Some of these tips apply only to on-location photo shoots, but can be easily adapted for indoor and studio photography. These tips may also be a “springboard” for new ideas and “photo shoot check list” items of your own, so we encourage all of our photography clients to read these tips before the day of their shoot.
1. Schedule Your FREE Pre-Shoot Consultation!
2. RELAX! HAVE FUN!
3. Schedule Your Shoot Early
4. Consider Locations in Advance
5. Consider Alternate Dates & Locations
6. Hair Cuts & Hair Style Changes
7. Bring Your Ideas & Samples
8. Consider Your Wardrobe & Bring Multiple Selections
9. Bring Your Own Props
10. Pack a “Stay Fresh” Travel Kit
11. Bring Your Pets, But Consider This First…
The best thing you can do to help yourself, and your photographer, prepare for your photo shoot is to call jSparks Photography when you begin reviewing your schedule for possible dates for your shoot. We can review our schedule as you review your own, and secure your date with our photographer early in your planning process. We will also discuss your shoot in as much detail as possible to collect important information such as subject matter, style, location ideas, prop and wardrobe issues. Your pre-shoot consultation will take less than 60 minutes, usually 30 to 45 minutes, and can be conducted in person or over the phone. To get started, call Jim Sparks at 314.225.7403 or use our Contact Us page to send us a message.
First and foremost, to have a successful photo shoot you must be relaxed, comfortable with your location and wardrobe selections, and mentally relaxed and prepared for the photo shoot process. If the photo shoot will start in your own home or business, complete your preparations for the shoot the night before and complete any errands or items on your task list at least an hour before your shoot. Use the hour before your shoot to freshen up and relax before the fun begins. If your shoot starts on-location give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the first location, and try to get there at least 15 minutes early. Do not force yourself to rush or lose your mind in traffic; Leave early and have a relaxing drive. When you arrive, take a few minutes to “shake off the drive” and prepare yourself mentally before starting the shoot. Always keep in mind that the photographer is there for you, not the other way around. Your photo shoot should be fun, relaxed, creative and spontaneous. Prepare yourself mentally for this before your shoot and you will be completely pleased with the results.
Plan your photo shoot as early as possible to avoid scheduling conflicts. If you have friends or family joining in on the fun, be sure to contact them early and coordinate a date that works for everyone. Then contact us as soon as you can to book your date.
jSparks Photography gives you the flexibility of on-location photo shoots, with multiple locations and no additional charges of any kind. Think of locations in your area that fit your sense of style and the look you want to create in your photos. Your favorite parks and local attractions are a great place to start. Churches, schools and athletic fields can also yield interesting results. If you need recommendations for photo shoot locations, no problem! We have compiled our own list of beautiful locations around the St. Louis area that are perfect for your photo shoot, and we’ll work with you to decide which ones will work best for you. If you have specific locations you want included in your shoot, please contact us in advance and let us know so we can plan ahead for the best experience possible.
If you want to include outdoor on-location scenes in your photo shoot, it is highly recommend that you plan for, and schedule, an alternate date for your photo shoot in case the weather does not cooperate on your primary date. Keep an eye on the event schedule for any public locations you plan to visit for your shoot, especially as the date of your shoot approaches. Be sure to have backup locations in mind in case your primary selections are unexpectedly closed or too crowded when we arrive.
Do not get a haircut or a change of hair style within 2 weeks of your primary photo shoot date. Your photos should be a natural representation of yourself and recent haircuts look unnatural in portraits. Giving your hair at least 2 weeks of growth after a hair cut will make your hair look natural and will avoid the “fresh cut” look. We recommend that you avoid radical changes to your hairstyle all together, primarily due to the risk of you not liking your new hair style. If you are unhappy and uncomfortable with your hair style it will show up in your portraits, guaranteed.
As you prepare for your photo shoot and your shoot date approaches, think carefully about your personal taste and style, and the message or “look” you want to portray in your image. Your feelings about your personal style will have the largest impact on the results of your photo shoot, and will affect virtually every aspect of your shoot from locations to wardrobe and prop selections to the creative style your photographer will use during your shoot. In the months before your photo shoot, keep an eye out for images that catch your eye; Images that represent your personal style and taste. Look for samples in your favorite magazines and Web sites. What you don’t like is just as important as what you do like, so don’t be afraid to share your dislikes with us, and give us examples of images you do not like and styles you want to avoid.
When it comes to wardrobe selections, first put the limitation of a fixed number of wardrobe changes out of your mind. At jSparks Photography we do not put a limit on the number of wardrobe modifications and changes during your shoot. Next, consider your own personal style and put together your own wardrobe combinations from your favorite clothes in your wardrobe. Make a list of the clothes required to make your combinations so you won’t forget anything on the day of your shoot. Lastly, consider your alter-ego’s style and the things you wish you could do with your wardrobe. If your budget permits, do some “focused wardrobe shopping” with the intent of building one or two new and unique wardrobe combinations.
Once you’ve settled on the style and look for your shoot and your initial wardrobe selections, call us to discuss your ideas and give us an idea of your plans. This will help us best prepare for your shoot to give you the results you are looking for.
“Props” are any accessory you can add to a scene to enhance a photograph. Personal items that have meaning to you make excellent choices. Items like stuffed animals, athletic gear, themed clothing and tools are just a few examples. Hats, scarves, umbrellas and canes also make for excellent props. Musicians are welcome to bring their favorite instruments, which we recommend cleaning and polishing the night before your shoot. If you have a particular piece of furniture, such as a rocking chair or stool, that you feel comfortable posing in, feel free to bring it along as well. Graduating High School Seniors should bring any school “spirit” items available, and of course don’t forget your letterman jacket if you have one! You can also think BIG with your props: If you want to have a magazine cover quality photo of yourself with your automobile, motorcycle or boat, we can do that too! Even your home can be considered a “prop” and can be the first of the locations in your shoot. If your shoot is in a park or other scenic location and you have a favorite blanket or quilt, bring it along as a prop.
If you intend to visit multiple locations or your shoot is taking place during the warmer months of the year, be sure to pack a travel kit to keep yourself fresh and comfortable for the duration of your shoot. If family and friends will be joining the shoot, be sure to make this recommendation to everyone involved. You may need items such as a hairbrush or comb, wash cloths or hand towels, deodorant, a small makeup kit or anything else that will help you stay comfortable and looking your best. Depending on the locations you choose, be prepared to handle your wardrobe changes in your own vehicle or in our SUV with tinted windows. Transport your wardrobe items carefully to avoid unwanted wrinkles or soiling while travelling to your shoot locations. If it is especially warm you may want to pack a cooler with ice and your favorite drinks.
We love pets and we love photographing them. We offer portraits of just your pet as well as individual, couples and group portraits that include pets. We also take the care and well being of pets and animals very seriously and expect that the following guidelines will be followed at any photo shoot where pets are involved. We care about pets so much, we’ll cancel a photo shoot when these guidelines are not followed:
1. Bring only well mannered pets.
2. Bring everything you need to control your pet. Many locations have leash ordinances which we will follow explicitly.
3. Bring everything you need to care for your pet, including clean drinking water and a water bowl. Please bring treats if it makes your pet happy!
4. Bring what you need to groom your pet and keep your pet comfortable, just as you would for yourself.
5. Plan on a problem, and the involvement of the authorities, if you abuse your animal or put your animal in danger when in the presence of jSparks Photography staff.
In addition to following these guidelines, feel free to bring anything your pet loves such as toys and bones. Bring toys you and your pet normally use when you interact and play.