved.
Allow Plenty of Time: In the pre-shoot meeting, be sure to discuss how long everything will take: transportation to/from the location(s), setting up and breaking down the lights and gear, prep time for hair, make-up and costume changes. Consider how long the actual shoot will take.
| Fiander, Melanie, Brian and Kathy vs. The Blanket, 2014. |
Cost of Production: Consider how much everything will cost in terms of the day of. Perhaps your good friends or
family will be willing to help you out with a few shoots although, it's
always nice to give a "thank you": cold case of beer, fresh baked
muffins or tickets to a local music show. When you begin to hire
professionals or semi-professionals, you may need to consider paying
them an hourly wage. There are some costs that may be negotiable although remember the saying, "you get what you pay for" and avoid trying to "rip off" any additional helps you may need. Some fees are not negotiable: permit fees, adequate food for your crew - always feed the helpers; a happy worker is a good worker!
Photo Gear: Unless you're required to purchase or use a specific piece of
equipment, do the best with what you already own. A fancy camera
doesn't make a good photographer; the eye of the photographer does!
Remember Names: If you're the type of person who forgets people's names (like myself), be sure to create a "cheat sheet" for yourself of the names of those on your crew. Starting out, it may just be you and a model although as you become more experienced as a photographer, you might want to reach out to other "helping hands".
Be Grateful: Saying "thank you" to those who help you out is key to being a successful photographer and... well, the key to being a generally nice person. You've chosen to work with your model and crew because you respect their work and/or see that s/he have potential. Given that, always be gracious to who you work with.
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Kate. "Zen & the Art of Production: 12 Tips for a Smooth Photoshoot." Chase Jarvis Blog. N.p., 4 May 2011. Web. 23 Mar. 2014.