Being a photographer is a very rewarding profession. You get to meet new people and create lasting memories for them. That being said, it can be stressful when you have a big shoot scheduled in your studio space. This means all of your equipment needs to be in working order and the space needs to be clean and tidy.
Are you getting ready to do a big photoshoot and have no idea where to start? It might seem overwhelming, but there’s no need to fear – we’ve prepared a list of tips to help you get your studio ready for the big day!
1. Clean Your Studio Space
Studio space is a photographer’s second home. They spend hours in there perfecting their craft, but also doing mundane tasks like filing and sorting paperwork.
It’s important to keep your studio clean so all of your equipment will always be ready for use and you won’t have to worry about your workspace getting cluttered. If your studio is very cluttered and you’re planning on spending a long time in there, it can increase your stress level, which will show in the results of your shoot.
To keep your studio space clean, there are several things you can do:
– Clean up after yourself; It’s very easy to leave clutter lying around on the floor, on the desk, in the wardrobe. But make sure everything is picked up before you leave your studio because if it’s not organized or put away properly, someone might trip over it and get hurt.
– If you haven’t used something in 6 months, chances are you don’t need it. Get rid of anything that is just taking up space or is broken beyond repair. Donate these items to an organization so they can be put to better use elsewhere.
– Stay on top of your cleaning; the more you procrastinate on this task, the harder it will be to catch up later.
2. Conduct a Full Inspection of Your Equipment
It’s important to make sure all of your equipment is in good condition before a big photoshoot because it’s awful if your studio light or camera malfunctions during the middle of the shoot.
For cameras and lenses, make sure there is no visible dust on the sensor or on the lens. If you’re not familiar with how to clean your equipment (and some people aren’t), it’s a good idea to find out where your closest camera store is and bring in your equipment for cleaning.
3. Choose Your Backdrops and Props Wisely
It has to be said: nothing looks tackier than an uncoordinated and cluttered backdrop. It’s of the utmost importance to choose your backdrops and props very carefully so your client will be happy with how their images turned out.
To get that perfect image, you’ll need to take into consideration what kind of look you want for your subject(s) and how many layers of backdrop you’ll need to achieve this look. That being said, it’s not a good idea to have too many layers because there might be some slight inconsistencies when they are merged into one image.
Think about what kind of look you are going for and what will compliment your subjects and you will be on the right track.
4. Make Sure to Switch on Your Studio Lights
Lighting is one of the most important things when it comes to photography – both in-studio sessions and outside. If your lighting is bad, then you won’t be able to properly edit your photos and clients won’t be happy with the end result.
This may seem like an obvious one, but the studio lamps don’t need to be turned on 24/7 for you to remember to turn them on at least a day before your shoot. It’s good practice if you’re shooting infrequently; it makes sure that when you switch on the lamps, you don’t get a shock and that your equipment hasn’t run out of juice.
5. Make a Shot List
A shot list is a great way to ensure you have everything ready so you don’t forget any major details. It’s easy to let your mind wander during a photoshoot, but if you have that list written down anywhere near your workspace, then it will be much easier to remember all the details.
Plan out each scene or setup that you want to capture during the shoot. If you’re unsure, you can ask your client for suggestions about what they’d like. A shot list is not quite the same as a layout (which shows where all of the images will be featured on the final product). A shot list lets you map out exactly how many shots you need to take in order to get that perfect image.
6. Test Out Your Shots Beforehand
This will help you avoid any last-minute surprises on the day of the shoot. Try to get in the habit of testing out your shots at least a day or two before your shoot so if there are any problems with lighting, cropping, etc. you can fix them beforehand.
Not only does this help prevent mistakes on the big day; it also allows you to test all of your equipment (flash, lights, lenses, etc.) and get them ready for the big day.
7. Show Up on Time!
Discipline is one of the most important things you need to have and quite frankly, it’s one of the hardest things to do. Most people aren’t happy if they feel like they’re being rushed by someone so it’s best to arrive early so you can set up everything before your clients get there.
Not only will this help you avoid a last-minute rush, but you’ll also be able to show your clients that you’re a professional and that their time is valuable.
Remember: even if this day isn’t about you, it’s critical that you stay on schedule and don’t let your client’s time slip away. Punctuality is one of the most important things when it comes to working with others because people tend to not be on time, so if you are always early or right on time, it will give people more faith in you.
8. Don’t Look at the Clock
This might sound silly, but it’s easier said than done when you’re in the middle of a long shoot with no foreseeable end in sight. It’s best not to look at the clock unless you’re completely positive that your client’s time is up.
Even though you might be tempted to look at the clock, try your best not to because it’ll just create unnecessary tension in the air that could affect your productivity. Once you’re done with the shoot and you feel satisfied with all of your images, then you can take a look at the time to see how long it has taken.
Final Words
Never fear, professional photoshoots aren’t as scary as they might seem! With these tips, you’ll be ready for your next big shoot in no time. If you follow these tips and maintain a positive attitude, then your big photoshoot will be a success. The small changes that you make will be well worth it in the end.