How long does it really take to organise a photoshoot?
Have you been putting off booking that photoshoot, because it’s all too hard? The planning and logistics will take time you just don’t have right now, let alone a day lost to hair, makeup, packing a car full of outfits and props and travelling to a studio, and you’ve really no idea where to start so it’s easier to pop it down the bottom of the todo list and make it a problem for another day… But you also know having photos is soooo important nowadays. Being consistent online and making authentic connections is a must have. And having your own custom gallery of profesh photos just makes marketing easier. So let’s run through some tasks and realistic timelines so you can get booking that all important photoshoot.
Selecting a photographer: If you like my style (and hopefully that’s why you’re on my web page!) then this step is done! Tick! Otherwise the research phase can be quite the rabbit hole… A couple of quick tips: pick a photographer whose photographs you like. Whilst you can ask a photographer to replicate someone else’s style, why not go with someone who specialises in what you want? And if you know you’ll need more images than the 10 photo package, be sure to get quotes that include the price of extra images and/or the whole album.
Time taken: less than a minute
Planning the shoot: Contact the photographer and book a date for the photoshoot. My brand shoots last 90 minutes, so you don’t have to block out a whole day. I’ve got a questionnaire that I’ll email through and you will need to dedicate a solid 20 minutes on it between making your booking and the day of the shoot. You can email me back or I’m happy to call/zoom and chat through it if that’s easier. It allows me to get to know your audience and your messaging and how and where you’ll be using your photos. We’ll determine the stories you want to tell with the photos, the expressions we need to include in headshots etc. The props required, locations we’ll use and clothing choices will fall out of it… for example: needing a yoga mat, active wear and a garden location for a mindfulness/mediation/yoga sequence of images. We’ll also determine if anyone else is required, like asking a friend to be a ‘client’ model or if you’ll need to ask your cat to appear in any of the shots.
Time taken: 20-30 minutes
Choosing a location: I’m going to recommend your workspace and or your happy place. Somewhere you can feel a little relaxed. So this may be an office, or your study, or your dining table made up to look like a desk. And then perhaps the yard, or a local beach, park or cafe. Don’t worry if its dark – photographers can pack light. Don’t worry if its messy – that’s what cropping and hiding stuff under your desk or behind the photographer is for! If you’re not sure what could work, hit reply and tell me about your hesitations and we’ll make a decision in under 5 minutes.
Time taken: under 5 minutes
What to wear: Wear what makes you feel great! Think about how you show up to work with clients and start from there because you want to be recognised from your profile picture. If you don’t wear makeup go the mascara and lip gloss. If you have your makeup artist on speed dial, book them in. You’ll need about 3-5 outfits that don’t clash with your brand colors. (An entire new wardrobe is not necessary but if you want to use the shoot as an excuse to go shopping go right ahead!)
Time taken: However long it usually takes you to get ready for work (additional time required if you’re outsourcing hair & makeup or doing some strategic shopping)
Day of the shoot:There is no travel time because you’re getting photographed at your place. You’ve got props and accessories at your fingertips. We have a fast, fun photoshoot (no fake smiles allowed) that’s over in just 90 minutes.
Time taken: 90 minutes
About a week later: Read an email, login to an online gallery, do a happy dance as your photos download ready to use.
Time taken: depends on your internet speed!
Organising and completing a photoshoot may be less time consuming than you think – let’s get it off the todo list and into the calendar 😀
