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How To Prepare For Your Photo Shoot For Dating Or Matrimonial Profile Photos?

Writer's picture: Ravi PutchaRavi Putcha

Preparing for photoshoots is essential to ensure a successful and productive session. 2 people need to prepare well – you and I, the photographer. My part is assured, what about you?



dating profile photos


How Does Preparation Help?

Preparing adequately boosts your confidence, makes you feel comfortable, focused and efficient leading to better photos than if you don’t prepare.


What happens if you don’t prepare?

If you don’t prepare you will not get the results you are expecting. Your preparation makes or breaks the photoshoot. In one instance, a client wanted the photoshoot done on the same day, immediately because he has been putting off (postponing it) forever since last 2 years.


I understand that feeling of never making it happen. But why ruin it in the last minute and jump into the shoot with poor preparation. Consequently, when it was time for the shoot, his hair was all over the place, his clothes were not pressed – so had to run, get the clothes pressed. His shoes were all dirty. The overall experience got ruined. It was not pleasant for me to wait and do nothing while he goes off to get his clothes pressed, shoes polished, fixing his hair. It was a bad experience for me and I am sure for him as well – he never said so because he perhaps realized that it was because of his poor preparation.


I would urge you to read the following tips carefully, re-read if necessary and make a mental note.


How to prepare?

Preparation involves various aspects such as wardrobe selection, grooming, hydration, mental readiness and packing. Let me deconstruct this for you one by one.

 

1. Readiness - Plan Your Time Wisely

Relax and don’t stress yourself by planning too many things on that day. It is best that you don't plan other activities on the day of the shoot - your photoshoot is the only thing you have planned for that day. If the shoot takes more time than planned, you are still at ease.

 

In one instance, while I was waiting for my client to arrive at the shoot location, he called and said he was running late by about 30 mins and that he could give me only 1 hour for the shoot as something has come up. He wanted to come late and leave early and he thought that’d be most efficient use of his time. I would urge you not to do that. A photoshoot is not a situation to show how busy you are. It is an opportunity to get best photos taken for yourself.

 

He never thought about the outcome and the importance of good quality photos. We made it happen at the end of the day but the experience was not pleasant. Do you want that? I guess not!

 

Don’t Worry

It’s all going be ok! You hired me, a professional, you like my work, you read some killer reviews about my work. So, the tough part is over! Don’t over think it, don’t stress about it, I have your best interest at heart. That’s what I do! Don’t get too worked up and worry about how the photos will turn out to be.



matrimonial profile photos

 

2. Your Outfits/Attire

So much of good photos is about the clothing. If your outfit makes you feel good, then that’ll show in the photos.

 

As a professional photographer, I can’t tell you how many times my clients have worn outfits that have made them super uncomfortable, and don’t fit properly.

 

I can fix it with proper posing and the right angles, but that is not going to change your comfort level. The more comfortable you are, the more flattering your outfit, the better you’ll feel, and the more confidence you’ll exude.

 

What to Wear?

Wear something that is shows who you are, clothes that feel natural for you, makes you feel comfortable and confident. Consult me if you are in doubt. The weather will also dictate what kind of style you will need to wear.

 

Prepare Your Outfits

Try on all your outfits beforehand, take a selfie and send it to me, or your friends, colleagues for advice.

 

Shoes

Shoes don’t show in all the shots. In the shots that they show, they are not going to be prominent. We are not shooting for shoe ads so you don’t need to worry too much about them. Just make sure they are cleaned, polished and are going with your choice of attire.

 

Packing (Outfits and Other Stuff)

Pack your bag to with attire changes. Your bag will also be useful to keep additional pair of shoes, your phones, wallets, keys, etc. because having your pockets full in photos just isn’t nice. Also have a bottle full of water and light snacks (if you are in the habit of snacking).

 

Keep communicating with me

Keep communicating with me before the shoot about your preparation, commute to the shoot location and keep me updated.


Share with me in advance any shots that you particularly liked from my portfolio or from the internet – a mood board. Also tell me why you like them – that will help me understand your needs.



3. Stay Hydrated and Comfortable

Drink plenty of water the night before a shoot to hydrate your skin and feel your best the morning of the shoot. This will pre-hydrate your body so you don’t have to drink a lot of water right before a shoot, causing inconvenience with needed bathroom breaks.



preparing for photoshoot


4. Get Good Night’s Sleep

Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep before the shoot and avoid caffeine after 6pm and alcohol the day before. This will help you look your best and feel more confident. Tired eyes and a stressed face do not bode well for a good photoshoot.


On the day of the shoot, if you do stretch once in a while, go ahead so some yoga, go for an easy walk – don’t go overboard and sprain your muscles. Stretching will circulate the blood and enhances the way skin looks.



preparing for your dating photoshoot


 

4. Grooming


Skin, Nails, Hands

Wash your face with a cleanser and use an exfoliator to help decongest clogged pores and dead skin. Get your nails done (don't forget your toes if you're wearing open-toe shoes!) or take off all nail polish and just have nice, clean nails. Your hands will likely be seen somewhere in most shots, so try not to forget about them.


Moisturize with a gentle lotion or oil (I use organic, virgin coconut oil) to make sure your skin isn’t dry looking, focus on the apples of your cheeks (the squishy parts that look and feel rounder when you smile), as this is a common dry area for people, as is around the nose/nostrils.


Floss and brush your teeth beforehand to ensure your lunch isn’t visible!


Nails: Trim and clean any dirt from under your nails and toenails too, especially if you’re wearing shoes that show your toes.


A quick, clear coat of nail polish and a gentle file to even nail edges can help you look even more put together


Bring lip balm! It will make your lips look softer and will make smiling more comfortable.

 

Hair and Makeup

Hair should be cut and groomed 2 days before your session. Do not try new hair styles, this is not the time for that.


Moustache, Beard and Eyebrows: Trim a day before the shoot. Don't put it off till the day of the shoot, you may not find time for that. If you are into trimming eyebrows, check.


Hair on Ears, on and in the Nose: a reality for some men. Those pesky fellows peek out of nowhere. Ask your mirror if this needs attention as well.


Shaving

Don’t forget to shave. Don’t pick facial hair, acne or anything else with tweezers a day before the shoot. That will make your skin red or dark and doesn’t look nice. I can retouch it away in Photoshop but still won’t do good for your confidence while on the shoot.


Makeup

Women may bring some makeup for touch-ups.

 

By following these tips, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable dating portrait photo shoot that showcases the best version of yourself.


Here’re some additional resource for preparation – check them out: https://www.10kportraits.com/shoot-preparation


Here's a beauty check list for women compiled by a friend of mine, a London based portrait photographer.


To book your photoshoot, click here. If you have any questions, message me directly. Look forward to hearing from you!










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