How to organise a photoshoot.

By **Duckeh**. 17/01/10, 05:30 am

If you are organising a photoshoot on the forums please post the thread in your user group subforum. So for me this would be, "Auckland Cosplayers".

I'm by no means an expert, in fact I'm quite a noob on this subject. C: So yes.

Basic tips:
- Figure out where you want your photoshoot to be set beforehand and possible places. It can be fun to do a meet up to scout out places together.
- Try to limit the photoshoot to only people who really want to be involved, bringing a friend who isn't involved might be a bit boring for them and might put you off.
- Try to have a goal of what kind of photos you would like to take. Otherwise you may end up with a lot of random, not so good ones. So think of themes, what kind of style etc.

Feel free to put forward your own tips, I will be deleting any posts which aren't suggesting anything.

By Mischa. 17/01/10, 10:33 am

Bring blankets, sweaters etc if you are posing outside. An oufit that might be warm when you are running round at a con is chilly when you are posing on a hillside.

Make sure if anyone has hayfever they take their medication. Especially if you are going somewhere bushy. A sneezing fit will do a number on makeup and redden eyes.

Never ever make anyone do anything they find embarrassing or uncomfortable. People photograph well when they feel happy and confident.

Don't stare at the photographers breasts...it will show in the photo and they will laugh at you back at the studio ;)

By Rikki-Leigh. 17/01/10, 10:43 am

Mischa wrote:: Don't stare at the photographers breasts...it will show in the photo and they will laugh at you back at the studio ;)

Talking from experience? XD

Be sure to research well into the character and figure out different poses and what you want to do photos of WELL before your photoshoot. This way, you have time before the shoot to get confident about what you want to do, as well as double check it with your photographer to see if what you want is possible.

By Mischa. 17/01/10, 10:50 am

Rikki-Leigh wrote:

Mischa wrote:: Don't stare at the photographers breasts...it will show in the photo and they will laugh at you back at the studio ;)

Talking from experience? XD

Ha ha I wish! - It was a friend

Also if you are in public be prepared to answer questions- most people will be fascinated and ask what you are doing. Especially old ladies!

If you see an interesting private property for a shoot, don't be afraid to ask. This works very well with skimpy costumes and garages for some odd reason. Heritage houses and museums are the worst. Be sensitive with graveyards- remember someone's mother is under there.

Treat surroundings with respect- don't tread on he flowers!

By **JVCA**. 17/01/10, 10:50 am

Bring something to sit on if you have a delicate costume that might need to be protected from rough surfaces - those blankets Mischa mentioned have more than one use!

Write a checklist of everything you need BEFORE you leave for the photoshoot and check that you have everything with you ~~or else you'll end up leaving something important like the tripod you bought specifically for the photoshoot behind~~

Ensure all camera batteries are fully charged, and that you have plenty of space available on your camera.

Bring water bottles. You will get thirsty. An easy to eat snack is a good idea too. Remember to eat!

Bring emergency costume repair stuff - safety pins and fashion tape will save you from most disasters.

If you're doing a dayshoot outside, WEAR SUNBLOCK. Put it on before your makeup, to avoid mucking up your makeup when you apply the sunblock. ...if you're going somewhere bush like, insect repellant is also a wise idea.

Bringing a couple of different props will give you more versatility if you're feeling stuck for poses.

By **Duckeh**. 17/01/10, 10:51 am

New rule for this thread. It is bolded in first post.

By Static. 17/01/10, 11:04 am

Researching poses helps out your photographer a lot! There's only so much a photographer can look up and keep in their head in advance - making notes is all well and good, but stopping to look at them every ten seconds is pretty disruptive!

Tell your photographer what you want, too - and don't be afraid to tell them if you want to do a couple of things differently! If it's not possible, we'll tell you. Within reason, though...no springing a million ideas on photo person when you're packing up to go home. D:<

OH YEAH AND BE NICE TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER. Protip right there.

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