First Photo Shoot Tips/Ideas

   
The Payment Problem: 

     Let's say someone has just asked you to do a photo shoot for them. They've seen your work, like it a lot, and ask what you charge. The first time someone asked me this, I was completely lost. I was good friends with them, wanted to give a fair price, but had no idea what to charge. So I asked my Daddy what he thought. This is what he told me to do.
     "Don't charge. It's your first photo shoot, you're still learning, they're good friends, so don't charge. Tell them that if they'd like to give you a little something as a 'thank you', then they can. But for the first few photo shoots, don't charge."
     That really helped relieve my stress. Also, what they decided to charge me helped me get an idea of what they thought my work was worth. The more photo shoots I did, the higher I was paid and the more confident I became. So let your first customers decide what to pay. Typically, too, your first customers will either be family members, or close friends, who will not only be generous with their money, but also give you their honest opinion of your work. Don't be afraid to ask, too! You will probably get some really good ideas for future shoots. =)


Study Up:

     The moment you're off the phone, or you've answered the confirmation email for the photo shoot, start studying. Look up 'picture/posing ideas for _______', either on Google, or Pinterest, or anywhere else you can think of. Get ideas, so that when it comes time to shoot, you'll have an idea of what you want to do.


Location:

    Finding a good location can sometimes be a little frustrating depending on the weather. On a really bright day, without a cloud in the sky, an open field with no shade is typically not the place you want to be. Professionals can make it work, but for beginners who are still learning how to use their camera, or who don't own a good photo editor, save the fields for cloudy days. Or find a field with big trees throwing nice big shadows. ;)
     Woods can be pretty, but only if they're not too tangly. We own a small bit of woods, but I don't go down there for photo shoots because the tangle is ugly, and there's trash down there. Some tangle is probably very pretty, but only in spring when everything is green, or fall, when everything is dying attractively with bright, vibrant colors. But when everything is just....dead....it can be slightly difficult (or at least it is for me) to find a pretty spot for my photo shoots.


Props:

     Props can really make your photo wonderful. But only if it compliments your human subject. If you just throw a bunch of random things out for your subject to hold, just because they look like they might work in the pictures, chances are, you're going to get one interesting (not good interesting, either) picture. I've seen some really cool pictures on Pinterest which have old chairs, pianos, old trunks, really cool pictures frames and instruments as props. These props didn't take away from the photo, they enhanced it. Find a prop that enhances your pictures.


Be Obviously Confident:

     Remember, you are the photographer. They're paying (or not paying, but it doesn't matter) you to take the pictures, and, most likely, will tell others about their experience with you. If you go out to take pictures and act like you don't know what you're doing, and you're asking them for ideas and suggestions, that won't look good. They may have some poses they want to try, but for the most part, they're expecting you to know what to do. They come ready to let you take over, and if you don't do that, then they have to, and that's not professional. Be confident (but not cocky).


Speak Up:

     If you're nervous, say so. Don't be afraid to admit it, because it's your first photo shoot, and they'll understand. But impress them afterwards by handling your camera with confidence, posing your subject with confidence, and asking them if there was any special pose they wanted. If they say 'no', then just continue with what you were doing. They'll respect you for asking. (I'm saying all of this with a lot of confidence...I would expect them to respect you for asking if they had a preference, but maybe it would annoy them. I don't know. =) ).
     Always be honest with your subject, and ask them to be honest with you. Some people are so sweet they'll do whatever you ask, even if they don't want to. =)


     I hope these ideas/tips help you get started. =)