At Elyk Studios Photography, our goal is to make your shoot as fun and easy as possible. We've put together a list of (hopefully) helpful tips to make your photo shoot an amazing experience.
Before Your Photo Shoot
1. If you're getting your hair cut, do it at least a few days before your shoot. Often times, it takes a day or two for your hair to "set" into its new look. Giving yourself those few days will allow this process to happen. Then before your shoot, you can style it in the exact look you want. This also gives you a bit of room for error correction if your haircut wasn't your picture perfect ideal.
2. Cut out (or print out) pictures that you like as examples. While a photographer certainly has their own creative style, it's truly impossible for them to know exactly what you want. Bringing some examples of what you like, or poses you'd like to try, helps the photographer get exactly what you're looking for during your photo shoot. With Elyk Studios Photography, we consider your photo shoot a creative collaboration. We want your input just as much as you want ours.
3. Rest and hydrate. While everyone may enjoy a good night out on the town, it probably isn't the best idea to be out until 4am the night before your shoot. Our faces show everything, including a lack of sleep. Alcohol will make you appear bloated the next day. Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before your shoot - your skin (& pictures) will thank you for it.
4. Bring a few outfits. You're not expected to change into a ball gown in your car (although you are certainly free to do so), but it's always good to bring a few outfits to your photo shoot. It gives different "looks" and gives you a wider variety of pictures. If you want to do minimum changes, even bringing a different jacket or simple layering of your clothes (so you can remove as needed) will do the trick.
Remember, that accessories are extremely important. Wear your jewelry, a scarf, a belt or anything you think compliments your outfits. You want to look your best while being "you".
Also remember, solids always photograph better than patterns. That doesn't mean you can't wear an outfit with a pattern, but think about that pattern before you make a decision. If it's a loud Hawaiian shirt, it will probably not photograph well. If it's a subtle pattern, you should be fine.
If there are multiple people in your photo shoot, make sure you are coordinated in your outfits. There is no need to aim for perfectly matched outfits (unless that is what you're actually aiming for), but there are ways to coordinate the clothing between multiple people in a very appealing way.
Not the best looking outfit coordination:
Much better looking outfit coordination:
5. Bring props. Props really help a shoot come alive. It could range from a heartfelt ring your great grandmother gave you to those big silly hats you purchased for laughs. Maybe you bring some water guns or the dog! Bring anything (& everything) you think could help make your pictures come alive. Every picture tells a story - props are what help you tell that story.
During Your Photo Shoot
1. Talk and connect. The first few minutes of your photo shoot should be spent connecting with the photographer. Believe it or not, the photographer is often just as nervous as you are. It truly does make a noticeable difference when you are more comfortable. This allows you to be a bit more relaxed and your photos will look all the better for it.
2. Give the photographer your example pictures. This will ensure you're getting any poses, styles or looks that you want during your photo shoot.
3. Relax. Everyone gets nervous before (& often during) their photo shoot. At this point, you're there so you might as well take a deep breath and enjoy it.
4. If you think of something you want to try, try it! The photographer will be guiding you to do different poses, but if something suddenly comes to you that you want to try, announce it! We'd be glad to do it.
For Photo Shoots With Children
1. Make sure your child is rested and fed before your shoot. A photo shoot can be grueling work for a child. It's notoriously difficult to get them to look at the camera and they tend to get very bored, very easily. A well rested and well fed child gives one less "obstacle" to overcome during your photo shoot.
2. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks. We will typically be shooting for about 45 minutes, oftentimes outside.
3. Bring any "comfort items" they may have. Some clients have brought a child's favorite blanket or stuffed animal to their photo shoot. Anything that makes your child feel comfortable during their shoot is appropriate to bring.
4. Bring a few toys to keep them occupied. You may want a picture with just adults or with other children. It can be boring for a young child when they're not being photographed. Toys will help keep them occupied.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I can be reached at (302) 722-6749 or kyle@elykstudios.com
Kyle McMahon is the owner and photographer with Elyk Studios Photography & Videography, a Wilmington Delaware & Murfreesboro Tennessee based photographer.
