If you all come here regularly, you know photography is one of the closest subjects to my heart. Honestly, as long as I can remember, I’ve always been that kid scrapbooking photographs of models, celebrities, clothes, and beautiful locations. I guess this blog seems to be a fitting result of those childhood activities?
Since I know a lot of you enjoy these kind of posts, today I decided to share everything I learned so far and include some photography tips! If you have any more questions regarding blogging or taking photos, please keep them coming. I’ll do my best to answer them all. Nothing gives me more pleasure than knowing what I do matters and that it brings you value. 😉
photography by Kayla Alaska Taylor
Wearing: c/o Shein dress
1. Plan ahead.
This is a big one. Although every now and then I do spontaneous photo shoots that come out great, I tend to plan the rest way ahead. First, I think of an outfit and what story I want to tell around it. Then, I brainstorm what locations would work best for what I have envisioned.
Same process applies to which photographer I want to shoot a given project with.
2. Get on the same wavelength with your photographer.
If a photographer asks you for your outfit details/ colors you want to wear + accessories and what locations you have in mind prior the shoot, that’s usually a great sign. In my opinion, a great photographer will be more than happy to listen to your ideas, but also won’t be afraid to suggest any changes. After all, they are the ones looking through the lens.
I believe trusting each other and being open minded + respectful is the key to successful fashion photography or any other photo shoot for that matter.
RELATED: 5 Truths About Taking Better Pictures + My Hacks
3. Choose the right location.
Since fashion photography can be tricky sometimes, I like to have a plan B and come with at least two shooting locations in mind. Many times, my initial ideas don’t work out because of a) other people in the shot, b) time restrictions, c) trespassing 😉 or d) simply the wrong vibe for the look. That is when alternative locations come in handy.
TIP: If you value the story telling factor in your fashion photography, put more thought into locations you choose. Yes, my off the shoulder red dress may not be a realistic thing to wear to a trail, but it sure adds a lot of romanticism to the overall scene. I wanted a dreamy shot and I think going for a big contrast like an elegant dress against the countryside achieved just that. Thoughts?
RELATED: 6 EASY TIPS FOR TAKING OUTFIT PHOTOS
4. Pick the optimum time of the day.
Do I even have to mention how important light is for a fashion photography? Heck, photography in general! As a fashion blogger or a model you always want to show off what you wear in the best way possible.
SO…
If you’re looking for a light and airy image, shoot in the morning. If you want more romance and drama, wait for golden hour. You should NEVER underestimate the time of day and where the sun sits at the time you’re shooting. Let’s take this photo shoot as an example. I met with Kayla about 5pm knowing that the sun won’t start setting until 7:30pm. We hiked the trail and picked the best spot for these specific shots. Then we shot different outfits and waited until it gets closer to 7pm. When I was ready to flaunt this dress in the golden sun around 7pm, we only had one chance to get these shots. Trust me, once the sun starts setting, you have a small window to get the job done. Rushing through it or not, the results are usually SO worth it though!
SIDE NOTE: While they are many editing styles, I believe in representing the clothes in colors they actually are. That is another reason why choosing the right light will play such a big role in your photos.
5. Don’t take it too seriously.
Have fun, breathe a little! Be yourself, whatever it might mean. If you ask any photographer I worked with, they will all tell you I goof around A LOT. Truth is, I don’t like to stand still in an uncomfortable pose for an extended period of time (phew), that’s why I twirl, walk, pretend to walk, swing from one leg to another and laugh a whole lot. Those moments usually end up being the best shots because they reflect my personality to a T.
HOWEVER…
If you’re more serious and edgy than girly, stick to that! Shooting with a new photographer sometimes may feel intimidating, but if you go into it just being yourself, you’ll have a fun and memorable shoot!
Do you have any other fashion photography tips for a successful shoot?
Please share!
Great tips! Location planning and time of day especially! And yes… trespassing… sometimes can be factor.. 😉
Looking gorgeous in this dress! And the light is perfect! 🙂
YouTube | Blog: Geekette in High Heels | Instagram
Thank you for stopping by, Natassia! Glad to hear you enjoyed the post. Have a great weekend! xoxo
Lovely read dear, and I couldnt agree more. In photoshoots, it’s about location, location, location, and the time of the day. Lovely photos as always dear, your dress is so gorgeous!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I denifitely need to start using your advice! Maybe my pictures will get better at some point 😛
Pictures from this post are just stunning – I know I say it here pretty often, but one of the best on this blog! 🙂
Such a good guide for photoshoots! Gotta have good vibes, good light, good location and good times while having a photoshoot! You look stunning babe!
XO, Jessi
https://www.mywhitet.com/3-fresh-makeup-trends-try-fall/
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! Lovely photos!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Such great and important tips Paulina! First of all these photos are magnificent! The location and light is perfect for your red dress, love the concept and everything about it 🙂 I believe that that time of the day is the most important factor. I usually prefer to take photos early in the morning. The sun in Greece is too intense and to do that I usually wake up at 5 am which is my least favourite part but what can you do haha!
Thanks for the inspiration, I would love to shoot on a sunset at a place like this now 🙂
xo
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
I always feel so intimidated when shooting with a new photographer and it stems down to my problem with wanting to control everything =P. That’s why I prefer shooting with my hubby because he lets me guide and direct him for my shots lol. These photos turned out so perfect. The golden hour is always such a beautiful time to take photos!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
I love all of these tips! I am not really a fashion blogger but the part about the perfect sun positioning is super crucial.
Love all these tips. We are going to hire a professional photographer soon! Can’t wait!
Love these tips! I don’t take a lot of fashion photos but I do use these in my lifestyle photos.
These are great tips! I love those pictures. The red dress looks gorgeous with the sunset.
These are wonderful tips. My favorite time of day to shoot is absolutely golden hour- since having a toddler makes morning shoots impossible 😉
Beautiful photos!
Xx
Natalie
https://www.kindavoguish.com
Thanks for these tips! Getting that perfect shot can be so tough!
Thank you for these tips! I could use all the help I can get in this area! I have found that lighting makes SUCH a difference!
Ha, I really need to start planning my shoots better! This was helpful!
As a wedding photographer, I agree with all the points above! Lighting is the most important thing. And making sure that your outfits add and don’t distract from the setting.
Great tips! Mine is to have music available in case you get “stuck” in front of the camera. Helps to put you in the right frame of mind!
xo,
Rachel
http://www.wayfaringrachel.com
That’s a great tip, Rachel! I can’t tell you how many times that’s exactly what I was missing during the shoot!
Lovely photos as always dear, your dress is so gorgeous!
I denifitely need to start using your advice! My pictures will get better at some point.
lovely photos as always dear,your dress is so gorgeous!
thank you so much for this lovely photos.??