If you've got a shoot coming up, you're probably wondering what you can do to make getting the photos you want without any extra stress. Of course it's always easiest if you and your tog are both happy, so here's a quick list of what you can do to be the very best model, and get incredible photos.
1 Know the Details
The day before the shoot, message your photographer to confirm where you're meeting and when, as well as how long the shoot should be, and what, if anything, you ought to bring.
Frequently asked questions
2 Trust Their Judgment
Chances are, you've chosen this photographer because you love her style. So if she suggests shooting at 7 p.m. rather than mid-day, trust her professional judgment that the time she chose is the right time, and the place she's suggesting will work.
3 Arrive on Time (or a Little Early)
This kind of goes without saying, but it is worth mentioning. Do your best to arrive on time, but if you are going to be late, let your photographer know.
4 Be Ready
Make sure you're ready to shoot when you arrive. Hair, makeup, clothes - these should all be done before you show up. If your kids will also be in the photos, make sure they're ready, too.
5 Smile! Unless...
Let that smile shine! Unless, of course, the photographer asks you NOT to smile. Follow her directions and you'll get the look you're both going for.
6 Rein in the Littles
Again, if your kids will be in the shoot, make sure they can follow simple directions and make sure they don't run amok. The photographer can't corral kids and take great shots.
7 Try to Be Patient
Most photographers need a few days to post sneaks, and up to a few weeks to complete a gallery. I know it's hard to be patient, but do your best not to contact the tog every ten minutes, asking for your shots.
8 Don't Ask for RAWs
Once you see your gorgeous gallery, you might wonder what your original images looked like before retouching, or maybe you'll want to see all of the images she took. It's okay to ask to see some of the befores, but most togs won't share the RAWs or show you all of the shots. It's unlikely you'd be able to open the RAWs anyway, since you'd need to have the special software.
9 Do Be Honest
If there's something you're not happy with, be sure to tell your photographer! They want you to be beyond delighted with your images, so be open and let them know!
10 Share!
Once you have your sneaks, be sure to share them on Facebook and other social media. Tag your tog, if you can, because most photographers love word-of-mouth advertising from happy clients like you.
11 Don't Crop or Filter
When you share your images, please don't apply a filter, or crop out the tog's logo. She worked really hard to get your images to look the way they do, and applying the Crema filter will kill a tiny part of her soul.
Now that you've seen my list, what would you add? On the flip side, how would you want your tog to make you happy?
