The 101 on a photo shoot
Many people get into the hobby of photography however most never know what to shoot. People tend to take photos of things in their home however what they fail to see is that there is a whole world around you to capture. Here I will explain the basics of throwing a photo shoot.
Materials:
1. A camera
A camera can be any camera. It can be from your phone or to a very fancy expensive camera. The camera I will be using as an example most of the time is a DSLR camera.
An Iphone CameraA digital cameraA DSLR cameraAbout the DSLr cameraMost people use the DSLR camera so here is some info on it.
In basic terms: "DSLR stands for “Digital Single Lens Reflex”. In simple language, DSLR is a digital camera that uses mirrors to direct light from the lens to the viewfinder, which is a hole on the back of the camera that you look through to see what you are taking a picture of." said by http://photographylife.com/what-is-a-dslr#ixzz2kMIXlnUH You can read more here: 2. The ModelsModels. The first thing that pops in your head would be tall, gorgeous people. I mean if you or someone is like that then kudos to you. However, you don't always need a trained and fully made up person to model for you. What most people do is have their friends model for them. Personally, when I go on photo shoots I take my friends and they love being under the camera's eye.
Another thing some people do is host a group or Instameet to take photos with other photographers. Its a great way to meet new people and lets you study other people's techniques. You can find these examples of model pictures on Instagram. I own none of these photos and all credit goes to them. 3. Landscape |
The landscape of a picture can really bring out the beauty and a real feel to the photo. If you think about it, what would you rather see? A picture of you posing in your room (which is cluttered with last night's homework) or having a photo that includes a beautiful lake covered with fog . The landscape shows professionalism and you can definitly sort out the ameatur photographers from the experienced ones.
However not everyone can get in a car and just drive to a national park. What you can do though is go in your backyard at the least. Although my biggest tip to you is to look on google maps for the closest field, lake, or landmark that is near you. If you already know some place that you find beautiful then please by all means go there. Here are just a few examples: ( All credit goes to the photographers according to their Instagram) If you want to know my favorite place to go though, I adore abandoned places. Their decaying structure is very appealing to the eye. The fact of having a model as the beauty and a destroyed area playing the beast seems very intriguing to me. Here are some examples of abandoned areas:
4. LightingThe lighting of a photo can do wonders for the photographer. It gives the people an emotion on whether if it is sad or happy. The most famous lighting would most likely be the Golden Hour. The Golden hour is that hour right before the sun is about to set or rise. It gives this golden hue on its surroundings that is just breath taking. However many people use the sun in the wrong way. This wrong way consists of having the sun (not at the golden hour) glare straight into the camera lens. This does create a glare effect that people look for but it also makes the photo very white and the lens doesn't focus well.
Besides that, the next ideal lighting would be a cloudy day. This grey colour can be easily contrasted. It also gives an ideal lighting on the face of your model and allows you to not have to worry about shadows. These photos belong to those stated with their Instagram names. |
Tips
1. Be Open:
You may have a certain idea about how you want the atmosphere to be but allow your models or landscapes to influence you. It's good to have an idea in your head but be vague and have room to improvise. Let your models do their own poses and if they aren't sure what to do with posing then guide them.
2. Inspiration:
All photographers have inspiration. Many artworks are based off of other art works, songs, landscapes, and etc. A personal tip of mine always go in a photo shoot with a basic theme in your mind. For example, say it's snowing outside, you can have your model dress as a snow white queen or as part of snow itself. Just let the creative juices flow!
3. The Photos:
The best tip when capturing your surroundings is to take too many photos. The more photos you take the better chance you have of capturing a picture you like.
4. The Pose:
If you are featuring a model in your photo, the pose is everything. Its always good to have your model do something with their body and there are many ways to do so. Here are some videos to help with ideas.
You may have a certain idea about how you want the atmosphere to be but allow your models or landscapes to influence you. It's good to have an idea in your head but be vague and have room to improvise. Let your models do their own poses and if they aren't sure what to do with posing then guide them.
2. Inspiration:
All photographers have inspiration. Many artworks are based off of other art works, songs, landscapes, and etc. A personal tip of mine always go in a photo shoot with a basic theme in your mind. For example, say it's snowing outside, you can have your model dress as a snow white queen or as part of snow itself. Just let the creative juices flow!
3. The Photos:
The best tip when capturing your surroundings is to take too many photos. The more photos you take the better chance you have of capturing a picture you like.
4. The Pose:
If you are featuring a model in your photo, the pose is everything. Its always good to have your model do something with their body and there are many ways to do so. Here are some videos to help with ideas.
5. The Wardrobe/Props
The wardrobe of the model can really give character or a sense of story to the photo. Some examples would be a tattered jacket or a maybe a dirty skirt. Something to represent a back story. I prefer using old wedding dresses or dark clothing that goes along with the theme of my photo. What most people do these days is to go to a thrift shop and purchase some vintage clothes. The second step to creating a backstory by using props. It can range from candles to a small flower. It doesn't matter!
I own none of these photos. All credit goes to the photographers.
The wardrobe of the model can really give character or a sense of story to the photo. Some examples would be a tattered jacket or a maybe a dirty skirt. Something to represent a back story. I prefer using old wedding dresses or dark clothing that goes along with the theme of my photo. What most people do these days is to go to a thrift shop and purchase some vintage clothes. The second step to creating a backstory by using props. It can range from candles to a small flower. It doesn't matter!
I own none of these photos. All credit goes to the photographers.