Do you want to avoid the dreaded disappointment of an unflattering photo or video shoot? Would you prefer to maximise your return on investment with great results, every time?
Your photo or video shoot is a special occasion. It’s your time to shine, feel absolutely fabulous, have fun and completely up-level your visual portfolio in order to promote your personal or business brand in a beautiful, meaningful way. All the more reason to make the most of it, so below are a few pointers for practical preparation.
Before we continue, do you prefer to watch rather than read? If so, here you go:
1. Do Your Research
Select a photographer or videographer whose portfolio and style resonate most strongly with you, and go with your gut instincts. The quality of the connection and energy between you will have a profound impact on the results of your images and/or footage.
2. Consider Your Timing
Book your shoot according to the best time for you. You may be someone who feels freshest for portraiture in the early morning or it may take you longer to relax into your day. Also allow ample time beforehand to eat something satisfying. As an idea, a high quality protein shake (that you have tried before to make sure it agrees with you) with a piece of fruit may work well to keep you feeling light and nourished.
3. Optimise Your Make-Up
Apart from doing your hair and nails, plan to have your make-up done professionally to suit the lighting conditions for the shoot, unless this is included in your package or you are doing it yourself. If so, give some thought to matching it to your outfits, perhaps starting off with a more natural look and then intensifying this a bit during the course of your shoot to create a different effect and enhance a more dramatic clothing colour, for example.
4. Plan Your Outfits
Prepare your clothes and accessories in advance, after discussing your options with your photographer or videographer, with a view to matching these to various backdrops, as well as your desired style and mood for the shoot. Preferably avoid busy clothing patterns and don’t wear white against a white background, or black against black, but rather juxtapose these and try plain, bold or pastel colours that complement your complexion.
5. Prep Your Personality
Inject personality and flair into your shoot by including something definitive like a quirky hat, a scarf or some other signature item in a few of the images. Make this meaningful by relating it to your life or business strategy, so that it also contributes to building your brand.
Remember that you are the client and this is your moment in the spotlight, so let go of your inhibitions and feel free to have fun and be creative. The more of your own sparkle you contribute to your shoot, the more you will get out of it.
For tips on preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for your photo or video shoot, which can be just as important and impactful as your physical preparation, refer to my article How to Get Into The Mood. I hope it puts a smile on your face, to carry through into your shoot.
Got any questions or additional tips to share? Feel free to leave a comment below.
