You booked a photo shoot and now… these questions start coming to mind: What if the weather is bad? What should we wear? Make-up? Hair? Check out these 5 tips and ideas to make sure your photo shoot is a success!
#1 - WEATHER
When booking a photo shoot with Fiander Foto, the location is predetermined. The weather however, is not predetermined. This is why we also offer a “rain date” with our short photo shoot. As the photographer, I’ll make a “weather” call and check in with my couples 5-10 hours before the scheduled date/time. The big reason why I recommend waiting a 5-10 hours before the shoot to make a “weather” call is because the forecast can change very quickly in Bermuda - typical tropical weather. I’m a big fan of using Windy.com and Bermuda Weather Service to check the weather on the island; these resources are a little more accurate for Bermuda - than say Weather.com and/or the Weather App on the iPhone. Don’t be scared of clouds - these are often a photographer’s best friend because they “hold” the golden hour light and help to cut back on harsh light. Kindly note: weddings and events do not have scheduled “rain dates”. With multiple vendors being involved, a reschedule would be difficult. Wedding and Event Clients: please be sure to have a “Plan B” for an indoor location.
#2 - CLOTHING
Once you decide what type of photo shoot you'd like and where it will take place, you may want to "dress for the occasion, location, and season." I like to encourage my clients to wear solid colours or lightly patterned outfits; avoid clothing that is mismatched. "Matchy Matchy" is not attractive although working with complementary colours that match your skin tone will be stunning! I also like to suggest if one person is wearing something with a pattern, for the other person to match that outfit by wearing solids of a similar color. This will help to ensure the color in the photographs are strong and there’s a sense of visual unity. When in doubt, consult Google. Try a search phrase like "What to wear for family, maternity, or engagement photos”.
#3 - HAIR & MAKE-UP
As a photographer, I'm a strong believer in professional hair, make-up, and nails! With that said, it's best to avoid “overdoing it" when it comes to these topics. If you typically do your own hair and make-up, that’s totally cool! Be sure to allow for plenty of “prep” time before the photo shoot. Or if you prefer to have a professional hair and/or make-up artist, be sure to choose one who can accentuate your features yet still allow you to maintain a natural appearance. A pastel or nude colour nail polish or a french manicure typically goes well with all outfit choices. ** Regardless of if you do your own hair or not - consider the weather forecast! The last thing you want to deal with during your photo shoot is hair getting in face. **
#4 - GOLDEN HOUR
If you’re familiar with my work, you know I’m a big fan of shooting during the golden hour. This occurs a few hours right after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. Weather and location permitting, we’ll have amazing golden light during your shoot. Although if your shoot is scheduled outside of this time frame or if the weather has other plans - don’t fret my pet - it’s still possible to capture amazing photos! What really makes the photos amazing is the positive energy and vibe you and your loved ones will bring to the photo shoot.
#5 - SKIN
The first rule of thumb when it comes to skin looking healthy for a photo shoot is to stay out of the sun! Avoid getting burned before your shoot to avoid tan lines! Ensure that you drink plenty of water two weeks leading up to your shoot, which will help to make sure your skin complexion is clear. Avoid trying a new facial cleaning regime before your shoot; stick to what you know works well for your skin. Although you probably already do this: be sure to eat healthy meals a week leading up to your photo shoot; this can also help your skin look clear and fresh. Avoid alcohol and salty food 48 hours before a shoot to ensure your face does not appear "puffy." Last but not least, arrive at the shoot well rested and ready to have fun!
