Creating your dream photoshoot

Hello my beautiful goddesses,

In our biweekly live call, I dove deep into how to create your ✨dream photoshoot✨—a styled shoot from start to finish. While there are several elements to organize, these types of shoots are incredibly powerful for attracting new clients, making your brand stand out, and aligning your business with a creative voice that is uniquely yours. Not only do they build confidence, but they also push you beyond your comfort zone, helping you realize just how much potential you have and how vital your art is to the world.

Creating a dream photoshoot involves detailed planning, creative vision, and collaboration.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you bring your vision to life:

1. Define Your Vision

   - Theme/Concept: Start by identifying the theme, story, or mood you want to capture. This could be anything from whimsical, editorial, to lifestyle.

   - Inspiration: Research different sources of inspiration—fashion magazines, music, art, nature, or historical references.

I also recommend starts sharing this vision on social media to start creating interest and to let your followers be part in the evolution of this shoot, people love to be part in a story.

 2. Create a Mood Board

   - Visual Style: Here is where you bring everything together, collect images, color schemes, poses, and lighting styles that reflect your vision. Tools like Pinterest, Canva, or Adobe Spark are great for this.

   - Textures and Props: Include fabrics, materials, props, and backdrops that evoke the desired atmosphere.

   - Wardrobe and Makeup: Pin images of outfits, accessories, and makeup looks to ensure cohesion between all aspects of the shoot.

Share moodboard see interest - create this in Canva and share on social media once again to see if anyone is interested in partaking, it also always sparks great conversations. 

3. Find Collaborators

   - Brands/Businesses: Reach out to local or relevant brands that align with your vision for sponsorship, wardrobe, or props. Offer them exposure through your work.

   - Models: Depending on the style of the shoot, decide if you'll need professional models or real people who fit your concept. Look on model platforms like Instagram, or work with modeling agencies. This is what I say to models on Instagram: 

Hello beautiful (model name)

My name is Nami and I am a woman portrait photographer from New Zealand. I currently started my journey as an empowering woman portrait photographer and I am looking to expand my portfolio.

I have beautiful vision (explain your vision)

I love about you (what you love about the model)

I was wondering if you would be interested in partaking in this beautiful experience, all images can be kept for your own portfolio.

I be forever grateful to hear back from you!

(Your name and business name)

   - Hair & Makeup Artists: Collaborating with talented makeup artists and hairstylists is crucial to achieving the desired look.

   - Assistants: It’s helpful to have assistants for lighting, props, and general on-set support as well as bts footage, I always ask a friend and then take them out for dinner is such a nice and fun way to hang out (in my opinion anyway and my friends all love creative projects).

 4. Location Scouting

   - Choose a Location: Find a location that enhances the mood of your shoot. It could be an outdoor setting, a studio, or a unique venue. Visit the location ahead of time to check lighting and logistics and always have a couple of back up options incase on the day of the shoot its crowded or super windy etc in one spot.

   - Permits: If you’re shooting in a public space, ensure you have the required permissions or permits.

5. Plan the Shoot

   - Create a Shot List: Write down the key images you want to capture, including angles, poses, and emotions. This ensures you don’t miss any important shots. Or you can print out your. mood board for the day too, or have your screenshots handy on the phone.

   - Lighting and Equipment: Decide on the type of lighting (natural or artificial) and the equipment needed (reflectors, softboxes, etc.). Test all equipment before the shoot. I remember I shot a weddings years ago and my battery from the flash was gone, not ideal so definitely ensure everything works.

   - Schedule: Coordinate with all collaborators to set a date and time. Create a timeline for the day of the shoot to manage time effectively. 

6. Communicate with Your Team

   - Share the Mood Board: Send it to everyone involved to align them with your vision—models, makeup artists, stylists, etc. I also always recommend communicating with the model that the shoots vibe is "sadgirl energy or goddess confident queen energy" prior to the shoot so she knows exactly what to expect :)

   - Confirm Details: Go over all logistics (timing, location, wardrobe) with your team in advance.

7. Prepare for the Shoot

   - Wardrobe Fitting: If necessary, arrange fittings to ensure all clothing and accessories work well for the models. And always ask the model if she has some clothes that are potentially in alignment with your vision too.

   - Set Design/Props: Source and prepare any props or set pieces ahead of time. If you’re shooting outdoors, prepare for the weather.

   - Backup Plan: Always have a contingency plan for bad weather, no-shows, or technical issues.

   - Snacks: I recommend maybe taking a few refreshments on the day too: water, a few snacks etc. this helps keeping the mood fun and caring for everyone involved too and nothing worse than getting (h)angry at shoot day!

 8. Execute the Photoshoot

   - Direct with Confidence: Communicate clearly with your team and models. Be flexible but stick to your creative vision.

   - Experiment: Once you’ve captured the essential shots, allow room for spontaneity. Play with different angles, lighting setups, and poses.

   - Capture Details: Get close-up shots of makeup, jewelry, or textures to add depth to the final images.

9. Post-Production

   - Select Photos: Review and choose the best shots that represent your vision.

   - Editing: Edit your photos to match the aesthetic you initially planned. This includes color grading, retouching, and enhancing light and shadows.

10. Share and Promote

   - Showcase: Share the final images on your   website, social media platforms, or photography portfolio to showcase your work. Be sure to tag and credit all collaborators.

   - Submit to Publications: If your shoot fits an editorial style, consider submitting your images to magazines, blogs, or websites for feature opportunities.

   - Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share BTS videos or photos on social media to engage your audience and show the creative process, this is why I recommend have an assistant or great friend tag along on the day.

11. Follow Up with Collaborators

   - Send Final Images: Send edited photos to everyone involved, especially models and businesses. Ensure they receive high-quality files for their portfolios. Ask to be tagged in work.

   - Thank You: Express gratitude to everyone who contributed to the shoot. Building good relationships can lead to future collaborations as well as showing gratitude is so important and will in turn make you feel great too!

12. Evaluate and Reflect

   - Review the Process: Reflect on what went well and what could have been improved during the shoot. This helps refine your approach for future projects. And also sit still with the fact that your brought your vision to life! This is huge, honour this.

   - Gather Feedback: If possible, ask your collaborators for their feedback. This can give you new perspectives and help you grow as a photographer. You can share your Google Business page as reviews here are great for your organic SEO too.

By following these steps, you can create a dream photoshoot that reflects your artistic vision and leaves a lasting impression on both your collaborators and audience.

Love you, Nami x