Many people think organising a photoshoot is simple. You book a model, find a location, and set a date and time. BUT there is a lot more thought and planning that has to go into organising a model photoshoot. Here are a few tips to help others especially new photographers.
What is it that you would like to shoot? Fashion maybe? but what style? We reccomend putting together a mood board of images that you like the style of. This will help you and the model to understand the styling of clothes needed for the shoot. You may have a stylist involved so a mood board is essential for the stylist to gather and bring along the correct styling and clothing. Alternatively your model may be bringing the styling in which case she also needs to bring the correct styling along to the shoot so that you are able to capture the kind of images and style you had in mind. There is no point in telling someone to bring along "some clothes" as you may not like the choices.
Location location location. Where will you be shooting? In a studio? On location? have you considered the following: Parking, Toilets, Weather, Safety, changing area, travel, Electric? Be prepared for the locations you're planning to visit. Firstly, It is important to be safe. Safety is to be considered for everyone. The photographer, model. HMUA, stylists, assistance ect. Is there parking and how many spaces. You do not want to arrive somewhere that doesn't have parking nearby meaning you have to lug your heavy equipment and styling for miles. Toilets. We all have to use the loo at some point during the day. There is no point in organising a full day shoot out in the middle of no where with no toilets close by. If you're shooting for example in a woodland area, then have a look for nearby cafes or public toilets so that yourself or anyone apart of the team can use the loo. We recommend taking breaks throughout the day so that everyone can break together and nip of to the loos especially if they aren't within eye sight. If toilets are not going to be available let everyone know this before the shoot. Another thing too consider is your source of electricity. In a studio most if not all will have power sockets for you to use, however on location you rarely have power sockets. Be prepared with a fully charged battery in your camera and a spare battery incase. If you're using lights then consider buying or hiring battery powered packs. Also remember multiple memory cards and to make sure you're shooting in the right format.
The last tip for today is to make sure you choose the right model. Choosing a model to suit your idea is important. If you're a photographer with little to no experience of posing, then we suggest booking a model with experience. This gives you one less thing to worry about on the shoot day. Take a look through multiple portfolios to gather an idea on the models looks, styles and pose ability. If you're slightly more experienced with posing a model then you could book a model at any ability and you could offer guidance. However remember not all models like to be "posed" and often models like to flow between poses so speak to models before hand to discuss your shooting style. Remember NEVER TOUCH A MODEL. Do not tweak hair or clothing or touch someone without their consent. If a stylist is there then allow them to alter things. If you are alone with a model allow them to alter themselves unless they ask you for help. This is a key rule in the photography world.
Booking a more experience model has many benefits. They usually know more about lighting, posing and should be experience in doing their own hair and makeup. We understand not everyone has the budget for hair and makeup. Speak to your models first to discuss the hair and makeup look you want to achieve and discuss whether a HMUA is needed.
Remember these are just some tips to help and guide you when it comes to organising your own photoshoots with models.
