Make it Monday: 5 Tips for Successful Photo Shoots

Regardless of whether you are shooting an Engagement, Maternity or a Portrait Session, below are five tips that can help you to achieve a successful result.

1.  Build a Relationship: From the moment that you hear from your client, you want to be as personable and helpful as possible.  In many cases, the first time that you will hear from a potential client will be via e-mail.  From there, you and the client may continue to send e-mails back in forth to discuss ideas for their photo shoot.  In other cases, you may choose to meet at a coffee shop or in your studio.  Regardless of how you communicate with your client, It's always important to find something that you have in common with your client (aside from the fact that they want your photos) because this helps to cultivate a trusting relationship between the photographer and the client.  It also makes the experience more personal for everyone involved, which, given that a photo shoot is essentially a collaboration between subject and photographer; a personable relationship can be key to a successful shot.

Fiander, Melanie, Untitled, 2014.

2. Location: Depending on the photo shoot you are doing, you will want to choose a location that suits the topic.  For example, a photographer might choose a slightly different location for an Engagement Shoot than say, Child Portrait Session.  Overall, it's important to consider the location in terms of sentimental value (for the client) as well as a spot that has a nice mixture of lighting and interesting moods to play with in terms of the structural elements of the photo.  If you, as the photographer, feel as though the client's choice of location is "meh", be sure to explain why.  Is the location "too busy" or does it have "poor lighting"? Perhaps there are too many people around that could mess up the shot or perhaps the location space is too small, and there's not much room for a variety of focal lengths.  Whatever the case, it's always a good idea for a photographer to have back-up suggestions in terms of choosing a location that both the client and the photographer are happy with. 

3. Outfits: After you and your client have decided on a location, it's important to then decide what the client will wear.  When making these decisions, be prepared to use your "stylist senses" and help the client choose an outfit(s) that will look good with the chosen location.  For example, it might seem a bit odd for a client to wear - say - a tennis outfit on the beach.  Although it may go without saying, think of your location and the outfit being intertwined together in order to help create the successful shot.  Another key aspect to consider when choosing an outfit(s) for the client(s) is the season.  Is it the middle of winter and there is snow on the ground?  If so, you do not want to dress your client(s) in white or cream - they will not show up that well in the photos.  However, you may want them to wear a bright color that allows for them to "pop" amongst the other colors.

Fiander, Melanie, Untitled, 2014.

4. Props: Many photographers like to incorporate the use of props into his/her photograph in order to help tell a story or set the mood.  I personally think that props can either "make" or "break" an image, and it's important to remember to not over do it with props.  Just as the location and choice of outfit(s) are a key aspect to creating a successful photo, it's also important to consider the "props" in that mix, as well.  If you're taking photos on the beach of an engaged couple, you may want to lay down a blanket that matches the couple's clothing.  Let's face it, if the couple is wearing a lot of neutral tones, you want to avoid laying down a hot pink blanket - which would clash. 

5. Posing: When it comes to posing, you as the photographer will realize how much of a collaboration it is between the photographer and the client.  If you want the client to trust you, ask yourself these simple questions when reviewing the images, "do they look good" or "is this a flattering shot".   During the shoot, take a peak at your photos and notice the angle that you're shooting at and if it's capturing your subject's in a nice manner.  When giving direction, be sure to speak softly and give clear instructions as to what pose you want your client to hold.  Remember, the majority of the clients you will work with are not models.  Before the shoot, you may want to look at other photographer's work for inspiration to see what types of poses s/he may use.

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Bilodeau, Melissa, and Megan W. "5 Tips for Romantic Engagement Photos." Style Me Pretty. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

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