Ready? Set. Photoshoot

Holly Barker and Steven Smith
Dec 8, 2016
4 min read

Photoshoot Success Hacks!

Tips from the Model and the Photographer!

HOW DO I KNOW WHO TO SHOOT WITH?

HOLLY BARKER SUCCESS HACK: The reason for your shoot. Firstly, what is the purpose of your photoshoot? Do you have something in mind that you would like to aim for? Do you see yourself on covers of magazines? Do you see yourself in the pages of those magazines? Do you wish to use these photos to market your brand, your product, yourself? Have you trained really hard for a competition and want these photos as a momento for hard work paying off? Perhaps you want to submit these photos for sponsorships and work in the industry as a representative for a certain brand or a promoter of a certain company. Maybe you just rock and you want this photoshoot solely for yourself or your loved one and not for public eyes? Whatever your reason for shooting may be, you should come to this decision before choosing your photographer. If it’s the stars you aim for, shoot with the photographer that can help you get there!! It is important to know your goal and to use your resources to help you get there. Certain companies work with certain publications and certain publications work with certain photographers. It is a business. If you want to be in this business, prove the right people that you can contribute. You’ve trained really hard now make sure the right people are watching.

STEVEN SMITH (TNMJ) SUCCESS HACK You have got to do your research! There are a lot of photographers out there and finding the one that has a style you like is important. Look at the magazines and the top fitness models and see who they are working with. Once you find a photographer that you like reach out to people that have worked with them and ask questions. Once you feel comfortable with the photographer reach out to them and schedule a time for a quick meeting. You want to be as comfortable with the photographer as you can, this will make things less stressful on shoot day and always trust your gut!

"Goal set with a specific image and outcome in mind. With a vision for what you want the photos to do for you, the answer of who to capture it will be much more clear! " ~ Holly Barker

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO PACK? – WARDROBE WONDER

HOLLY BARKER SUCCESS HACK: My suitcase always includes the following: • Nude, white, black underwear in boy short, bikini and thong style underwear - these are diverse and allow you to create many different looks with colourful tops! • Heels – even if you are shooting from the waist up, everyone poses better and with confidence when in an awesome pair of heels • Clear heels – these shoot great and are neutral so they will go with any color you are shooting in • Cup Inserts – Weather you need a bit fuller look or need to tame perky girls, these are great to have ‘just in case’ • Robe – This is great to have for in between outfit changes

STEVEN SMITH (TNMJ) SUCCESS HACK: When people ask me this question I give them all the same answer, “Pack anything that represents you.” This is your photoshoot not mine and, as a photographer, I want to give you images that represent you. If you are a track star bring some track clothes, if you like fashion bring fashions that you would love to wear. Bring a variety of options. Different photographers like different looks so ask them if there is anything they would like you to bring. You could also reach out to a stylist at a local boutique, they can help you put some unique looks together.

"Create a concept and play dress up!" ~ Holly Barker

BUT WHY PAY FOR A PHOTOSHOOT WHEN I CAN TAKE AN EPIC SELFIE?

HOLLY BARKER SUCCESS HACK: Invest in yourself. If you admire a certain photographers style and you love the photos they shoot, invest in yourself. Usually a good photographer will work in coordinance with one or a few publications and if they like your look or see potential in you, they will pass your photos on with a good reference. They also have a network of people in the publishing business and can serve as great teachers, mentors and friends.

STEVEN SMITH (TNMJ) SUCCESS HACK: I learned a long time ago to invest in myself and you should too! If you are looking for something to just post on social media real fast then an epic selfie is a great choice. But if you want to build a respectful brand then you really do need high quality professional images. As a professional photographer I will always ask what the goals are for these images. The answer to that determines the whole shoot so that it is customized to fit your goals and needs.

**There is always a time and place for the right type of photo! Invest in you, your brand, your vision and hire a visionary that will bring it to life!" ~Holly Barker

PHOTOSHOOT SUCCESS HACKED! THE BIG DAY!

You've booked your shoot, you've packed your bags, you've invested in you, now enjoy the day and get the results you vision!

HOLLY BARKER SUCCESS HACK: So the big day is finally here! You have completed everything possible to ensure greatness today! Now the most important thing is to enjoy your big day and have so much fun! This is all of your hard work paying off! Be professional and put your stamp on this world.

REMEMBER: • If you need a break, take a break and let the photographer know! • Eat you meals throughout the day to keep your energy up and your smile shining!! • Nail the shot!!! It's much better to have fewer quality shots, than a ton of images that are 'almost' great. • View your fill throughout the shoot and get feedback from the photographer! • Make sure you find your angle and find the lighting that strikes that IT photo! You are all in this together to get the best outcome possible. use your resources, be respectful and BE YOU! Now that you've rocked your photo's. Let's put them to work!