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Do you remember when you were a kid or a teenager and feeling a sense of dread at the thought of going to a photo session? You knew you would have to get all dressed up and then sit, awkwardly posed, in front of a camera operated by a photographer who may have seemed a little over-the-top and insincere.
Thankfully, that sort of photo session is NOT the standard it used to be. With the multitude of camera and portable lighting equipment choices we have today, client shoots tend to be in a more relaxed environment.
To ensure that your photo shoots are both successful AND fun for your client, here are ten essential tips to keep in mind:
If your client is someone you have never met, do your best to schedule a pre-shoot meeting with them, preferably on a day before your shoot. Not only will this give you a chance to discuss what they are looking for in the shoot, but you will also have the opportunity to get to know each other.
Clients who feel like they know you will begin to trust you, making your photo shoot run much more smoothly.
If you're not shooting in a studio, try to choose a comfortable or meaningful location for your client.
If possible, I always try to photograph people at (or near) their homes, especially if I photograph their children, because they will feel more at ease in their home environment.
A photoshoot location with meaning for your client is also a good choice. For example, if you are doing an engagement shoot, try to get some shots of the couple at the place where they had their first date or where their proposal took place. The sentiment attached to a meaningful location can spark emotions in your client, which will translate through your photos.
At the beginning of the shoot, as you are walking to your location, for example, snap a few candid shots of your client as you walk along. This will help them warm up to the camera so that they will feel more at ease when you begin to pose them.
It can be challenging to achieve a natural-looking pose if your client is uncomfortable, and breaking the ice with a few candid shots will help them adjust to being in front of your camera.
If you keep the conversation flowing with your client, they will begin to have fun and open up before you know it.
Ask questions about your client, and be sure to reciprocate by telling them things about yourself. By doing this, you will not only prevent awkwardness at the start of your shoot, but you may also learn some things about your client that you may be able to highlight in your photos.
As photographers, we often get wrapped up in the technical details of camera and lighting settings. If you focus too much on the technical aspects of the shoot, your client may feel as though they don't have your attention.
So if you need to work on any technical details, make sure you keep talking to your client. This can be difficult at first, especially if you are working with a new camera or flash, but the more you practice doing this, the easier it will become.
There is something to be said for storyboarding. Even if it's just a list of locations in your head, poses, and wardrobe changes, your shoot will flow more smoothly if you know how the photo shoot should flow, step-by-step.
Having a structure for the shoot will also help your client feel more secure because they won't feel like they are having ideas sprung on them without warning. Instead, they will feel much more in control of the situation.
Many people tend to freeze up in front of the camera because they are unsure what to do with themselves.
Don’t be afraid to tell your client exactly how to pose because most people want direction, especially if they are not used to being photographed. Remember, you should always ask permission to physically move them into a pose.
For example, if your client's hair is in their face, ask them if it's okay to move their hair before doing so. This small action will build their confidence in you because they will see that you know exactly how to pose them, and it will also build their trust because you are showing them that you are aware and respectful of their personal space.
When you get a great shot, TELL YOUR CLIENT!
Tell them they look great or are doing a wonderful job every few shots or so.  You may also want to show them a couple of your best shots as you are shooting. Some people worry that what they are doing in front of the camera doesn’t look good, but by showing them a select few shots during the shoot, they’ll see that they DO look great.
Just make sure you don't OVER-DO the compliments, or you run the risk of sounding superficial.
If a client has something to hold in their hand or a piece of scenery to play with, they will have something to focus on besides the camera.
Try to think outside the box regarding props and scenery, and customize them to fit your client's personality. If your client is more subdued and low-key, something as simple as posing them on a park bench (rather than having them stand) can be just the right amount of scenery.
On the other end of the spectrum, if your client is an active child or a quirky adult, the sky is really the limit in terms of props. I have a vintage suitcase that I use as a prop, and clients love it because they can carry it, sit on it, etc, and they get enthralled by the suitcase rather than being in front of my camera.
We all know that a photoshoot can be mentally and physically tiring, and a client’s patience tends to run out faster than the photographer’s.
Be aware of your client’s mood and body language. If they seem tired or frustrated, pause for a few minutes and have a beverage (water, coffee, etc.) or just relax. A simple ten-minute break can help everyone refocus, and it also gives you the chance to talk to your client and get to know them even better!
These are just a few tips that will help ensure your photo shoot is successful AND fun!
Each shoot differs in its own way, but if you keep these tips in mind, you can tailor each shoot to fit your client’s personality while knowing everyone will have an enjoyable experience.
AND THE MORE HAPPY AND RELAXED YOUR CLIENT IS, THE BETTER THE PHOTOS WILL BE!
Do you have any questions or comments about Our Tips for a Successful and Fun Photo Shoot? Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to hear from you! And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!
 
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