Putting Your Best Face Forward: 5 Tips to Help Your Photoshoot go Smoothly
Whether you’re creating an Instagram profile and need a new head shot or you’re ready to start work on cover art for your new album, it’s important to have good quality photographs to accompany your work. After all, the image you put forth in your marketing is a visual representation of who you are and what your work represents.
For this reason, it is a good idea to work with a professional photographer rather than asking a friend to shoot some head shots on your iPhone. “Anybody can get lucky and get a good photo once in a while, but a professional photographer gives you the peace of mind your production will go smoothly and you’ll see your desired results,” says Rexway, an Atlanta-based photographer and director.
Having worked with many artists in his career, Rexway shares some tips to help make your next photoshoot go smoothly and allow you to get the most out of your time with the photographer.
“When you’re comfortable, you’re smiling, and when you’re smiling, I’m smiling because things are going good.”
1. Know your budget. “Many times an artist wants the moon, but all they have in their budget is enough to get to Tennessee,” Rexway says. It’s important to be up front with your photographer about how much you’re willing to spend and what priorities you have for photoshoot. There are ways to cut corners without skimping on quality. For example, rather than hiring a makeup artist you could have a friend come in and do your makeup.
2. Communicate. Talking with your photographer ahead of time is extremely important in making sure you get your desired results. It lines right up with knowing your budget, to be able to tell the photographer what you want and how much you have to spend. “It’s all about finding how we can work together, and when I understand all the parameters I’m better able to help you get the most for your money,” Rexway says. You might not have time for a face to face meeting before a photoshoot, but a phone call or email can go a long way toward introducing yourself to the photographer and helping them understand your vision.
3. Be on time, and allow plenty of time for the process. It’s common courtesy to be on time for your photoshoot, with the understanding that your photographer’s time is valuable, just as much as your time is. We all lead busy lives and have hectic schedules, so work out with your photographer ahead of time how much time you should allow for your photoshoot. If you’re planning an album cover shot in a studio, realize it will take a few hours to get the lights set up, to do makeup, to go from one scene to another, and everything else the photoshoot entails. If you’re in a hurry it only heightens the anxiety of the situation and leads to less than optimal results.
4. Be yourself. If you want to show up in sweatpants and a t-shirt, it’s okay. The important thing is to be comfortable. “When you’re comfortable, you’re smiling, and when you’re smiling, I’m smiling because things are going good,” Rexway says. The goal is to relax and have fun in order to get the best pictures.
5. Bring along someone to help keep the photoshoot on schedule and organize things such as hair and makeup or craft services. Having an extra person can go a long way toward an efficient photography session and it lets the artist and photographer focus on the shoot.
You can see Rexway’s portfolio at rexwaygallery.com and on Instagram at instagram.com/_rexway.
