Careful organization is the key to a successful portrait session that will please both the photographer and the model. Especially important is preliminary preparation for beginners, because professionals already know what equipment they will need, where to look for inspiration, and how to calculate the working time.
1. Start with an idea.
It doesn’t matter if it is a sudden inspiration or a desire to add new types and images to your portfolio. It is the idea that determines the choice of model, as well as the location for the shoot and the need for additional props. Sometimes interesting solutions come to mind in new scenic spots, at the sight of a person with an attractive or simply original appearance, under the pressure of events. In this case, don’t hesitate to get acquainted with a potential model and find out more about a particular location (ask if you can shoot there and assess what time of day is the best light).
2. Take care of the lighting
Carefully adjust the lighting, because it affects the silhouette of the model and the perception of facial features. Of course, reducing cheeks or removing the second chin is possible in the app to slim face, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use all the other tools of a professional photographer.
If you’re shooting outdoors, choose early morning or before sunset, when natural light is at its softest. Also, a cloudy day will do. If you count on a spectacular play of contrasts, you can arrange a photo shoot in clear sunny weather, deciding in advance what will be the source of shade. But even the most experienced professionals avoid taking pictures in the midday hours. This is because the sun in the zenith provides a harsh shadow that will alter the perception of the frame for the worse.
3. Secure your equipment.
For portrait photography, it is advisable to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a focal length of 50mm or more and a maximum aperture of 5.6. There is an ongoing debate about the exact models and brands of cameras, but that’s another story.
You are also advised to get a tripod – it helps in many situations by reducing the chance of blurring the picture. This is especially true if you have a sensitive SLR camera. Regardless of your chosen location, you will need a light disk (reflector). It will help you correct both studio and natural light: put accents and avoid the formation of too-deep shadows.
If you choose to shoot indoors, in addition to the already mentioned, you will need additional equipment.
- 1–3 light sources.
- 1–2 white or silver umbrellas.
- A soft reflector.
- A softbox.
If you are just starting out as a photographer, the missing equipment can be borrowed from another specialist or discussed with the studio: in some cases, you can rent the accompanying accessories for a fee. There are ready-made light settings for taking portraits, but no one forbids experimenting.
The background can be any surface. A white or black wall, a monochrome cystogram will be a win-win option. Outdoors you can find more expressive solutions: brickwork, climbing plants, etc. In any case, the background should not drag the attention on itself, motley, bright and abundance of details.
4. Think about the supporting moments
If the general idea, model, and location are already defined, you need to pay attention to a couple more moments.
- Stylistics. It’s about the concept and the mood of the photo shoot. What impression on the viewer should produce images? This affects the choice of light, angles, color palette, and the appearance of the model (clothing, shoes, hair, makeup). Stylistics can be thought out as soon as the idea is formed, since
- Plot. Write down for yourself the context of the events in the frame, the approximate plan of action and drama, possible options for posing the model, and what elements of the environment will be involved (furniture, accessories, etc.). This approach does not exclude improvisation but helps to form a clear idea of the future shoot and after the meeting with the model begins to work without wasting time.
- Scenes. Look for references on the Internet, which will give inspiration. By analyzing the thematic works of other photographers, you can take into account their experience, see interesting tricks or blunders, and avoid hackneyed scenes.
5. Provide time for the photo session
There are many factors that determine the duration of the photo shoot: from your skill with the camera to the skills of the model and the subject matter richness of the chosen theme. But if a studio rental is contemplated, you need to outline an exact time frame. Professional photographers recommend allocating 2–3 hours for the shoot. This is enough time to set up and adjust the equipment, work with the model, assemble the equipment, and release the studio. At the same time, the participants do not have time to get very tired.