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Photoshoot Perfection Series Post 5: Your Look

6/16/2016

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 Your photoshoot is booked and the date is fast approaching- now we need to prepare! You have put a lot of time and thought into who you hired as a photographer and the location you will be shooting at. Now it is time to concentrate on how to look and feel your best so you will be thrilled with the results. There is a lot to get done before the shoot happens. You need to figure out your costume(s), hair and makeup needs, nails, possibly waxing or haircut appointments, and practice your poses.

​Choose your costumes and props
Think about the images you want to create and your vision for how they will look. If you have time for a costume change think about diversity of images. Choose costumes which have different colors and styles. Keep in mind you want to be comfortable and in costumes that suit your normal performance attire and style.
Picture
Photo of Sahina and Felicia by RT2 Photography.
If you are doing a studio shoot find out in advance what backdrops are available. You want to pick a backdrop that will accentuate your costume choice and avoid a backdrop that your costume will blend into. For example, if you are wearing a black costume you will probably want to avoid a black backdrop.

What props do you use most in your dancing? If you are getting photos as a professional dancer I recommend only posing with props you use regularly and are proficient with so they accurately reflect your dancing for clients who may be booking you. If you are a student getting photos for fun use any props you are having fun learning even if you aren't completely proficient with them yet.
Practice your poses and facial expressions
Find the angles and poses that work for you and practice them in the mirror. It is often quite difficult to come up with poses so you will probably want to find a little inspiration. Here are some ideas:
-Look at other dancer's photos, check your favorite dancer's websites to see what kinds of poses look interesting to you. I have created several pinterest boards for photoshoot inspirations which include solo, duet, and group pose ideas.
 - Nadira Jamal has some great tips that she uses for finding ending poses for improvised dance and her advice is also very applicable to photoshoots- she suggests looking at record and cd covers.
- Princess Farhana has aDVD which great resource for this as well.
Practice hair and makeup
You are spending a lot of time and money on your photos and you want to look your best so be sure to practice your look for the shoot just as you would practice your dancing for a show.

If you are comfortable with hair and makeup you can definitely do this yourself. I was never particularly comfortable with either of these things so I usually hire a stylist to do my hair and makeup.

Remember, makeup is critical in photoshoots. The bright lights will wash you out if you forgo it. Wear heavier makeup than you would daily and make sure you contour and highlight to really bring out your features under the lights. If you are doing a costume change be sure to wear makeup that goes with both looks so you can use your time on site more effectively.
Costume Preparation
A few days before the shoot try on the costume(s) that you intend to wear and check to make sure they fit well and are in good shape. This will give you time to do any repairs that are needed. Make sure your hooks are secure and don't need to be moved. Check for loose threads or beading and fix or trim anything needed.

Get your jewelry, accessories, and props together. Don't forget to iron your veils! Nothing can ruin a great photo quicker than a wrinkly veil.

If possible do a few test shots with a friend to see if you like the way the poses and costume work together.
 The next post in the series will give tips for the day of, a sample packing list, and a general photoshoot resources list. In the meantime if you have questions, comments, or any photos to share I would love to hear from you!
Picture
Photo of Felicia by RT2 Photography
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Photoshoot Perfection Series Part 4: Location, Location, Location

6/3/2016

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You have picked a photographer, now you need to choose a place to shoot. Where you shoot may depend on the photographer you chose, their preferences, and what’s available in their schedule. Some photographers work either exclusively in their home studio and some only on location, but many are flexible and can work in both.

When you chose your photographer, chances are you likely did so based at least partially on how the locations they shoot at impact their style. Take a look at their portfolio again and see if you love their studio or that you really like their use of natural light in outdoor location shoots. If you haven't already chosen a location prior to booking a photographer there are many considerations to take into account.
​

This post will look at pros and cons of each type of photoshoot location, how to choose, and some ideas for locations as well. Each option has it's own advantages and there are many things to take into consideration when choosing where to take photos.  
Sahina Bellydance Photoshoot Perfection
Photo of Sahina by Huong Phan. On-location at a private residence.
Studio Photography
Studios are traditional spaces often owned or rented by the photographer. They usually have a range of professional backdrops and lighting setups to choose from. In a studio, your photographer can play around with lots of different lighting and effects, change up backdrops, or get silhouette shots. You may need to coordinate studio rental if you are choosing studio shots and your photographer doesn’t own or regularly shoot in a specific studio.

Pros: 
  • The photographer has more control over lighting. Professional photographers have portable lighting for location shoots but it can be a lot of gear to carry so there are often more options for lighting when in the studio.
  • You don’t need to worry about weather.
  • The studio provides clean backdrops if you are planning to use the photos for marketing, press, or graphic design purposes.
  • There are no distractions in the studio. Location shoots are often at public places where you will likely not have control over disruptions.
Cons:
  • They will likely have a less unique backdrop.
Note: If you are a dancer transitioning to the professional realm I recommend doing your first shoot in studio to get most diverse photos for promotion. 
On-Location Photography
On-location is anywhere that is not in a photography studio. It is further differentiated into outdoor and indoor locations. There are a wide range of places that fall under this category. Your lighting options would be more limited but a pro photographer would have mobile lighting setups so this can really open up your options for the background of your photos.

Pros:
  • Location shoot provide a unique & interesting backdrop.
  • If your photographer doesn't already have their own studio this option can save you on studio rental costs.
  • If the weather cooperates for an outdoor location your photos will have beautiful natural light.
  • Can provide diversity to the photos used in your portfolio or on your website.
Cons:
  • Having a non-uniform background makes them less ideal for most graphic design.
  • Depending on the particular location chosen you may need to request permission from the venue before shooting there.
  • If you have chosen a public location there may be interuptions or distractions.
  • If you are doing an outdoor shoot the weather may not cooperate.
  • "You may find nature in your britches" -Hayam
Ideas for indoor locations:
  • greenhouse
  • museum or hotel
  • warehouse
  • art gallery
  • castle
  • historic house or old theater

​Ideas for indoor locations:
  • a beautiful garden
  • by a river or waterfall
  • the beach or a fancy pool
  • forest
  • by beautiful street art
Note- If you are doing an on-location shoot don't try to climb up on crazy places to get a great shot if it doesn't seem safe. You might hurt yourself or damage your costume.
Photoshoot Perfection Sahina Bellydance
Photo of Sahina by Derek Goodwin.
Time to Book!
After discussing your options with your photographer and picking the location that works best for both of you and your vision for your photos now you can have everything booked. There are so many wonderful options for photoshoot locations and whether you shoot in studio or on-location you will have beautiful new photos. Now it is time to plan your look! The next post in the series will focus on that and is coming soon!

​What are some of your favorite studio and on-location photos of yourself?  What ideas do you have for on-location places?
Sahina Bellydance
Sahina and Felicia on-location. Photo by RT2 Photography
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