How to prepare for a photoshoot

Hi beauties! A few weeks ago I had my very first photoshoot in anticipation for the launch of my business. It was an exhilarating experience and made me realize that I’m really about to launch my first product! As it was my first photoshoot, I was extremely nervous; taking Instagram pictures is completely different than getting your pictures taken from a professional photographer.

In the days leading up to the photoshoot, I was looking for the perfect outfit, making sure my hair was cooperating, and ensuring that my skin was flawless. Upon reflection I didn’t need to stress that much about it. Below are 5 tips to consider if you are going to be getting your photos taken professionally.

• Do your research. Make sure you are familiar with your photographer and the services he/she offers and provides. Reach out to his/her past clients if you must. I strongly suggest your review their portfolio of work to ensure their aesthetics are similar to yours. Do your research to ensure the photographer that you select will be a good fit for you. When doing your research you use Google, Instagram, and their website to find out more about their business, and portfolio of work.
• Have a vision and concept. Have an idea of the type of picture that you would like to take in mind, and discuss this with your photographer so you are both on the same page with the expectations for how your photos should be taken and edited. Doing this is very important in order to make sure you are satisfied with the final outcome of your photos. This is especially so throughout the duration of the photoshoot session; typically, photoshoots take a few hours. Make sure you are getting the type of pictures you want taken. For example, when your photographer provides posing directions, it’s important that the direction given is in alignment to the discussed concept. You want to make sure the suggestions provided align with the overall vision. Having a vision also helps you to identify how you want to look aesthetically; from your hair, makeup, all the way down to your clothes. As a result, the pictures taken will reflect that.
• Eat well balanced meals, drink a lot of water and rest.  Weeks leading up to your photoshoot be healthy! Limit cheat meals and get a lot of sleep. Doing this will aid in you looking your best. Your skin will be glowing and you’ll have a lot of energy to take pictures for hours.
• Practice your poses. Know what your “good-side” is, and practice how you wish to appear in front of the camera. Doing this will help you to feel a little bit more comfortable when it comes to posing in front of your photographer. Personally, I’d say this is were the poses that I do for fun on my Instagram account come in handy. These give me an idea of what angles work well and where I could improve in the days leading up to my photoshoot.
• Relax and have fun. Taking pictures can be fun or taxing to some. Nonetheless relax and enjoy the process. From my experience, (and from what I’ve heard in the past), photoshoots take a few hours. The camera captures all expressions; including if you are tried or stressed out. So be sure to relax your body and mind for the best pictures to be captured. Have fun! The photoshoot is all about you; enjoy it and soak it all in!

xo,

Eseeri