Jan
10
2013
Welcome to this week’s BLOG Update!
Let me just say I’m real anxious to get a shoot scheduled for this month. I haven’t done a model shoot since November. I was sick during one of my scheduled photo shoots, so I had to bow out.
Here it is, 2 months later and I’m fighting another head cold, but I’m pushing to schedule a photo shoot.
It’s fitting that this week’s update is about how to prepare for a photo shoot.
How do YOU plan and execute your photo shoot? Here’s what I do with mine.
Concept
Lighting
Wardrobe
Hair
Makeup
Set design
Choosing the right model
Concept: This part entails sitting down and deciding what genre I am going to do. All of my projects have a specific theme or concept. I use pinterest to really drill down and pick shots I want to do.
Lighting: I like to have a general idea for lighting. Some of my shots have 1 light, while others will have up to 10 lights. It helps to visualize the set and plan that out. Draw it etc.
Wardrobe: We have some in the studio, but for the most part the model will bring their own. One thing I try and do is have the model email me photos of their wardrobe – just so I know they understand my concept.
Hair and makeup go together. I try to pick the correct looks for each model. I’ll literally flip through hundreds of photos until I find one to use for inspiration. Of course, it helps that I have a really killer team for this.
Set design is where a lot of creativity comes into play. We use everything from a plain white background to a fake room in our studio. Location shoots are easier as we just have to work with what is available.
Choosing the right model: This is harder than you think. Obviously, her look and personal style has to fit the theme of the shoot. It also helps to make sure the model is in tune with us on our theme genre ahead of time. Always discuss every aspect of a photo shoot.
Some other important parts of the photo shoot include the gear list – including the camera and lenses. Ladders and also food and water for the entire team. We don’t use a caterer, but we bring subs or pizza for a full day shoot. Sodas and water is always on hand.
I like to ask the model what type of music will inspire her for the shoot. I like an upbeat tune and as long as it’s not too extreme like Marilyn Manson, I’ll listen to just about anything.
During our photo shoots, I’m usually running slide shows on my pc to keep us all on track and motivated.
In the coming weeks and months, I’ll post more details about each category along with showing you some examples about each topic and how really planning a photo shoot can help bypass some of the bumps that come up in any photo shoot.
Feel free to comment and offer suggestions. I’m still looking for guest bloggers, so send me a PM with your idea for an article and you’ll get a reverse link to your own blog.
By admin •
Blog Update •
So, I’m editing old photos looking to put together a group of favorites. And this one came up. Anna was a sweetheart to work with. Originally from Rio, she lived here in Syracuse for a few years before moving back home.
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