Whether you’re just starting out as a photographer, or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ve probably wondered at times how best to help your clients get ready for a photo shoot. Once you’re on the client’s payroll, you’re under certain expectations for both shot quality and quantity. There’s so much more to a great photo shoot than merely grabbing a camera; here are some tips along with a check list you can go through before each shoot.
One Day Before a Shoot
- Decide which equipment you’re going to bring. For event shoots, you should bring at least two camera bodies, as well as a wide-angle and a prime lens for those low-light up-close shots. For a lifestyle shoot, you can help your clients by bringing one camera body and several lenses depending on location and the number of subjects you’ll be shooting.
- Charge your batteries. We don’t need to go into too much detail here—let’s just say that having fully charged batteries will save a lot of frustration for both you and your client.
- Check your camera’s settings. It’s also a good idea to clear out your SD cards so you’ll have ample space for all your client’s pictures.
- Clean your equipment. Don’t forget about the insides of the lens cap and both ends of all the lenses you’ll be bringing.
- Get good directions. There’s a lot going on right before a photo shoot, and no one likes surprises at that kind of time. If you’re headed to a new location (or even one you haven’t visited in quite some time), check your directions either with the client or online so you’ll know how long it’ll take you to get there.
- Don’t forget your contract. Your client probably paid before work began, but it’s always nice to have their information handy in case you need it for reference purposes.
Shooting Day
- Get there early. It’s a good idea to get to the shoot site fifteen minutes ahead of time (for a lifestyle shoot) or a half-hour ahead for an event shoot; that way, you can meet with the client and get your gear set up based on the location’s lighting.
- Go over the details with the client. Each client is special, and you want them to feel that way. During the drive to the shoot site, go over your notes and memorize their names.
- Visualize the shoot. If there’s something unique about the shoot or your client, think of a few things you’ll want to do during the job. How will you shoot it, and at what angle? How will you set up each shot, and what lens will you use? The shoot may not go exactly as you envisioned, but you’ll have a few ideas.
There are a lot of things you can do to help yourself and your client get ready for an upcoming photo shoot, but it really all boils down to your level of confidence and your client’s level of trust in your ability. If you go into the shoot fully prepared, and your client goes in knowing what to expect, it will be easier for everyone involved to just relax and have fun.
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This post was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of Beck Photographic – expert Northampton wedding photographers.
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