Tips for a Successful Photo Shoot

So You’re Going to Get Your Photograph Taken… Tips for a Successful Photo Shoot

Here are some of our favourite tips for a successful photoshoot. These are guidelines only, so you don’t need to follow them to the letter, but I hope they help you have a little fun with your session. Mix it up a little and see what happens!

What will my final photos look like?

Share your vision with me! If you’ve seen any pictures online that you like the look or style of, please contact me or send them to [email protected] so I can see what you’d like to achieve from the shoot. You don’t have to though. I’ve done this once or twice 😉 so we can just turn up and see where the wind takes us!

Before we begin, consider these questions:

Do you want formal, posed (looking-at-the-camera) portraits?

Do you want informal, candid photos with natural interaction?

Or a mix! It’s good to let me know so that we’re all on the same page with what you hope to capture from the shoot. Tell me what you want your photos to portray; when people look at your pictures, do you want them to see a couple that is easy-going? Fun? Energetic? Warm? Think of some descriptive words you’d like people to use when they see your images. This will help choose locations, looks and styles that will suit the overall impression you want to display with your finished portraits.

What should I wear?

Plain, solid colours are almost always best. The point of a great portrait is to see, appreciate and cherish the faces in the photograph. So we don’t want anything in the photograph that distracts the eye from going right to the expressions of you and your loved one. This means avoiding extremely bright colours, prints and logos. You don’t have to colour-coordinate, but it can be fun to pick an accent colour for you both to wear. It could be a scarf, a hat, a tie or a pendant. Lets not be too matchy-matchy though, as that can be a little cheesy! But why not tie-in a colour theme in your portraits to make them pop a little more?

Avoid patterns. It’s okay if one of you has a simple stripe or a basic design, but too many intricate patterns detract from faces. If in doubt about what to wear, go with a simple, solid coloured shirt. Loads of different patterns can be jarring to look at, so simple is always better.

Go casual, I love photos with you both looking relaxed, having fun with each other, and being comfortable. So jeans and t-shirts are great for casual portraits.

Wear layers to add dimension and accessories for splashes of colour. Consider rich textures, simple patterns, chunky jewellery, belts, scarves, hats and buckles. But don’t overdo it! And let’s be honest – this is Scotland – chances are we’ll be outside, and it will be chilly. A cute hat or scarf can really liven up an outfit, so it’s definitely something to bear in mind.

If the shoot is going to be in a park setting and there is a lot of green, choose colours that will go nicely with green to help make your photos come alive! I would suggest a bold contrasting colour like red, or perhaps a lovely pastel peach if that’s more your style.

If you prefer more neutral colours, it’s still a good rule of thumb for someone to wear a colour that will really stand out. Even if it’s your shoes, add a pop of colour somewhere. Wear simple, classic apparel that reflects your style. For a timeless couples portrait, avoid clothing that is too trendy. You don’t want to look back at your photos in five years’ time and cringe at what you’re wearing in the photos!

Where will we go to take the photos?

Please let me know if there’s anywhere, in particular, you’d like to go for the photos – I have lots of ideas and can help with suggestions if you’re struggling.

The outdoors can make a great backdrop, and most people are happier outside than in. Let your inner kids be wild in the grass, run through a field or dance in an alleyway.

I’ll most likely take you on a walk and stop when I see something interesting that’ll make a good background – trees, a flowery meadow, a location with a stunning vista behind it. I’ll take it from there.

Will we need to pose?

Don’t worry about posing, I prefer to be informal, and will gently direct you on the day. Natural poses and natural images look best, so don’t worry too much about structured poses or doing anything too fancy. I have lots of experience in bringing out the best in people.

Should I bring anything with me?

If we’re shooting in an outdoor location, then feel free to take accessories with you. Hats, umbrellas, wellies, props or thank you signs will all add to the number of shots I can create.

If the weather is inclement, please bring wellies and umbrellas (bright ones if possible!). I wouldn’t suggest rescheduling if it’s just a light rain shower, sometimes this can make for even more interesting pictures – think raindrops on leaves and you splashing in the puddles! But if it’s a horrible day we can, of course, reschedule to another time that suits you.