What happens at a studio photoshoot
Newcastle Photographer Sarah Deane explains…
What Happens at a Studio Photoshoot?
If you’re thinking about having a studio photoshoot in Newcastle by a Professional Portrait Photographer, whether a Headshot for business, an Actor Headshot or a Model Portfolio or you may be wondering what to expect. Here’s a brief overview of what happens during a typical portrait shoot with me:
Step one, Planning your portrait shoot!
You will need to book in and schedule a time for your shoot on my easy to use booking page. Once you have your shoot planned, you will receive a detailed email confirming your appointment and information on how to find me and how to prepare.
BOOK HERE
For more specific information about the different types of shoots I offer and what to expect, check out some of my other blog posts. Model shoots, Corporate Headshots, Actor Headshots and even tips especially for men!
So you’ll need to think about what you are going to wear and if you want to style or cut your hair prior to the shoot. You’ll also need to think about make up, are you a full face or a none at all kind of person? More tips at the base o this article.
You might like to consider bringing a few props relevant to your line of work or clothing/jewellery accessories to add some interest or personality to your photos however they aren’t essential and simplicity works very well too.
Step two, shoot day!
On the day of the shoot, when you arrive at the studio’s building Clavering House, you will arrive at the main reception of the building. Clavering’s lovely receptionist Li will give you directions on where to find me and you will be able to sit in my waiting area until your appointment.
At your portrait appointment time, I will come and greet you, guide you into my studio space and offer you a comfy seat whilst we chat through the different backdrops and lighting options. Then we will work together to make sure I create the look you want.
Then it’s time to take the photos!
My job is to get the perfect shot, and lots of variety from which you choose that shot. I may give you some direction on how to stand or pose. But most importantly I will help you relax around the camera, capturing posed and adhoc shots, making sure I catch natural expressions and genuine smiles by distracting you from the camera.
If you are still feeling nervous about what happens at the photoshoot, head over to my Instagram @sarahdeanphotographic for some behind the scenes footage and please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.
Step three, Post-shoot editing.
Once the photo shoot is complete, I will schedule the edit a few days later. I’ll select the very best from a large selection shot, tweak each one then send thumbnails for you to choose from. Once you choose your favourites you can request any photoshop retouching work if you feel you need it.
Then the finale! Your finished shots are supplied on your very own simple to use gallery where you can view, download and even purchase printed versions.
I love seeing my clients share their images on socials! So on instagram please tag me @sarahdeanephotographic in any images you share. Or find me on LinkedIn too!
Here are some additional tips for having a successful studio photoshoot:
- Be yourself. The best portrait photos are the ones that capture a glimpse of personality so choose an outfit that feels like you! Style your hair how you think it looks best! And if you don’t like makeup, don’t wear it! You shouldn’t try to be someone you’re not, just relax and be you.
- Talk to me! I am there to help you create the look you want. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions.
- Relax and have fun! Photoshoots should be enjoyable, so don’t take them too seriously. Just put your faith in me, let me help you relax and the photos will be amazing!
Press Release Photography Focus
How do you feel about being in the press?
Whether it be North East, Newcastle or nationwide as entrepreneurs the idea of having a piece of press coverage showcasing what we do, how we do it and how we help others is absolutely invaluable!
Portrait photos, editorial and documentary photography that tell an in depth story of who you are are and what you do is the single most reason my clients come to me for their imagery so that they have an archive of story telling photos to use in their marketing materials and press to enhance their brand.
Well this time, the lens was on me which ironically is never easy as I prefer to be safely behind the camera! It was my second feature in as many years in the popular Digital Photographer magazine published just late last year. They showcased me as a ‘CV’ with images, an overview of my work, my kit and experiences running my photography business to date. To see an image of me in print rather than just my images is always exciting so I wanted to shout about it.
You can have a read all about it below…. thank you so much Peter Fenech for choosing to feature me and my business just in time to share with you all on my 12th business birthday this month too!
Let me know what you think!
Sarah
When did you start out and how did you get involved in your current photo genres?
I loved photography from school age and got my first Film SLR aged 16. Pictures of local architecture and my school pals were the main themes. I discovered the buzz of doing portraiture of strangers in my final year of
a Graphic Design Degree at Camberwell Art College and I furthered this during studio employment at Venture Portraits. I worked at the ND Creative ad agency and moved into the commercial sector with product
and marketing photography. With the tools I’d gained, I set up my own studio in 2011, shooting weddings, portraits and commercial.
What challenges did you face as a startup and how did you overcome them?
Adaptation is an essential skill for self- employment. Initially, I lacked the knowledge of how to run a business. I had good project management and marketing skills from my agency days, people skills from years at Venture and creative skills developed since I was a teen, but I had no idea how to handle accounts or tech issues, or how to consistently generate enquiries. I also was a single parent of a teenager and had no savings or funds, so money was tight. I knew I needed a studio to offer Venture- style family portraiture. I found a rented space that another photographer, Alex Telpher, had created by converting an old church in the suburb of Byker. His studio, his team and his shoots were hugely inspiring to observe when I was starting up mine.
But just two months into my business, my dad died unexpectedly, which was a huge setback. He had been my photographic inspiration and after some really tough times, I went back to my business feeling pretty raw but full of determination to succeed.
What challenges have you faced since?
I had to scale back when I lost my main client, meaning a third of my annual income disappeared overnight. It was a huge error putting all my eggs into one basket and some reflection was needed. Recently, I’ve had
to restructure how I work due to an auto- immune disease diagnosis that causes me chronic fatigue and joint pain. Limitations on the hours I can work, long commutes and carrying equipment have meant a rethink.
Another challenge is being taken seriously as a female in a male-dominated industry. One of my first big industrial contracts needed me to wear hard hats in factories and mines, working alongside mostly men. I remember seeing the all-male film crew I was working alongside sniggering behind my back, it was crushing. I later learned they thought my male client and I were having a fling!
What skills are needed in your line of work?
Solution-based skills. Sometimes clients don’t know what they want yet and suggestions
or encouragement to find the right tone or genre of photography are needed. People skills are needed to be passionate about the service you provide and to make working with you a fun, bespoke experience for your clients. Efficiency and adaptiveness are also essential, as I pride myself on hitting deadlines and providing a slick and professional service.
Which social platforms are you on and how do you use them for your business?
I’m on Instagram and LinkedIn. Facebook was good when I shot family portraiture and weddings, but now I’m strictly commercial, it has little impact. LinkedIn is best for B2B and growing a commercial network. Instagram has been great for actor headshots, as it attracts a younger client base.
For sample editorial shots have a visit to my editorial and events gallery where you will see photography shot for medics, higher education, scientists, speaker, performers and schools here
I’d love to hear from you so please get in touch if you have any questions or would like a quote, I have a contact form on this page of my website here
Now please excuse me whilst I get back to the correct side of the lens! ;-)