How to Get the Most Out of Your Photos
It is no secret that good photography is an investment. I hear all too often how expensive photography is. The truth of the matter is that it is a field where you get what you pay for. As photographers move up, buy new equipment, and widen their resources, their cost of doing business will rise. As with any profession, we have to charge enough so that we can make a profit based on how much we have spent on cameras, lenses, online and in person courses, and editing software. So, I have decided to write up a post on how to get the most out of the photos that you are paying for!
The first thing you can do to get great photos is to make sure you set aside a good time of day for your session. Most photographers prefer to shoot at sunrise or sunset, as the sun is at an angle and won't be directly on your face. As with all good photographers, we can shoot in harsh sunlight, but we prefer to avoid that. If you are scheduling a session and you can only be available at one in the afternoon, I will make that work but I definitely prefer earlier or later sessions. Of course everyone is going to like different things, if you enjoy the look of harsh sun better that is all preference. I have included some photos of what harsh sunlight looks like versus backlighting. In the bottom picture I faced the client directly toward the sun, which is why her skin tones look slightly different than the photo above, where I faced her away from the sun and used backlighting.
Another important thing to keep in mind when scheduling your photoshoot is location choice. If you like lighter, airier photos, you will want to book somewhere that does not have a ton of forested areas, but more open fields and hills/mountains. If you like the darker, moodier look, forests are perfect, such as the redwoods. If you have any questions regarding your location, feel free to message or email me and I can help you decide. Here are some different examples of the light and airy look versus the dark and moody look. The picture on the bottom was taken in the redwoods and produced a more moody look, while the picture on the top was taken on the side of the road in Yreka at a location that looked similar to Smith Rock. The open space allowed for a more light, airy look and feel.
Outfits play a major role in how your photos come out. The lighting can be great and your photographer can do everything they can to make your photos wonderful, but if your outfit does not fit the picture you won't be happy with the photos. From the above pictures you can see the outfits fit the location and lighting well. Flowy dresses work great for women, as well as a dressy top and jeans. Men look great in photos in jeans and a nice, plain shirt or flannel. Khakis also work well for men. For more outfit ideas visit my youtube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofgGZ3hYzAo&t=111s.
Lastly, the most important thing so that you can love your photos is that you feel comfortable. You'll want to choose an outfit that does not make you feel uncomfortable, and a location that you can relax in. You will also want a photographer that you trust. As photographers we know how awkward it can be stepping in front of a camera, especially for the first time, but our job is to make it easier for you. If you aren't relaxed it will show in the pictures and you won't feel like they tell your story.
Photoshoots can be expensive, but in the end it is an investment that you make that will tell your story forever. Use these tips to make sure you love the photos you pay for!
The first thing you can do to get great photos is to make sure you set aside a good time of day for your session. Most photographers prefer to shoot at sunrise or sunset, as the sun is at an angle and won't be directly on your face. As with all good photographers, we can shoot in harsh sunlight, but we prefer to avoid that. If you are scheduling a session and you can only be available at one in the afternoon, I will make that work but I definitely prefer earlier or later sessions. Of course everyone is going to like different things, if you enjoy the look of harsh sun better that is all preference. I have included some photos of what harsh sunlight looks like versus backlighting. In the bottom picture I faced the client directly toward the sun, which is why her skin tones look slightly different than the photo above, where I faced her away from the sun and used backlighting.
Another important thing to keep in mind when scheduling your photoshoot is location choice. If you like lighter, airier photos, you will want to book somewhere that does not have a ton of forested areas, but more open fields and hills/mountains. If you like the darker, moodier look, forests are perfect, such as the redwoods. If you have any questions regarding your location, feel free to message or email me and I can help you decide. Here are some different examples of the light and airy look versus the dark and moody look. The picture on the bottom was taken in the redwoods and produced a more moody look, while the picture on the top was taken on the side of the road in Yreka at a location that looked similar to Smith Rock. The open space allowed for a more light, airy look and feel.Outfits play a major role in how your photos come out. The lighting can be great and your photographer can do everything they can to make your photos wonderful, but if your outfit does not fit the picture you won't be happy with the photos. From the above pictures you can see the outfits fit the location and lighting well. Flowy dresses work great for women, as well as a dressy top and jeans. Men look great in photos in jeans and a nice, plain shirt or flannel. Khakis also work well for men. For more outfit ideas visit my youtube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofgGZ3hYzAo&t=111s.
Lastly, the most important thing so that you can love your photos is that you feel comfortable. You'll want to choose an outfit that does not make you feel uncomfortable, and a location that you can relax in. You will also want a photographer that you trust. As photographers we know how awkward it can be stepping in front of a camera, especially for the first time, but our job is to make it easier for you. If you aren't relaxed it will show in the pictures and you won't feel like they tell your story.
Photoshoots can be expensive, but in the end it is an investment that you make that will tell your story forever. Use these tips to make sure you love the photos you pay for!
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