Tips for a Stress free Photoshoot
Lets make your shoot as stress free as possible.
A little bit of thought and preparation before any photoshoot can make a big difference to your gallery. My hope with this blog is that with a bit of guidance, choosing the right location and knowing what to expect will lead you to a stress free shoot that you can enjoy on the day. There is another blog on what to wear for your shoot, another key aspect to the overall look and feel of your images, but worthy of its own blog here.
What Location is best for my photoshoot?
The location you choose for your photoshoot has a huge influence on the overall look and feel of your images. A shoot at home will be so different to a shoot on a beach or forest. This choice really comes down to your preference and what kind of location you are most drawn too. For some the beach is the absolute best, others adore exploring the woods. Visually both are amazing options, so where you and your family feel most comfortable, is often the key for me. When you are in an environment where you feel comfortable to be yourselves & be your happiest, thats when I can capture true magic!
Sometimes for very young kids, this should be at home. Don’t worry if your home is not instagram ready, (who’s is really!?) Connections and expressions are far more important to me, and you will be surprised by the stories your home can tell too.
How do on location shoots work?
We meet at a location of your choice (see above). I generally spend 40 minutes to 1 hour, sometimes up to 1.5 hours if needed (a real possibility with very young babies). In this time I aim to capture a variety of shots in a very natural manner. I will pose and direct when needed but I am also looking to provide a comfortable enough setting that you all feel relaxed and can be yourselves. Sometimes with young kids that can mean chaos but that can often lead to the best shots!
Some of my favourite locations for a photoshoot in Co Mayo are:
Turlough House, Mount falcon, Westport House, Breaffy House Hotel, Bertra Strand, Old head beach, Mulranny Beach, Doolough Valley, Raheen Woods, Belleek Woods, Cong Woods.
In home sessions:
Please don’t stress about whether your home is nice enough for a session at home. It is. It is your home (even if it is temporary) and it will hold so many memories as your family grows. That being said, it’s helpful to know what I am looking for for any shoot.
With newborns it is really common for me to photograph in bedrooms, baby’s nursery (if they have one) and even in the living room. I am looking for a space with nice lighting, typically I will face you into the light so anywhere opposite a window is likely to be a backdrop. Couches and beds are used a lot. I want you to be able to sit and hold the baby comfortably. Babies will often be laid out on a bed for comfort. As the baby grows, we are still very likely to use the same spaces but they will often be playing on the floor, showing off their toys and if we are really lucky with weather (or at least prepared for the rain) I will happily photograph in the garden too.
For older families and big groups, I will be looking for where I have the most space to set you up. Ideally this will also have a nice big window across from it but I do have studio lighting I can bring with me if needs be.
Do I need props?
Some people ask do I need props. My simple answer is no. However if there is something you would like to include it can add another dynamic to the shots. Some kids might be really into sport, dance or music and might like to have this documented. For young babies, there is often something sentimental that has been passed on. Teddy from a favourite aunt, nanny knitted a blanket or cardigan. These can easily be incorporated into a few shots. Equally if a loved one has passed on but you would like to honour them somehow we can work together to include them. A baby holding a piece of jewellery or wrapped in a favourite scarf can be a simple but effective nod to a loved one.
What to tell the kids?
Don’t make a big fuss. There should be no pressure to perform.
You are having some family time and Caroline, who is a photographer, is going to come along. She is very silly and is really looking forward to meeting you all. She has a cool camera and loves to take photos of everyone. You can show her your favourite teddies/toys/dance/games. Tell her all about your favourite song/cartoons/books/jokes.
For any reluctant adults, well they will be so surprised by just how horrible it isn’t! Honestly 😂
It’s a bit of fun, it is important, kids (& grown ups) love it and just as importantly, they love seeing, not just images of themselves, but photos of them with their family. It has been proven to promote a sense of belonging and confidence.
