Combine a small event with a photography mini session and you will be able to test out new skills. Plan a date with family or friends, set up your camera and turn your any event into a photoshoot.
Planning Your Photo Mini Session
Invite your friends over for a special event. Let them know that you would like a half hour for a photography mini session. There is no pressure to get the shots and the photoshoot affords you the opportunity to hone your craft.
“Gather ideas for posing and composition.”
Collect Ideas for Your Session
Start by collecting ideas of what you envision for the session. Search the web and save style ideas to your Pinterest page. It also helps to collect ideas for posing and composition. Collect ideas based on the age and group size.
Decide on a Color Scheme
In this shoot, I was going for a Vogue magazine cover. Style your shoot in conjunction with the season. Whatever style you’re going for, send your “models” ideas of what your envision. Include some accessories and you’re set to turn an intimate event into a photography mini session.
“Make sure to charge your batteries.”
Prepare for Your Session
On the day of the shoot, set up your camera on a tripod. Charge your batteries and test out your lights. If you have subject nearby take a few quick test shots and adjust your settings as needed.
Camera, Lights, Action!
During the actual session direct your subjects, as one does when on a “styled model shoot.” It’s tougher if they’re family or friends because they’re more relaxed than they would be if they were your clients. Focus on your knowledge of composition to bring out the best in your models. “Let’s see more hands, pop that front knee, get in tight and suck in that gut!” It’s all in fun.
“We discussed poses that would flatter the body.”
After the Shoot
After the shoot, one of our friends suggested that we just “strike a pose.” At that point, it was about capturing the impromptu antics. Set up the camera and use a trigger to document those moments. These become your forever memories.
Reflecting on the Shoot
Unlike a client session, you can review the photos with your friends. Throughout the shoot, I introduced ways to flatter the body. Now we were seeing the results. You can turn any photoshoot into a learning experience. And your subjects can use what they learned for future photoshoots.
Reflecting on the Shoot
Unlike a client session, you can review the photos with your friends. Throughout the shoot, I introduced ways to flatter the body. Now we were seeing the results. You can turn any photoshoot into a learning experience. And your subjects can use what they learned for future photoshoots.
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