How to prepare for your portrait shoot
* This page was updated on 18 January 2023 *
Please read this carefully so you know what to expect and how to prepare for your photoshoot. If you have any questions or concerns then let me know asap.
Location
If we’ve agreed to work at your home or office, please give me the full address, a contact number and any information I need about parking and access. Please make sure your space is clean and uncluttered and it’s the way you want it to look in photos as I won’t remove objects or change the background in the edit.
I’ll be working with natural light so I’ll be choosing specific spots based on what the light is doing. If indoors, I’ll mainly shoot with you facing a window.
Weather
I don’t trust weather forecasts until the last minute! If your shoot is outdoors then I’ll email you the evening before once we know what the weather has in store for us and, if necessary, we’ll consider rescheduling. You're not going to be comfortable if too hot or too cold, or you’re constantly worrying about what the wind and rain are doing to your hair.
Please make sure you’re prepared for all of Scotland's weather delights - that may mean you need sunglasses, factor 50, midge repellant, an umbrella, hand-warmers and a cosy cardigan ;)
Other people
Unless you need an assistant to carry your stuff or you’re bringing your own stylist or make-up artist, then please don’t invite anyone else to your shoot. This is for your own privacy and for everyone’s safety.
This includes children as you won’t relax in front of the camera if you’re watching your kids at the same time.
What to wear and how to prepare
Portrait shoots usually work best with a couple of costume changes (jacket, no jacket, shirt or t-shirt... that kind of thing) just to get some different looks. It's amazing the difference this can make to a photo. Sometimes big prints and fussy jewellery can steal attention in a photo... but they may be perfect for your brand!
Unless it’s relevant to your business, please don’t wear big branded logos etc. They’re distracting and they may cause issues in future adverts and editorials.
This is such a boring thing to say but make sure your clothes are clean and ironed if you want to avoid creases and squint collars in the final photos. If you are prone to carrying dandruff or cat hair around with you then you may want to bring a lint roller. If you wear glasses, please make sure they’re clean!
Have clothing choices and wear something that makes you feel great - this could be your favourite jeans or shoes (even if they're not going to be in shot). You may find you want a prop with you – when I had my headshots done, I carried my camera like a comfort blanket and it made it into the final edit. Very handy cos everyone can see immediately what I do... but I appreciate it’s not always that simple. Please note if you are bringing any props (e.g. your laptop, a book, your products etc) then they will be your responsibility throughout the shoot.
If you have brand colours, wear them or have things around you we can sneak into your photos!
If we’re working at your home or office then it’ll be easy enough for you to change clothes. However, if we’re outdoors and have no access to public toilets or a changing room, then think carefully about what you want to wear. If you want to lurk behind a hedge or change in your car, then that’s grand, but otherwise you may want to wear layers or at least choose outfits that are easy to switch in public. Yes, photoshoots really are glamorous.
Please arrive at your shoot ready for camera. If you need to straighten your hair or apply make-up then arrive early to get that done in advance.
If you think you’ll need them, please bring your own mirror, hairbrush etc. Or be prepared to use your phone’s selfie camera to check your face and hair!
Please bring your own bottle of water or other refreshments you might need.
My aim is to take natural photos that represent who you are, or what your brand represents. If you don't normally wear a lot of make-up then it'd look odd if you hired a make-up artist to prep you for the shoot. If you usually wear glasses then wear them. Some of my clients make sure the shoot takes place shortly after a hair appointment... there’s no point investing in photos if you’re worried about your roots… but the key is to look and feel like YOU.
We want you to feel comfortable so nothing feels or looks forced.
What happens at the shoot
We'll try different angles and (if time allows) different locations to get a mixture of looks. Tell me what angles you prefer, tell me what you like and dislike in photos, tell me if you are paranoid about your fringe separating or your ears poking out, but please trust me if I want to try something else too as we all see ourselves differently! With your help, I’ll quickly find out what you like and don't like, and make sure we concentrate on shooting pictures you're comfortable with.
I strive to take flattering photos you’ll love so if you are nervous then talk to me about it. I hate being on the other side of the lens so I know what it's like and my superpower is making people comfortable in front of the camera.
I can show you photos on the back of my camera as we work, so you know what I’m shooting and we can work out your favourite angles.
Everyone behaves differently in front of the camera – some need gentle coaxing, some a bit of chat, some need directed, some are naturals. We'll work together to produce photos you're happy with. I promise to make the experience as painless as possible!
Now onto the serious stuff…
Covid-19
To protect my health, our families and my other clients, I’m still being very cautious about Covid-19. Being self-employed, ill health and isolation have a huge impact on my income.
If you have tested positive for Covid or are feeling unwell, please let me know asap so we can postpone to a safer date, however important your photos are.
If you test positive shortly after your shoot, I would appreciate it if you could let me know. Thank you.
You may want to bring your own hand sanitiser and face covering… but it would be great if it doesn’t leave a mark on your face!.
Please do not smoke or vape near me.
If anyone else from your household or office will be in the vicinity, please make sure they’re aware of all of this too.
Thank you so much for your co-operation. Isn’t this new way of life FUN? Now we’ve got all that stuff out the way, we can relax and focus on getting fantastic photos that you’ll love to show off.
What next?
Unless we’re still discussing venues and details, I’ll send you a reminder 24 hours before your shoot.
In the meantime, if you have any questions then please email me. I look forward to working with you!
Julie
julie@juliebee.co.uk • 07710 777121