DIDSBURY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER // What actually happens at a shoot?
When families first enquire, I often get the same questions about how the shoot works. They’re a little nervous, say they’re not confident in front of the camera, and have no idea what to expect. Often the parents grew up having heavily lit and staged studio photos (just like I did) and so don’t know what they’ll be doing with a shoot like mine.
So I thought it would be a good idea to write a little blog post about it.
You booked your shoot, what next?
Before your shoot, you’ll complete a little questionnaire and we’ll decide on a location. If you have any visions for the shoot and would like input about wardrobe choices (including use of my client closet), then we’ll arrange a little chat too.
I prepare by studying your questionnaire and making a mood board for the shoot. You’ll receive a copy of my Welcome Guide which will help you prepare too (there is a handy checklist in there).
Now, it’s shoot time!
First up - we will all say hello, have a little chat and break the ice - especially with the littlies. I know first hand, it can take a little while for them to warm up, even more so if it is your first shoot.
I’ll already know a bit about what makes your little one(s) tick from the questionnaire. So I’ll get on their level and strike up a conversation about their favourite toy / play peek a boo / show them my camera - whatever it is that will help to start to bring them out of their shell.
Depending on the age of your little one(s), the shoot will mainly be led by them - after all we’d love to keep them happy and avoid major meltdowns! If they’re toddling around, we’ll follow their lead. If they’re a bit older, we’ll see if they want to play some games. If they’re only teeny still, we’re usually dictated by their feed schedule!
We’ll get moving on our little adventure. Burn off a little excited energy! We’ll chat, play and laugh - all whilst I am shooting. I’ll guide us towards the best spots for light and background, and I’ll use gentle direction and a few “natural nudges” to get the best out of the shoot - to bring out your unique characters and connections. You don’t ever need to worry that I’ll ask you to get in any really awkward, stiff poses!
If we’ve had a chat about a particular creative vision you have for the shoot, then of course we will do our very best to bring that to reality! We’ll usually wait until the little ones have used up a little energy but aren’t fed up yet - we’re aiming for that sweet spot!
We’ll move around the location and get different backdrops, use different prompts, get a variety of shots to reflect you as a family. We will spend around an hour exploring and taking photos - I will always make sure I’ve got the images I have in mind in the first half of the shoot as we all know that little ones can change their mood at the drop of a hat, and it sometimes feels like a ticking time bomb!
Your shoot is time for you as a family - to connect and be together. To be truly present in the moment and be your authentic selves without having to worry about anything else. It is very relaxed. I know first hand how tough it can be to carve out dedicated family time where you’re not worrying about what’s next and you’re fully invested in what you’re doing - so this is your time to balance out the craziness of life and pause for an hour or so.
I get a lot of feedback from families saying that they really enjoyed the shoot - even the ones who said they were really nervous and “not photo people”! It isn’t just about getting through it for the photos, it is an experience in itself.
I am always happy to have a chat if there are any questions you have about the shoot, or to put your mind at ease about anything you might be worried about.
I hope to see you soon for your own little family adventure.
