The Biggest Mistake to Avoid when Planning Your Photoshoot
Are you preparing for an upcoming shoot? Let me guess, you want to make the most out of your session, don’t you? So you have everything sorted – what to wear for a photoshoot, your make-up for a photoshoot, your photoshoot-ready hair. You’re also very organised with your preparation – pre-photoshoot skincare and workout routine are all planed out. Bravo! However, there’s just one thing missing…Without this crucial component you may not end up with the images you will love. Let’s talk about the biggest mistake to avoid when planning your photoshoot!
The biggest mistake I see people make when planning a photoshoot is not having a clear vision.
Let’s talk about what clear vision of a photoshoot comes down to:
Why are you doing a photoshoot? Why now?
Everyone has their reason for doing a photoshoot. Are you celebrating a milestone of some kind? Or are you looking for a confidence boost?
It can be simply commemorating yourself this year, or this month. When was the last time you were photographed professionally? Imagine years down the line looking back trying to find photos of yourself through the years – do you exist in photographs? Your children will be looking for photos of you when you’re not around, will they find any?
If your reason to do a photoshoot is personal, you don’t have to share it with your photographer, just be honest with yourself.
What’s the purpose for the images? How are you going to use them?
Are the images going to serve a specific purpose? Online dating website profile, building your presence on Instagram, or maybe creating a portfolio to showcase you skill/talent (dance portfolio/model portfolio) in order to get work opportunities.
Don’t feel pressured that you need to have a specific use for your photos, you don’t! You can keep them for yourself in a beautiful photo album or box on a bookshelf.
How do you want to see yourself in the images?
Think in adjectives: bold, confident, strong, or romantic, dreamy, fragile…
Who do you want to be? The beauty of photography is possibilities are endless. With appropriate styling, choice or props and outfits, we can capture a different side of you (maybe you didn’t even know existed!) – confident, empowered and simply fabulous.
Create a mood-board! (Inspiration board)
I understand it’s not always easy to communicate your ideas in words. We are visual creatures, and think in images and moving pictures. Here’s your chance to pour all your ideas into one place, so you and your photographer are on the same page regarding the direction of the images. There are no limitations, save everything you like and that inspires you. Then discuss it with your photographer – what’s doable and how to make it happen.
This is the easiest and most fun part of the planning process! I don’t understand why people are neglecting it when planning a photoshoot!
Why having a clear vision for your photoshoot is crucial:
Without a clear vision for your images you risk ending up with a result different from what you expected. If you want your photographer to bring your ideas to life, he/she needs to be on the same page as you – knowing your ‘big why’, the purpose, how to portray you, as well as being able to visualise it similarly to you.
Every photoshoot is a collaboration between you and your photographer. Don’t feel like you’re on your own working towards your vision. Photoshoot is a team effort and your photographer will want to deliver images you will love, so don’t be afraid to share all of your ideas and thoughts, and address anything that comes up.
Are you looking for a professional photographer in Birmingham U.K.? Message me and let’s create stunning photographs of you!
