Lifestyle Shoot Prep Guide
Congratulations on booking your lifestyle photo shoot! This is a crucial step in establishing and/or maintaining your brand, so it’s important that we do everything we can to ensure a successful shoot. Remember that these images are often the first impression that your potential customers get of your brand. Think about the last time you heard of a new business. I bet you grabbed your phone, hopped onto Instagram or their website, and within a minute, you had an idea of what kind of brand they were. First impressions matter!
The most important thing you can do to ensure your upcoming shoot goes great is to be prepared. That’s why I’ve put together this handy guide with the best tips I’ve found to guarantee a fun, productive and successful shoot!
The one factor that has the biggest impact on how your photos will turn out is your attitude. Lots of people are uncomfortable having their photographs taken; that’s normal. They think they’re not photogenic, or that they look too big, or too small, or too old, or whatever. I promise that YOU are your own worst critic. So stop, take a deep breath, and just relax. If you follow the steps I’ve outlined here, I will make sure you look amazing in every photo. So just get that out of your head now and make sure to show up on the day of the shoot with a positive attitude. It’ll do more for your pictures than Photoshop can!
The best advice I can give you regarding your wardrobe is to keep your own style and vibe, but just make sure that it’s the best version of yourself. With this in mind, try opting for:
– Tailored lines
– Simple silhouettes
– Muted colors
– Season-less feeling
– Avoid busy patterns
– Avoid oversized, shapeless garments. Tighter fitting garments make your silhouette slimmer.
Bring a mix of easily changed layers and accessories to the shoot such as:
– Your best bag(s) or briefcase
– Eyewear options (sunglasses, reading glasses)
– Multiple blazers or cardigans
– Hair clips, bands and ties to switch up your hairstyle.
Keep in mind that if it looks a little wrinkled in person, it will look extremely wrinkled on camera. If you’re wearing something that wrinkles easily, don’t wear it in the car on the way to your session – just change at the location. Typically, my clients make at least 3 wardrobe changes during their session.
You can wear your hair and makeup anyway you prefer, but I strongly suggest having your hair and makeup done professionally. I’m sure you’re great at doing your own hair and makeup on a day-to-day basis, but an experienced pro will know what photographs best and how to make you look incredible in your photos. Besides, it’s not that expensive and isn’t a portrait session a great excuse to treat yourself a little? Trust me, you will never regret hiring a hair & makeup professional, but you may end up regretting that you didn’t! If you need one, I can recommend some great ones.
Also, please don’t forget to moisturize! Dry skin can really detract from a great photo and ensuring that any area that will be exposed to the camera is properly manicured and moisturized will go a long way. Pay special attention to your arms, shoulders, neck, face, hands, and legs. I also suggest bringing a fresh lip balm or lipstick for quick touch-ups.
Small props are a great way for you to engage in a comfortable activity and bring personality and purpose to your photos. Your portrait session is about you so it only makes sense to have some items that will showcase your personality. Just make sure the props you choose don’t overpower your photos. Here are some suggestions of what you might want to bring:
– Pets ( Make sure to bring their crate or someone to watch them when they’re not on set.)
– Hand-held accessories (Workday essentials like handbags, beverage, book or magazine, day planner)
– Home styling accessories (Flowers, bottle of wine, framed artwork, etc.)
– Marketing collateral (Branded prices such as showsheets, brochures, blueprints, business cards, etc.)
– Transportation (If you have a luxury vehicle, classic car, fast motorcycle, cool bicycle or some other type of sweet ride…bring it! It can add a really fun element to your photos. Just make sure she’s clean and camera ready.)
The most important thing to remember about preparing for your photo shoot is to relax, have fun, and be yourself! Interact with me or the other people in the photograph the way you normally would – goof off, laugh, and just act natural. If you’re relaxed and having a good time, it will shine through in all your photos!