I hope that you guys have been enjoying the posts in my blogging & business series. In today’s post, I’m going to share some tips I use to plan for a blog photo shoot.
Organize
When I’m shooting looks for my blog or brand collaboration, I take my pen to paper (or type) out my concept first. Planning photography concepts and ideas can be helpful so that you capture the essence of what you intend. When thinking about a concept, consider the following questions:
– Are you showcasing a clothing item, shoe, jewelry, or accessory?
– If the intent is a lifestyle, is it travel, food, wellness, or beauty?
– How do you want someone to feel when looking at them?
– Most importantly, what is the story?
Location
I have my go to locations in my home state, but if I’m in a new city or country. I do my research on google, yelp, and Instagram ahead of time. Normally I use Yelp to first to find public locations, museums, or restaurants in an area that I’m in. I also check Yelp pictures to see what the interior of the venue looks like. Then, I plug the address to the venue I select into google earth, to get an idea of what the surrounding area looks like. This helps me get a real vision of where I want to shoot without having to go there physically. I also do backup research by searching relevant hashtags and the places option, to see what kind of pictures people are taking there.
Props
Props can make all the difference in a photo. When you’ve decided on a location and you’ve clarified your concept for the shoot, think about relevant props that would tie into the story you want to tell. It could be fruits, a magazine, a cup of coffee or a stationary object that’s already at your location. It’s important to try new things and push your creativity beyond its boundaries!
Styling
Often times, brands will include guidelines for styling, but when you’re just shooting an everyday look, it’s important to know what outfits will compliment the locations you’re shooting at. Think about colors, patterns, silhouettes, and vibe – and how they will sit in the scenery of your shoot. You always want to pick colors and styles that complement the environment.
I hope you guys found them helpful!
xo Yinka
Photos: Norman Oates
I like that in the picture in this blog post that all of the colors blend together well. Good on focusing on the important parts of the picture. You work very hard on putting together a photo shoot for your blog, and I think it is paying off!
these tips were awesome Yinka! And yes totally enjoying this series!
Xx,
Nonee
I love the idea of using yelp to scout places! thats such a good idea. Ill have to do that.
This is all so smart! I had one shoot and I was a wreck, I needed to plan like you!
I never thought about everything that goes into a photo shoot! Thanks for sharing!