Elyk Studios Photography
(302) 722-6479
www.ElykStudios.com
Before Your Photo Shoot
1. If you're getting your hair cut, do it at least a few days before your shoot. Often times, it takes a day or two for your hair to "set" into its new look. Giving yourself those few days will allow this process to happen. Then before your shoot, you can style it in the exact look you want. This also gives you a bit of room for error correction if your haircut wasn't your picture perfect ideal.
2. Cut out (or print out) pictures that you like as examples. While a photographer certainly has their own creative style, it's truly impossible for them to know exactly what you want. Bringing some examples of what you like, or poses you'd like to try, helps the photographer get exactly what you're looking for during your photo shoot. With Elyk Studios Photography, we consider your photo shoot a creative collaboration. We want your input just as much as you want ours.
3. Rest and hydrate. While everyone may enjoy a good night out on the town, it probably isn't the best idea to be out until 4am the night before your shoot. Our faces show everything, including a lack of sleep. Alcohol will make you appear bloated the next day. Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before your shoot - your skin (& pictures) will thank you for it.
4. Bring a few outfits. You're not expected to change into a ball gown in your car (although you are certainly free to do so), but it's always good to bring a few outfits to your photo shoot. It gives different "looks" and gives you a wider variety of pictures. If you want to do minimum changes, even bringing a different jacket or simple layering of your clothes (so you can remove as needed) will do the trick.
Remember, that accessories are extremely important. Wear your jewelry, a scarf, a belt or anything you think compliments your outfits. You want to look your best while being "you".
Also remember, solids always photograph better than patterns. That doesn't mean you can't wear an outfit with a pattern, but think about that pattern before you make a decision. If it's a loud Hawaiian shirt, it will probably not photograph well. If it's a subtle pattern, you should be fine.
If there are multiple people in your photo shoot, make sure you are coordinated in your outfits. There is no need to aim for perfectly matched outfits (unless that is what you're actually aiming for), but there are ways to coordinate the clothing between multiple people in a very appealing way.
Not the best looking outfit coordination:
Much better looking outfit coordination:
5. Bring props. Props really help a shoot come alive. It could range from a heartfelt ring your great grandmother gave you to those big silly hats you purchased for laughs. Maybe you bring some water guns or the dog! Bring anything (& everything) you think could help make your pictures come alive. Every picture tells a story - props are what help you tell that story.
During Your Photo Shoot
1. Talk and connect. The first few minutes of your photo shoot should be spent connecting with the photographer. Believe it or not, the photographer is often just as nervous as you are. It truly does make a noticeable difference when you are more comfortable. This allows you to be a bit more relaxed and your photos will look all the better for it.
2. Give the photographer your example pictures. This will ensure you're getting any poses, styles or looks that you want during your photo shoot.
3. Relax. Everyone gets nervous before (& often during) their photo shoot. At this point, you're there so you might as well take a deep breath and enjoy it.
4. If you think of something you want to try, try it! The photographer will be guiding you to do different poses, but if something suddenly comes to you that you want to try, announce it! We'd be glad to do it.
For Photo Shoots With Children
1. Make sure your child is rested and fed before your shoot. A photo shoot can be grueling work for a child. It's notoriously difficult to get them to look at the camera and they tend to get very bored, very easily. A well rested and well fed child gives one less "obstacle" to overcome during your photo shoot.
2. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks. We will typically be shooting for about 45 minutes, oftentimes outside.
3. Bring any "comfort items" they may have. Some clients have brought a child's favorite blanket or stuffed animal to their photo shoot. Anything that makes your child feel comfortable during their shoot is appropriate to bring.
4. Bring a few toys to keep them occupied. You may want a picture with just adults or with other children. It can be boring for a young child when they're not being photographed. Toys will help keep them occupied.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I can be reached at (302) 722-6749 or kyle@elykstudios.com
Kyle McMahon is the owner and photographer with Elyk Studios Photography & Videography, a Wilmington Delaware & Murfreesboro Tennessee based photographer.
Elyk Studios Photography
(302) 722-6479
www.ElykStudios.com
