There's a few things to consider when having a photoshoot ...


Well it's subjective really isn't it? Art has it's place in an eye of the beholder. I see rules to be somewhat a guide, and let's face it....rules are meant for breaking. Stepping outside of the norm and doing it your own way! This is how we can get something that's a little different or more true to the essence of who you are.


However there are somethings to consider when capturing a great portrait or family image in particular. Things that YOU the subject can consider and perhaps understand part of the process of taking an image and work WITH your photographer to get great images....because it's not just 'taking a photo'...


So let go there :)


  1. Prepare yourself - Have a think about what you want to achieve out of the shoot, what clothes everyone will wear, what's the best location....but over all some mental preparation for some self confidence and open mindedness in the shoot. It can go along way and a pay off is that you will give your photographer more to work with.
  2. Purpose - What's the purpose of the image. It helps to define this to get a little direction for the shoot. I still find it great to go with the flow. Your photoshoot will be uniquely yours and perfect in it's own right.
  3. Lighting - Can make or break a photo. There is only so much wriggle room we can get from a large file and the editing process. Natural lighting or studio lighting, it needs consideration particularly from your photographer and this maybe why they suggest specific shooting times.
  4. Time of the shoot - Natural lighting particularly in outdoor setting needs to be accounted for for the kind of images you want. Sunrise and sunset are famously known as the 'golden hour'. The reason for this is the gentle warm light you get at these times. You can get some nice positioning with the sun in the right spot for halo effect or solar flares...or even just that beautiful warm light you get from behind the subject. Full sun can create hard shadow lines and bright hot spots in a image, but this can be worked with when adjusting the setting on the camera and shooting on Manual. There is always an option of finding a fully shaded spot if the purpose of the images call for it. This will take away any harsh light/shadow lines.
  5. Connection - Not too many people like getting their photo taken, I get it, I'm akwes also. But tuning in, connecting with the purpose of the shoot will help you to move and flow into different positions and poses. Being relaxed with your photographer makes the world of difference in the experience and the outcome of your images. Sometimes when need to set up a pose/composition of an image and them let the subjects engage. Here we can achieve a well positioned image with natural interactions. Try your best not to freeze up, can translates into the image.
  6. Just relax - Energy and intention 100% translates into an image. It doesn't have to be this big daunting ordeal. And lets face it, we only choose the good photos! It's doesn't matter how you perceive yourself to be on the spectrum of photogenic or not, there will always be good images in the batch to choose from. So stress less!! Have fun with it, it's not just photos we are creating together, it's an experience. . . and capturing the golden moment in nature interactions, well you just can't beat it. So shake it out if you have to, deep breath and just go with it.


There's plenty more that goes into it however these should help to ease into your photoshoot with confidence you will get some lovely images.