6 Steps For Producing A Creative Photo Shoot

I did a photo shoot the other day with Eric, one of my favorite stock models. Together, we’ve worked together on some fantastic and fun pictures over the years, and after so many different shoots, we seem to have the process down pat.

This was no different. We walked up to the location, and in less than 45 minutes, we had captured a great selection of really cool snow biking shots and were on our way back to town for pizza. That’s right, I said snow biking.  It’s May already, but we still have snow in the mountains outside of Anchorage. I won’t say that it’s ideal snow biking snow, but when the client wants snow shots, you make it happen.

Anyway, it got me thinking about how I approach a typical photo shoot, if there is such a thing. When I look back on some of outings where I’ve come away with good imagery, even when I wasn’t shooting with Eric. They tend to go like this:

1. Arrive at the location: When I first get there, I look around with a creative eye to get a feel for the place and immediately start scoping out possible backgrounds and looking for elements that can act as secondary subjects to my main subject who, in this case is a mountain athlete.

2. Start shooting: Once I get some ideas, I jump right into shooting. I’ll position myself in a good vantage point and have my subject start doing ‘laps,’ back and forth in front of my background, or repeating whatever action I’m trying to capture. I usually end up with something good in this stage, but more than anything, it’s about getting warmed up and starting my creative juices flowing.

3. Change things up: When I feel I’ve gotten things going, I’ll move to a new vantage point, change lenses, or look for a different background for my subject. By now, I’m starting to get into a good rhythm and the shots start to become more inspired.

4. Move around even more: By this stage, the excitement is building. I’m really immersed in the process and I feel confident about exploring new scenery and directing my subjects. I feel like I’m really starting to make things happen. By now, I’m starting to get really comfortable with my model. I’m swapping out lenses quickly now, trying different things and moving around a lot. My energy and creativity are shifting into high gear.

5. Kick it into overdrive: I suddenly see a new and exciting background element. Or, as it often happens in this stage, the light starts to get really good. I’ll pull out all the stops and put my energy, creativity and model direction in overdrive. Often the models will become inspired as well this point. This is when the best shots tend to come forth.

6. Wind down: This is when the light starts to fade, or when I feel like I’ve gotten everything I can from this location. A wave of satisfaction washes over me and brings me back to normal. Pleased and excited with the knowledge that I’ve just made some great photographs, I pack up my gear and call it a wrap.

Tagged as: Alaska, creative inspiration, Photography, Photography blogs, photography tips, sports photography, Tips