After going through numerous photoshoots in different locations, with models and photographers of different skill levels and different equipment and time constraints, I've learned a lot about the art of the photoshoot! Here are a few tips:
Always start early! You'll be surprised how difficult it is to get the models, photographer, stylist/make-up artist and creative director together on a single day.
1. Ask for freebies. If you have a great vision for the photoshoot, share it with potential photographers, models and stylists. More often than not they are willing to work for free when the end result will be something fabulous. After all, they get to keep it in their portfolio as well!
2. Check out the locations where you will be shooting. If it's indoors, have your photographer check the lighting and mark the best spots for models to stand with tape ahead of time. This will save you tons of time on the day of the shoot! If it's outdoors, ask owners for permission to shoot and check how busy the area is. You don't want to rush the shoot by frantically snapping shots between clumps of tourists.
3. Hairspray, bobby pins and clothing pins. You can never have enough! Bring them on the day of, and schedule plenty of time for hair and makeup.
4. For a cheap way to add that special glow to model's faces in outdoor shoots, scrap those expensive light reflectors and opt for a white poster board instead. Have an assistant hold the board so that it reflects some natural light on the model's face while you are shooting. It makes a huge difference in the end result.
5. Assembly line efficiency is key for catalog shoots. Have the outfits prepared for each model ahead of time, and make sure they know where to stand to wait for their turn in front of the camera. With a smooth process, we were able to shoot 70 outfits in 90 minutes!
6. Last thing, don't forget the food and refreshments! It's a long, tiring day for everyone and a little nourishment keeps us going.
Have fun with your own photoshoots, whether they're professional or just for kicks with friends. Remember, the behind-the-scenes process aren't always as polished as the results, but the beautiful pictures at the end are completely worth it! Check out some of Styleta's behind-the-scenes shots for our Student Designer Challenge photoshoot.
