Preparing for Your Shoot

This post has been a long time in the making. So many clients ask me for tips in preparing for shoots that I finally decided to write a post about it, since I know this is helpful information for anyone interested in photography.

1. What do I wear?

It may not surprise you to learn that the first thing most clients want to nail down is what they should wear. For you fashionista's out there, this might not be a problem, but for others, this can become a point of worry or concern.

Before you go out on a shopping spree to try copying something you saw on Pinterest, here are the basics of what to wear for photos.

• Keep it simple. Extremes in fashion will have a short shelf life, so choose timeless classics that will help you love your portraits over the long-run. Simple clothing also boasts the benefit of not distracting from the true subject- you! Choose tasteful patterns, colors that aren't too bright or overwhelming, and stay away from logos and words. 
• Layer it up! Depending on the season of your shoot, this may mean different things (in summer you may just add a belt or necklace, in fall you may layer in a sweater or blazer or scarf), but outfits that lack layers and contrast in texture, colors, and patterns scream of 1990's photography (family turtle necks anyone?). Plus, layers can add interest to different shots since you can change the look of what you are wearing by simply changing up a layer (it's amazing what just switching out a scarf or jacket can do). Layers should also be used if you are coordinating a family or group shot. By layering for a group photo- you can help tie in a common theme without forcing everyone into matching shirts. 

• Keep it natural. Does your son lounge around in is sweatpants all day every day? You may think twice before forcing him into a tux for portraits. True, there may be a time for it (like a wedding) but keeping your look natural will result in comfortable, true-to-life portraits. This doesn't mean you can't ask your son to put on a pair of dark-wash jeans, just find ways to conform (at least a bit) to the norm of everyday life. 
• Choose colors and patterns that you love. Think about your home. Think about your closet. Most likely, you don't need to buy a completely different wardrobe for a photo shoot- maybe just one or two pieces to tie everything in. Choose colors and patterns that you love, that you own, and that go well in your home (YES I want you to display those gorgeous pictures I took!). 

• Prep it. Don't leave what you'll wear to the last minute. The day (or two) before your shoot, lay out all your clothing, iron out wrinkles, wash anything that needs cleaning, and be sure you have everything and that everything fits (especially for fast-growing kiddos). 

3. Where should we shoot?

There are a lot of amazing locations around Cache Valley. As a photographer, it is my job to know where great locations are. Though I am happy to take suggestions on locations, sometimes it is easier if we discuss the look you are trying to achieve and go from there. Are you looking for studio photography? Urban? Rural? Do you love trees and nature? If you have an idea of the look you love (hint, it should reflect your lifestyle) I can get you options on locations.

2. What do I bring?

• The people you want photographed, ready to be photographed. Stop laughing! This is actually a really important bullet point. I am not actually terribly worried that you are going to forget a family member for family pictures- hopefully that part comes easy. The hard part of this is making sure everyone is actually ready to be photographed. 

• Eat, hydrate, rest. You are investing in your photos (time and money). Get the most out of your investment by making sure everyone is fed, watered, and rested. Feel free to bring water and non-crumby, non-colored, non-messy snacks if needed, but make sure to eat and drink (and use the restroom) before you arrive. 
• To be ready to be photographed, be sure you are satisfied with your hair (get cuts done the week before (or a few days before for guys)) with your face (shaving/trimming for guys, light make-up for the ladies) with your clothes, and with details you might not think about (touch up your nail polish, clean your wedding ring, lotion your hands) since you will be the biggest critic of the small details that others don't notice on a day-to-day basis. 

• Last part of this, these are the people YOU want photographed. There is a reason for that. Sometimes in the hustle (and hassle) of pictures we get frustrated, lose our temper, or just feel overwhelmed. Take a breath. Take it in. These are the people you love. It's a moment you want to remember. It's alright that life isn't perfect- pictures can capture the beauty of the not perfect. Your photographer will be able to grab that beauty as you remember that you love these people, that they love you, and that perfection doesn't equal authentic, real-time beauty. 

4. How can I prepare?

• Communicate your expectations. Confession: I am not a miracle worker. I can't wave a wand and reproduce exactly what you saw in Parents Magazine, but I can get a sense of your style and the type of photos you prefer. If you have an image list (you know you need a horizontal, close-up picture of each child for your wall, a full-body portrait for grandma, etc) please get that to me in advance of the shoot. 
• Wear the subject hat. Yesterday, as I had my own family portraits done, my husband gave me so much grief because I struggle with this. I get it. You are mom, you're coach, you are the one who wants to get those giggling faces smiling at the camera. I love you for that. I need you to stop. For the time of our shoot, I need you to turn down your mom hat and focus on your subject hat. I work hard to get giggling smiles and I have a lot of tricks I can use and if I need assistance from mommy, I am not too proud to ask for it. In the meantime, just smile and look at the camera. Really. I NEED you to let me work my magic with those darling, uncooperative kiddos, I NEED you smiling, looking at the camera, posed for when those fleeting children's faces give me a grin. 

By the way, THANKS for being a client who cares, who wants their pictures to turn out amazing. It makes my job more fun (and easier).

Hopefully this post helped answer most of your questions about preparing for a shoot for a basic shoot. Stay tuned as I'll be doing a follow-up post on preparing for your newborn session.

Hugs!

Vikki