TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Just because you know a great photographer who has offered you a deal doesn’t mean it’s the right time. The best time to get professional photography is after a clear branding strategy session. Ensure you have the look, feel and content ready to support your vision. Without the supporting framework, you won’t be able to communicate exactly what you need to your photographer (which means ending up with images that don’t quite fit your brand).
FIND THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Finding an experienced photographer – not your cousin who’s great at iPhone photos – will prepare you to have the best experience possible. Scroll through hashtags on Instagram (such as #orlandophotographers and pop in your city) and look for a similar aesthetic to your brand that you’ve outlined during your branding strategy session.
Once you’ve got your photographer, check out their reviews on Facebook and Google. Look for things such as:
- The photographer makes you feel comfortable/not awkward
- The photographer helps pose you
- The photographer has been booked multiple times
I look at these key phrases so that I know I will feel comfortable with the photographer and that I won’t have to worry about posing or anything like that day of the shoot. As well, make sure you have someone who is behind the brand vision and passionate about documenting and creating content that is unique to your brand. You can learn a lot through just communicating them after sending a lead form or just sending them a quick IG message. You want to find someone you connect with so that you can build a relationship – communication is everything!
SET UP INSPIRATION BOARD
I like to set up a Pinterest board for each photoshoot to get ideas for posing, props and styling. Share this Pinterest board with your photographer so that they know what you are looking for during your shoot! I will also drop in photos from the locations that we are visiting so that the photographer can get some ideas as well. Keep in mind that the photographer is the expert, so be open to their input and unique perspective.
SCOUT LOCATIONS
Just like in real estate, choosing your location matters. Decide if you want a clean studio look, vibrant outdoor areas or perhaps a coffee house setting. Choose spots that are YOU! And check each option out beforehand to ensure you’ll be able to get the photos you like. For example, your favorite coffee house may make for great photos but it won’t work if there happens to be a large crowd on the day you go. With outdoor photos, weather is a factor so choose your primary location but have an alternative in mind, just in case.
Your photographer may also have some ideas for locations – but I still like to have 3-4 locations on deck. Usually my sessions are 2 hours and we spend about 30-45 minutes at each location. Keep in mind that your first photoshoot may take a little bit longer. I’ve luckily been able to have some photoshoots in my pocket, so we can get in and out quickly because I know exactly what I need.
Be open to communicating your location ideas with your photographer so they can not only think about the best lighting but make sure your location matches what you are wanting to achieve with your brand.
NOTE! Make sure to see that the locations you are looking for are open. Or you’ll be like me and get to a location that is closed on a Monday… Still mad at myself about that!
Scheduling Note: I like to schedule my shoots early in the week to avoid crowds. It’s quieter and I find that we are not as much as a disturbance.
PLAN OUT YOUR PROPS
Here’s a quick list for the props that I like to bring with me. With Be Bold Design Studio, it’s important for me to have some flatlay options and more working photos so keep in mind your industry for the appropriate props.
SHOT LIST
This may get a little Type A, but it helps me feel as calm and confident going into the photoshoot. You don’t want to show up to the shoot and then just be standing there unsure of what to do, so having an idea of what you need helps prevent. Often, I’ll write down a quick list of shots that I need and if during the shoot I have trouble thinking of what to next, I’ll check that list. Often it includes flat lays, me using my phone or computer, etc.
SLOWLY RELEASE YOUR PHOTOS
This relates to Instagram. Slowly release these photos and make your purchase last – mix them up so that you are not posting photos of you in the same place and same outfit. You don’t need to share these new photos with your audience all at once. I recommend using a scheduling tool, to plan the overall aesthetic of your feed and make sure no outfits look are too overdone. Also, remember, don’t just post photos of yourself. Share your work, fun quotes, real life happenings, and other content to mix things up!
Autumn 