5 Key Pre-Shoot Strategies for Professional Photos

While having your photographs taken, certain expectations are vested in your photographer's adeptness in posing, lighting, and composition. As a patron and the focal point, the assumption is that you can simply appear, allowing the enchantment to unfold, correct? While a substantial part hinges on the photographer's proficiency, an equally significant portion is contingent upon your preparations for the impending portrait session.

What steps can you take to ensure optimal photos and a delightful session? I've crafted an exhaustive compilation of measures to enhance the success of your session significantly.

This post is intended to function as a comprehensive overview, complete with links directing you to more elaborate articles for detailed insights.

In perusing someone's Facebook timeline, Instagram feed, Pinterest boards, or website that captivates and beckons exploration, what emerges as the most prominent feature? 

Extraordinary visuals. When scouring extensively for a website template to employ, what tends to allure you towards one rather than another? The extraordinary, vibrant photos showcased in the preview template (disregarding the fact that these images aren't yours but undeniably captivating!). Whether embarking on the creation of your maiden website, revamping an existing one, or undergoing a complete business metamorphosis, there exists an indispensable element: the orchestration of a professional photoshoot.

1. Design a Color Scheme

For a professional photoshoot exact color coordination between your attire, makeup, backdrop, and culinary elements and your brand is not imperative, but avoiding clashes is crucial.

If the color scheme for your brand and website remains uncertain, it's advisable to abstain from scheduling a professional photoshoot. Allow me to reiterate: if your business hasn't reached the point of serious commitment where you've chosen representative colors, it is unwise to allocate hundreds or thousands of dollars for a photoshoot.

Are you aiming to create a calming atmosphere for individuals dealing with anxiety? If so, steer clear of red, as its presence can be overly agitating.

Understanding your target audience is a prerequisite before delving into any visual aspects for your business, including photographs.

2. Both Candid and Posed Photo Should Take

Candid and meticulously posed photographs serve distinct purposes in your online presence, both of which are indispensable for your website and business.

Candid shots find their place in crafting engaging pins for Pinterest, sharing unfiltered behind-the-scenes glimpses on Facebook and Instagram, and featuring them as full-width images and banners on your website.

Conversely, more formally posed photos are essential for your about page, sidebar, social media profile pictures, webinar sign-up pages, guest posts on external websites, and any platform where your biography might be sought.

Despite my personal aversion to posed photography, I acknowledge their necessity now that I'm collaborating on webinars with fellow business owners, contributing guest posts, and participating in various online discussions.

All it takes is one exceptional headshot where you meet the camera gaze confidently, a picture you're proud to share. This ensures a consistent image across all social media platforms, commenting services like Disqus, and networking platforms such as Slack.

3. Natural and Solid Background

Photographing with solid backgrounds may not have been in your initial plans, and I understand the oversight. However, having images of yourself against a solid background can prove invaluable, especially when you need a photo that accommodates text overlay effortlessly.

Whether the solid background is plain white or colored, ensure that you capture a variety of shots featuring different facial expressions and body poses. These versatile images can serve as valuable assets for your marketing endeavors.

Your photographer can execute this using a drop sheet background, or you can opt for a smooth solid wall. Looking ahead, whether it's a year or two down the road, when you find yourself in need of an image for a webinar sign-up page or any other promotional use, you'll have a collection ready to choose from.

4. Practice Hair and Makeup

Investing in professional hair and makeup services for your photoshoot? It's advisable to conduct a test run for both. Ensuring that both elements align with your expectations in advance alleviates concerns about your appearance on the actual photoshoot day. 

Even if you're handling your hair and makeup personally, dedicating time to practice ensures that you master the portrait look you desire.

5. Make a Short List

When I began compiling a checklist of essential shots for the photoshoot, there was a concern that my meticulousness might be perceived as high maintenance by the photographer. Surprisingly, she was genuinely excited about it!

In fact, she expressed a wish for all her clients to be as organized, acknowledging that it significantly streamlines her tasks. While I was in the midst of hair and makeup, she could efficiently commence capturing some of the shots outlined in the list.

The list served as a handy reference throughout the day. If there was ever a moment where we felt we might be falling behind schedule, consulting the list provided clarity on the remaining shots needed.

The collective sentiment was one of focus and relaxation, knowing that we were systematically capturing everything essential. This was particularly crucial given the photographer's out-of-town status, leaving no room for a second day of shooting.