The majority of photography tips I see online are all technical. That’s fine but I wanted to write a small article about other things to be aware of that any photographer including myself might look over.
Tip 1. Think outside of your equipment.
It’s important to bring your equipment, bring at least two of everything, and check it twice. Bring extra memory cards, bring extra batteries, don’t forget your tripod, flash, remote, etc.
However there’s a list of things you should consider adding to your standard equipment.
A ladder.
A dedicated photographer will climb a tree to get the shot from above. A smart photographer brings a ladder. Being able to get different angles in a shot will give you more opportunities to get “the” shot.
Towels.
I live in Miami, it’s hot all the time. If you’re shooting a male he will appreciate a towel to wipe his sweat and it’ll save you time to edit the sweat out in post production.
Models are usually leaning or sitting on something during a shoot. A towel can help keep their clothes in tact and make it more comfortable for them to sit on the scorching hot ground, car, or any other surface you want to shoot them on.
Water.
For yourself and for the model. You don’t want to shoot someone who is exhausted. It will show in the photos and you wont be at the top of your game if you’re dehydrated.
Insect Repellant and/or Sunscreen
If you have sweet blood like me then mosquitos absolutely love you. If your model is getting eaten alive during a shoot they will appreciate your insect repellant and you will appreciate them staying still!
Tip 2. Scout your location before the shoot.
If you can go to the location before the shoot and get a feel for the place do so. Look around. Is there anything that catches your eye? Are there enough trees or enough shade? where is the sun? Take a step back, walk around. If you can’t go to the location before the shoot have your model wait. Explain to them you must take in the surroundings. There’s so many photographers that show up and start shooting immediately. I get it, you don’t want to waste anyones time and you want to get through it but photography takes patience. It is an art after all. Breathe and take in your surroundings…then shoot.
Tip 3. Communicate with your model.
Try to make a connection with your model before shooting. Taking pictures with a model is like dancing. When the model moves you move with them. Sometimes they lead, sometimes you lead them. It all works with communication. I have modeled for photographers where they don’t say a word to me. It was difficult to know if I was doing anything right so I asked a lot of questions. Talk to each other. Make them laugh then take the picture. Make them think and take the picture. Candid shots can be gold especially when you’re working with a subject who has never modeled before.
Tip 4. Shoot with purpose.
What is the purpose of this shoot? If it’s just to make money then you’re not using the creative part of your brain. Before the shoot select some photos that inspire you and that give you and idea as to what you want your shoot to look like. Go in with a plan, a vision, be flexible and have fun!
Tip 5. Don’t just leave when you’ve finished.
When you finish a shoot don’t just say goodbye and leave. Thank the model for allowing you to shoot them. Give them a model release form and explain it to them before they sign it. Give them a date where you can get together and go over the photos or if that’s not a possibility ask them for their email and let them know what to expect in their inbox. Ask them if they have any additional questions.