You booked a photo shoot and now… these questions start coming to mind: What if the weather is bad? What should we wear? Make-up? Hair? What will happen during the photo shoot? How do we receive the photos and how long does the editing take? Check out these tips and ideas to make sure your photo shoot is a success!
#1 - WEATHER
When booking a photo shoot with Fiander Foto, the location is predetermined. The weather however, is not predetermined. This is why we also offer a “rain date” with our short photo shoot. As the photographer, I’ll make a “weather” call and check in with my couples 5-10 hours before the scheduled date/time. The big reason why I recommend waiting a 5-10 hours before the shoot to make a “weather” call is because the forecast can change very quickly in Bermuda - typical tropical weather. With this in mind - the weather call is sometimes made only a few hours before the start time. Clients are encouraged to be flexible when it comes to Bermuda’s tropical weather. I’m a big fan of using Wind Guru Bermuda, Windy.com and Bermuda Weather Service to check the weather on the island; these resources are a little more accurate for Bermuda - than say Weather.com and/or the Weather App on the iPhone. Don’t be scared of clouds - these are often a photographer’s best friend because they “hold” the golden hour light and help to cut back on harsh light. Kindly note: weddings and events do not have scheduled “rain dates”. With multiple vendors being involved, a reschedule would be difficult. Wedding and Event Clients: please be sure to have a “Plan B” for an indoor location.
#2 - CLOTHING
Once you decide what type of photo shoot you'd like and where it will take place, you may want to "dress for the occasion, location, and season." I like to encourage my clients to wear solid colours or lightly patterned outfits; avoid clothing that is mismatched. Clothing that may appear to be too "matchy matchy" may not be attractive although working with complementary colours that match your skin tone will be stunning! I also like to suggest if one person is wearing something with a pattern, for the other person to match that outfit by wearing solids of a similar color. This will help to ensure the color in the photographs are strong and there’s a sense of visual unity. When in doubt, consult Google. Try a search phrase like "What to wear for family, maternity, or engagement photos”.
#3 - HAIR & MAKE-UP
As a photographer, I'm a strong believer in professional hair, make-up, and nails! With that said, it's best to avoid “overdoing it" when it comes to these topics. If you typically do your own hair and make-up, that’s totally cool! Be sure to allow for plenty of “prep” time before the photo shoot. Or if you prefer to have a professional hair and/or make-up artist, be sure to choose one who can accentuate your features yet still allow you to maintain a natural appearance. A pastel or nude colour nail polish or a french manicure typically goes well with all outfit choices. ** Regardless of if you do your own hair or not - consider the weather forecast! The last thing you want to deal with during your photo shoot is hair getting in face. **
#4 - GOLDEN HOUR
If you’re familiar with my work, you know I’m a big fan of shooting during the golden hour. This occurs a few hours right after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. Weather and location permitting, we’ll have amazing golden light during your shoot. Although if your shoot is scheduled outside of this time frame or if the weather has other plans - don’t fret my pet - it’s still possible to capture amazing photos! What really makes the photos amazing is the positive energy and vibe you and your loved ones will bring to the photo shoot.
#5 - NON-GOLDEN HOUR
A photo shoot may occur just outside of the golden hour either due to a client's schedule, a wedding/event day timeline, my work schedule, or if clients are looking for a more "vibrant" color palette. When shooting in direct and/or light that is a little more harsh, shadows may be more heavier and highlights may be brighter. In some cases, these lighting challenges can be “combated” (so to speak) with the use of a fill flash. Or - as we see in the image below - shadows can be used to frame the subject. So - even if your photo shoot is just before sunset or just after sunrise - it’s still possible to get some great shots!
#6 - SKIN
The first rule of thumb when it comes to skin looking healthy for a photo shoot is to stay out of the sun! Avoid getting burned before your shoot to avoid tan lines! Ensure that you drink plenty of water two weeks leading up to your shoot, which will help to make sure your skin complexion is clear. Avoid trying a new facial cleaning regime before your shoot; stick to what you know works well for your skin. Although you probably already do this: be sure to eat healthy meals a week leading up to your photo shoot; this can also help your skin look clear and fresh. Avoid alcohol and salty food 48 hours before a shoot to ensure your face does not appear "puffy." Last but not least, arrive at the shoot well rested and ready to have fun!
#7 - GROUP PHOTOS
Big group photos are always a great idea and take more planning than one may think! During a larger family or group session that is 60min or longer, I typically take both large group shots and then break the group into smaller gatherings. I would recommend coming up with a list of 10-12 “must have” group photos. For example: 1) everyone together, 2) grandparents with grandkids, 3) grandparents with their adult “kids”, 4) parents with kids, 5) siblings, 6) all cousins together, etc. Please provide a list prior to the photo shoot via email. Keep your list to 12 groupings or shorter. This will also permit time to capture candid photos and impromtu group shots. Providing a list of “must have” group photos prior to the shoot also helps to prevent disapointment if there was a grouping thought of by the clients after the fact that was not captured.
#8 - CANDID & TRADITIONAL PHOTOS
It’s amazing how fast time flies at a photo shoot. With Fiander Foto - the length of time for your photo shoot may have been decided by how many locations and/or outfits you are incorporating into your session. From my - the photographer’s - perspective, capturing both candid and traditional photos are also taken into consideration with the length of time for a session.
#9 - EDITING TIME
The saying "Rome wasn't built in a day" also applies to photography. After a photo shoot ends, the real work begins! Clients are kindly asked to be patient and respectful during the editing process.
The length of time for editing is not an exact science and can fluxtuate. It may depend on the type of photo shoot that is booked, how long the photo shoot was, and how busy my work schedule may be. Editing time may also relate to the natural lighting on the day; if it was super sunny or super cloudy. It could also depend on the amount of editing required; if the clients had a lot of hair in their face due to wind - if there are people or objects in the background that need to be Photoshoped out. These of course are merely examples.
Clients who book last minute, may expect a longer length of time for editing.
Please refer to our emails, contract, and my FAQ Page for details regarding editing time.
Please note: if the client has a wedding package with a payment plan, the images are not released until the final payment has been made successfully.
#10 - RUSH ORDER
Keeping the editing turn-around time in mind, you may want to add on a “rush order” if you require your photos faster. Planning ahead can help prevent disapointment if the editing process takes longer than you anticipated.
Do you want to use your photos for something specific? For example - do you plan to use your photos for a wedding or baby announcement? Thank You Cards? Gifts for family members or guests from a wedding? If the photos are for being shot for a company - do the images need to be published as soon as possible? Or perhaps - you simply want to receive your photos super fast; which is cool too!
Depending on the my work schedule, you may be able to purchase a "rush order" for an additional fee for a shorter turn-around time. A limited number of rush orders are accepted each month, clients are encouraged to add this on before the photo shoot occurs or 1-2 days afterwards. Rush orders are only accepted after the additonal Rush Order fee is processed.
