HOW TO PLAN A PHOTOSHOOT
From instagram content, to new profile pics, to album artwork, I’ve done a lot of photoshoots over the years. When it comes to the content I’m curating myself, there’s a surprising amount of details that goes into a successful shoot. With this in mind, I thought I would break down what I find most helpful in achieving an awesome photoshoot. I’ll use examples of my latest photoshoot in each section.
What’s The Goal?
Outside of the casual photo you snap at your favorite coffee spot, sometimes it’s fun to plan a more concept-focused shoot. If you are going to spend time planning a photoshoot, the first step is to figure out your goals. For example, maybe the goal is to have an awesome new album cover or maybe you just want to exercise those creative muscles and bring to life some ideas in your head. Identify what the ultimate goal/use for the shoot is so you can know what you want to accomplish going into it.
VISION BOARD
One of the most important things to do going into a planned shoot, is knowing what your vision is. I love to use Pinterest as a place to draw inspo for the setups and outfits. I’ll type in key words for what I’m looking for: “Pink and Red Aesthetic”, “High Fashion Photoshoot”, “Monochromatic Looks”. It gets my head spinning with ideas and sets a tone. You can even share your board with your photographer, if you hire someone, so they get an idea of your vision as well.
Location/Set
Maybe you just want a simple paper backdrop, or you want to be out in the middle of a forest for fairytale vibes. Depending on the attitude you’re going for, there are so many spots you can have a photoshoot. I think it’s really cool that you don’t always have to break the bank on a studio setup. The last two shoots I did were just in my kitchen with paper backdrops! A talented photographer I follow on IG named Kylie Katich even made a shoot at a gas station look fabulous. There are so many possibilities here! Try looking at geotags around you for fun new spots to explore. Of course, wherever you decide, just make sure it’s somewhere you are allowed to capture on camera. I once got yelled at for taking a photo outside of a Trader Joes in Toluca Lake!
Hair, Makeup, Outfits
Your “fits” are the most fun yet most challenging, and in my opinion, the most important part of any photoshoot. Having the right outfit, accessories, hair and makeup can be the most important part of the shoot. Your location can be as simple as a paper background in your kitchen, like my last photoshoot, but having the rest of your look down can really make the whole shot. One of my favorite purchases this last year was this garment rack so I could have all my outfit options in one place!
Make a Plan
Have a plan going into your shoot, especially if you are working with a photographer and not shooting yourself so you A.) don’t waste time and B.) have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish. For example, on our last shoot, we had a goal of wanting to get 3 different looks. We knew what paper we would use for each backdrop, and what types of looks we wanted to get. Of course, inspiration can always strike at any moment, and some of those last minute ideas can end up being your favorite photos, but it’s still always great to walk in with a plan!
Finding a photographer
Take your time finding a photographer that you think will fit what you want! Pay attention to their editing styles and the types of shoots they do so you know you’ll feel happy with the end result. If you hire a photographer based on their work, it’s probably because you love what they do! If it’s someone new you are working with, it can take a second to find your groove, but make sure to trust their input along the way, as well. They most likely want to help you achieve your goals and vision! A great photographer will bring their own style to the vision, but you most likely chose them because what they do fits your goals. So if they are awesome at what they do, trust their eye! And don’t be afraid to take a peek at the photos and make small adjustments along the way.
Playlist
You need a great playlist! Put together an hour or two of your favorite feel-good songs. Songs that pump you up, make you feel bada**, songs that make you wanna dance. A great playlist helps establish the whole mood of your shoot, and can even help you overcome camera anxiety! Make sure to put together a group of songs that match the vibe you’re going for! Here’s a playlist of some of my current fave jams to get you started: My Kind of Playlist.
For Example
I’ll use my latest photoshoot with Cooper as an example of how this all plays out:
Our goal: new assets for our Twitch
The vision: Monochromatic Green featuring music and gaming related props.
The location: Paperback drops set up in our home
The looks: Monochromatic green outfits and green eye make up with a wing for myself
The plan: Photos together for new profile pic, individual photos with specific poses for our twitch layout and banner
The playlist: indie and lo-fi vibes
The possibilities really are endless and it’s so fun to stretch those creative muscles this way! I hope you find this helpful when it comes to planning your next photoshoot.
