Overview
The objective of these tips is to help you prepare for your forthcoming photo shoot or event.
Being prepaired is the key to success.
While this information is primarily intended for general portrait photography a lot of the information is also applicable to events. Please ignore any information that is not applicable to your particular shoot or event. For example if you are looking for a dramatic look some of the comments about makeup may need to be ignored.
We have included information for various ages so please skip the information that is not applicable for your particular shoot / event.
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Events - childrens parties - adult parties - family events - sports events etc.
Firstly the type of event will to some degree affect what we are required to do and can do. In general
there will be a number of activities that need to be recorded such as
cutting a cake, a prize giving, presentation, popping a cork,
an announcement etc. In addition
there may be specific photographic requests by the organisers that we need
to fulfil.
In general we are very happy to take requests for photographs at events,
including pictures of activities, individuals and groups, providing the organisers
allow us the flexibility to do this type of photography. Please note that
some events provide more opportunities for photographic requests than
others and we will do our best to fulfil any requests.
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What happens if you have a problem getting to the shoot?
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You can email or if it is urgent phone 078 104 650 98 and discuss it, do not wait. Please write this number down somewhere and keep it with you just in case you need it, for directions or any other issues.
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Enjoy the shoot, be happy and have fun.
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Our first tip is to enjoy your photo shoot. If you are happy and have fun at the shoot the resulting pictures will show this. Great pictures are pictures of happy people.
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Get a good night's sleep.
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It is important when attending a photo shoot that you are alert, have a good nights sleep the night before the shoot. If you look tired, haggard or under the weather, not to mention under the influence of anything we may need to abort the photo shoot; either because you are not in a fit state to be in the studio or the images will be useless. Do not go out on the town the night before a photo shoot, or stay up all night, it shows. You will look dull and lifeless especially in the face and eyes. Your expression, look in your eyes and stance all contribute to a great image.
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Eyes
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Most people looking at someone's photograph are drawn to the eyes, which is why the eyes are one of the most important items in any portrait. Having bright eyes can make the difference between a fair and a great portrait.
Alcohol and cigarettes both make eyes look dull and blood shot. Even drinking and smoking in moderate quantities can take a few days to clear. If you are a smoker consider reducing or using a substitute or better still quit forever.
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Clean, neat and tidy.
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You need to look good to feel good. When you feel good you will look more attractive.
Unless otherwise discussed and agreed, do what you need to do to look your best, hair, neat and tidy, nails are neat (including toe nails), shaved, waxed etc.
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Hair.
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In general your hair should be neat. In studio portraits, it is is best to avoid using hair products that will make your hair very oily or glitter, as this can be a problem with back lit portraits.
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Makeup.
In general:
- Avoid using heavy face makeup. Use makeup sparingly and avoid any caking.
- Do not use dark makeup around your eyes, as this generally comes out darker on the photographs and does not look good. Going a shade or two lighter around the eyes is generally advised (lightening under the eyes is recommended if the skin color
under the eyes is darker).
- Lips, please avoid using very glossy lipstick as this often causes unwanted reflections.
- If you have any wrinkles or lines you would like to hide you can try products like Sheercover.
- Avoid using any face creams, mosturisers and other products that can create a sheen on the skin.
Under the studio lights this can cause unwanted highlights.
In general a light dusting of face powder can help to reduce shiny skin.
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Sunburn.
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While sunburn can be masked by make-up it is better to avoid excessive exposure to the sun that will cause red or uneven colouration of the skin.
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Tans.
This is a very personal issue, but a healthy looking tan does look great on most people. If you are going to tan, we suggest that you use a safe method, and where possible we suggest an even body tan.
Having a partial tan can look bad if one area of the body is tanned and another area is not, especially if there is a clear dividing line.
A bad tan is worse than no tan. If you are going to use a fake tan start testing products a few weeks before the shoot.
If you are interested in knowing more about fake tanning click here.
Digital tanning is also an option where a tan is added after the photograph has been taken. The disadvantage of
digital tanning is that each image to be used needs to be retouched and will normally involve an additional cost.
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Clothing.
Firstly, wear something that you will feel and look great in. Think about where the portrait will displayed and wear something that will be suitable. There are
no fixed rules with regarding clothing for personal portraits. It is often a good idea to bring a few options to the photo shoot and try a variety.
If you are interested in learing more about clothing that will look great on you try getting a book on fashion tips.
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Appointment time
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Please try to book a time when you feel your best. If the shoot includes babies or children please book a time that is most suitable for them. We can do weekend shoots for clients who work during the week.
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Children
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Please bring one or more sets of clothing for each child. Also bring a few toys (do not bring toys that have any sharp edges including lego) that they can play with at the shoot.
Consider the best time in the day for the children when booking the photo shoot.
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Babies
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Please bring anything that you need including bottles, blanket(s), baby brush, a change of clothes and a range of suitable toys (include some toys that rattle or squeak).
While it is not as easy with babies try to arrange the shoot at the best time in the day for the baby, ideally when they enjoy playing.
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Tight clothing
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This is only an issue where it will affect the images to be taken.
Tight clothing can leave marks on the skin or cause bulges that may be visible.
If any of the photographs to be taken will show any areas of the skin that could
be affected by tight clothing you should use other clothing.
As marks can take about 4 hours to disappear, you should only wear
loose clothing during this period before the shoot over any area of skin
that may be marked by tight clothing.
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Skin issues
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Using a combination of Make-up and digital retouching, most skin problems can be significantly reduced or removed from the final image.
As many skin problems are the body's reaction to a poor diet or lifestyle, including junk food, smoking, alcohol and allergies there are
long term solutions to most problems. If you suspect a problem it is best to consult an expert.
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What to bring with you.
Bring a range of makeup for touching up or to change your look as required.
Hair brush.
A wrap / dressing gown if the shoot will include nude or partly clothed shots.
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Your ideas and suggestions are welcome.
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This is your photo shoot and our objective is to create great images that you will love.
If you have any ideas about poses you would like of yourself or you see a pose in a magazine, please make a note or bring the picture with you so we can discuss doing something similar at the shoot.
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Studio location.
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Our studio is located in Amersham, Bucks, UK. Amersham has both train and tube links to London.
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Contacting us.
or call on 078 104 650 98 for more information.
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