FACTORS OF A SUCCESSFUL PHOTO SESSION

We all love to look good in pictures, and photographers love to have good pictures. But, unfortunately, this does not always work out that way. Why is this happening?

Models believe that a bad photographer is to blame, photographers blame models - but both of them have successful photo shoots. It turns out that in addition to the skill level of the photographer and the model, there is a certain sum of factors that largely determine the result of a photo shoot. Let's try to disassemble them and get an effective checklist for maximum results.

I will make myself straight right away that I will consider only objective and constant factors. I don't take into account such moments as the mood of the photographer or various force majeure. Also, for simplicity, let's take for granted that:

1. The photographer is experienced and knows how to produce objectively good shots
2. The model is beautiful, photogenic and has experience in photoshoots
3. The photographic equipment is in good working order and of a sufficiently high level

So what can stop our heroes from getting the coolest shots as a result?

1. SELECTING A PLACE FOR A PHOTOSESSION

One of the most important factors for successful shots is the right location for the photo shoot.

Firstly, of course, the place should correspond to the image of the model.

Secondly, and this is very important, the photographer must be very familiar with the location. If a photographer is shooting at a location for the first time, a very large amount of time will be spent on zeroing in and understanding the light, and you can only understand what happens in the end by looking at the finished photos. In other words, in order to obtain a good result, it is desirable that the photographer has already conducted at least one photo session in this location, and preferably several.

2. WORK OF THE STYLIST / MAKEUP ARTIST

I think comments are superfluous here. Of course, almost all photographers and models have their own trustworthy helpers, but sometimes you have to work with a person for the first time, and the result of his work can be an unpleasant surprise.

3. PHOTOSHOOT OUTCOME

Will the model receive photos on a flash drive or printed photos? Some photographers like to display their work in a form of a photo collage on their websites. There are photo collage makers online for that. But the model should know what she will get from the photo shoot and if she will be able to include those photos in her portfolio.

3. INTERACTION OF THE MODEL AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER

As I already wrote at the beginning of the article, in our case both the photographer and the model are experienced masters of their craft. But even the masters may not work out the process "when there is no agreement."

Psychological comfort and a friendly atmosphere during the photo session are very important. If the model and the photographer are working for the first time, there may be some awkwardness and tension between them. It must be destroyed by live communication. Well, the best option is when the model and the photographer have known each other for a long time and have worked together several times. In this case, the result will actually be MUCH better.

4. PREPARATION FOR THE PHOTOSESSION

The model and the photographer must clearly understand what the final result should be. To do this, it is necessary to discuss in advance the image, the atmosphere of the pictures, the required emotions. It is advisable to support your thoughts with references. Of course, in addition to planning, the implementation of these plans is also important - the selection of clothes and accessories, the appropriate makeup.

5. ENOUGH TIME FOR A PHOTO SESSION

Also an important factor. Several of my photo sessions turned out much worse than they could, due to the limited amount of time (for example, renting a photo studio without the possibility of renewal, or the need for a photographer or model to finish at a certain time). Therefore, when planning an important photo session, set aside time for it with a large margin - the drive itself can begin by the end of the second hour, and it will be extremely offensive to end the photo session in its midst.

CONCLUSION

Of course, these are not all factors, but these, in my opinion, are the most important. Also, often, especially in the case of commercial filming, there is no way to influence these factors, but if you conduct a TFP photo session - taking them into account, you can greatly improve your result.