RT photographics

How to Get the Best from Your Photo Shoot

This is a quick guide to help you get the most out of your photo shoot and to help get the images you really want.

Clothes:

The big question is always “what shall I wear?” well, that depends on what type of shoot you want, and is probably easier to answer with what NOT to wear!

AVOID solid black or solid white as these do not print up so well and you can lose a lot of definition, making you look shapeless and putting weight on you in the photos where you don’t actually have it at all. Also avoid very large and busy prints as that can distract the eye from your face and your best features by completely dominating the shot.

DO wear something that is comfortable and allows you to move around without restricting you and without rumpling up too much. Think about the style of shots you want… If you want a family portrait to show your gran, does she want to see you in your frillies?

If you are worried that you may look a bit rounder than you would like, well-cut plain fabrics in a darker colour (but preferably not black) with longer sleeves and v-shaped or sweetheart necklines are often most flattering.

For actors looking for headshots, bring a selection of at least 3 different tops. V-necked tops are the most flattering, as we will be photographing head and shoulders only, round-necked tops or polo necks can give you a 'round' look that you may be wishing to avoid, especially if you have concerns about your jawline!

If you want a glamour shot, wear the clothes that make you feel glamorous. If you feel uncomfortable or shy in something, it will show in the photos.

For glamour shoots and intimate portraits, it’s a good idea to have a few choices where you can start off in your comfortable clothes and perhaps get more daring as you relax and start to enjoy the shoot. An important tip for anyone wanting glamour shots or intimate portraits is to avoid wearing tight clothing (including bras and socks) for at least 2 hours before the shoot, as these will leave unsightly marks on your skin.

If you still can’t decide, get in touch with me, rebecca@rtphotographics.co.uk and we’ll talk you through your own personal shoot and what will work best for you.

Don’t worry too much, it's often best to just be yourself!

Make-up:

Again, this will depend on the look you want to achieve. Many people look fantastic without any make-up, or with just a bit of mascara and a lip balm. Others like to be really creative with make-up for head shots and dramatic portraits.

What to AVOID:

Be careful with lip gloss as the studio lights will reflect off it and cause glare. A lip balm or moisture-rich lipstick will work well, but if you really want the shiny wet-look, then just use a thin application of lip gloss.

Avoid really glittery eyeshadows UNLESS you are going for bold, daring creations with false eyelashes, gemstones, etc.

It is often a good idea to come with minimal make-up on, or no make-up at all, but to bring your cosmetics with you and we can build it up as we go along.

Models wishing to build a portfolio should start with no make-up at all. Many agencies require a fresh-faced, make-up free head shot before they want to see your portfolio.

Poses:

The biggest problem people have in front of a camera is usually what to do with their hands. The best answer is anything except leaving them hanging down at your sides!!

If you are wearing jeans or anything with pockets, hands look great just lightly resting on the pocket, perhaps looping your thumb in and leaving the fingers out. Avoid shoving your hands in or tugging down at your clothes though as this can look awkward... unless it is done deliberately. I will guide you as to how to do this, but practise in front of a mirror and see what looks good and what doesn’t.

If you are wearing a dress or a skirt, or even nothing at all then you still have plenty of options. You can rest a hand on your hip, or both hands on both hips; you can wrap your arms round your waist, across your chest, up by your head… anywhere really apart from hanging down at the sides! Again, I will help you and direct you.

Avoid flat angles… flat hands, straight arms, straight legs, or body and face straight on to the camera. Instead, a slight tilt of the head, bend at the elbow, curve of the fingers, etc will all help to create nice flowing lines and curves that are far more visually appealing and enhance your own natural beauty.

Obviously I will also help with this, but look at old photos of yourself and also of people in magazines and adverts, Look at the shapes they create with their bodies and see how nearly everyone looks better when they’re not straight on and standing straight up to the camera. I will guide you with poses and will help you to get the most flattering and most natural looks to get you the images that you really want.

If you have any physical restrictions that limit what poses you can do, please let me know before we start! If something hurts, tell me, and stop doing it.

Props:

By all means use any props you want, so long as they are safe to use around the studio lights and around other people!

Pets are also fine so long as they are house-trained and well-behaved.

Props can be anything from walking sticks to veils, flowers, cuddly toys or even wigs and body art.

The only stipulation I have is for safety and if your prop (or pet) is a potential hazard to the lighting set-up or to ourselves, then please do not be offended or upset if I say that we cannot use it. Common sense rules apply!


I hope that this quick guide helps answer your questions but if you have any more then please ask me, rebecca@rtphotographics.co.uk

Thank you and enjoy your shoot!