Hey guys! I'm super excited to write my first blog post (AH!!) I never thought I would do this because 1.) I'm honestly the worst writer ever. 2.) I really like to stay private which is why you'll never see anything about myself on my social media channels. Think the photographer version of Banksy, just less cool.
So I would like to start this post by sharing tips to help new bloggers on their first photo shoot. It's pretty intimidating to put yourself out there online, so I am here to help to make sure your first blog shoot goes smoothly.
The first step is:
1.) Organization
The week of your shoot, it's best to be prepared. Put together a list of your outfits along with makeup, accessories, hair, and shoes.
Ex.)
OUTFIT 1) Pink Dress- nude sandals- Prada bag- pearl necklace-ponytail, nude lips
OUTFIT 2) Grey tee- boyfriend jeans- converse sneakers- hair down- gold watch- leopard clutch- red lips
Another way to avoid writing down a list is taking a picture of each outfit the way it is to be worn for the photoshoot. (Tips and images below from Samantha Stewart of Style of Sam.)
2.) Preparation
It’s very important to think about how you are going to arrange your items in your vehicle. When you are looking for a missing bracelet or lipstick- just remember time is money. Your photographer is already late to their next shoot, sometimes it’s best to move forward and be better prepared for next time. #toughlove
Makeup pictured: Urban Decay On The Run palette, Urban Decay Makeup Setting Spray, Seasonal Tarte mini lipsticks, Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Peach Beach.
TO BRING LIST: (besides clothing)
-Makeup (A good makeup palette for traveling is Urban Decay's Naked ON THE RUN palette. Not only does it have neutral eyeshadow shades, it also comes with a travel size mascara, eyeliner and full size lipgloss. Another plus is the huge mirror it comes with! Highly recommend this for bloggers!
-Makeup wipes for lipstick changes
-Makeup setting spray- This will ensure that your makeup will look flawless from the beginning to the end of the shoot. (Urban Decay is my fav!)
-Paper towels for a sweaty forehead (let’s be real!)
-Tide to-go
-Lint roller (Especially if you have fur babies! Editing lint out is horrible for us.)
-Lotion
-Eyelash curler
-A bra that will work with multiple outfits
-Binder clips if a clothing item is too big
-A mirror if your car doesn’t have one, gotta make sure you don’t have lipstick on your teeth!
-Payment for your photographer. The last thing we want to hear is “Can I just pay you next week when I get paid?”
If you aren't expecting to pay the day of the shoot, simply don’t book the shoot.
Keep in mind, we take the time to travel to location, time to shoot, time to wait for outfit changes, post-process the shoot which requires our skills including but not limited to image coloring, re-sizing, cropping, retouching. Using our expensive equipment and editing software. We do A LOT to make sure you have a great experience and great turnout of images for your blog.
3.) Location
With this being your first shoot, you would want to pick a location with low traffic. At this point, you aren't fully comfortable in front of the camera yet. This will ensure that you can fall without worrying if anyone saw you, avoid any car honks (happens all the time when shooting on a busy street), people cheering you on, stares, people coming up asking what we are doing. Also, If you aren’t comfortable, it definitely shows in the images. Another huge thing- bloggers change in their cars. We definitely don’t want to be in a high traffic area with someone possibly seeing you changing (worst nightmare!)
Blog shoot with Lynlee Poston of Gal About Town, all shot on the same street.
4.) Comfort
Usually during a blog shoot, the photographer and yourself will decide on a location with multiple backgrounds. Make sure to bring a pair of flats or sandals to walk around in so you don’t have to be in pain walking in heels from location to location.
My photo of Katey McFarlan of Chronicles of Frivolity.
5.) Pose
The key is to RELAX, GIRL!
Blog shoots are very different from a senior photo shoot. Mainly because it’s less posed and more natural, however you will feel like you’re acting. Usually your photographer will walk you through some steps in the beginning and then let you wing it towards the middle of the shoot. Here’s an example of things we may yell out to guide you:
“Look to the right, play on your phone, tie your shoe, separate your feet, walk towards the wall." Just remember good posture is everything!
My photo of Samantha Stewart of Style of Sam.
I hope you have a successful first shoot and keep these tips in mind for your future shoots.
Wishing you the best of luck!
XO, Angie