How to get ready for a branding photo shoot!
I am writing this fresh off a personal photoshoot for myself with the talented photographer Elin Bandmann. And, I’m not going to lie, the lead up to that I felt nervous and extremely unorganised. I’m not a control freak but I love being organised, and, also I didn’t want to waste the photographer’s time so I put this list together for anyone out there about to get a photoshoot done.
These are the things I considered before and on the day.
Before the Day
Develop a mood board of photos and style you like (use pinterest & instagram as inspo). Email Photographer and also print these out before the day so you have something to guide you and the photographer if you get caught up in the moment.
Take note of your mood board photos and what other people’s styles are. Such as their clothes, shoes, props (mugs, water bottles, jewellery and notebook). If you don’t have these at home then go out and buy them or better yet, borrow them from a friend or family member to save you the money and run around.
Know what tools/props you will be using on the day for the shoot (pottery mugs, water bottles, pens, note books, phone, pencils, ipad, headphones, glasses, crystals, products etc. Go back to your mood board and see what other people have used.
Printing designs and getting sketches ready for flat lays or work shots (this might be more relevant for designers or photographers), but have your designs and sketches printed off on quality paper and sketched nicely in your workbook.
Consider your nails, will you be holding your phone or working and will they be in the shot? If they are, then do you think about going natural or getting them done?
Get your outfits ready. Mix it up and get more styles in. I had 4 outfits and I also used different shoes, did my hair differently and wore a hat in a few shots to make the shoot more versatile and to get more styles out of it. Have these ready on the day to go!
Know the location you want to shoot in. Will it be at home in your office? In a workspace? At a cafe? Near a funky garden? Have ideas and even scout them beforehand. I drove around my area to find some clean concrete walls and used my local cafe that had white tiles and lots of greenery. (This comes down to personal choice) But I suggest doing some research beforehand, scout your area and ask your photographer if they have any ideas or spaces they have used on previous shoots.
Wipe down all laptops, ipads, phone, computer and keyboard screens! If you’re going to be using them on the day, remember to clean them. My photographer reminded me of this and I thought it was a great idea. (All my screens needed a good clean).
On the day
Get your hair done
Do your makeup
Have all your outfits ready
Your props ready
Clean any spaces that will be in the shoot
Drink water and don’t forget to eat (I also had some fruit and some snacks for my photographer and I). Being a model is tiring, so keep your energy up with some food and water.
Put some music on. Nothing like some background tunes to make you feel more relaxed, bring atmosphere and fun on the day.
Breath, trust your photographer and enjoy the day!!!