Diary of a Photoshoot
Diary of a photo shoot
A client filled out our web form showing their interest in a family session. We set up a phone meeting where the client explained that they wanted a magazine editorial family portrait vogue style shoot, and which types of prints they were interested in. We set up an in home consultation while on the phone, then sent the ‘Build Your Dream Shoot Questionnaire’ to fill out before we arrived. This questionnaire gave them everything they needed to design the perfect session, including space to upload the link to a Pinterest board or inspiration photos they found.
When we came to their house, we talked through the questionnaire going into more details, getting the frame of a photo shoot together. We talked about what the photos were for, and what display options we have, how they wanted to use and/or display them, and what sessions and products we suggest. At the end of the consultation, they decided to go with the first collection and definitely needed 2 large prints for display on their family portrait wall. We found a day and time that worked for all of us, and scheduled the photo shoot.
After the consultation and over the next 2 weeks, we put together a moodboard for hair, makeup, and wardrobe looks, and one for the overall look and feel we want for the images. We emailed those over for approval, and after getting the thumbs up, begin putting together our team and gathering needed props, wardrobe, set, and location needs.
About a week before the shoot Michi returned to the clients house for her wardrobe consultation, where we look at what the client has or has purchased for the shoot, try on things we've pulled from the Obsidian + Blush closet, and discussed wardrobe we will be pulling from designers. We talked over and finalized questions, ideas, logistics, and team for the day of. After the wardrobe consultation, the moodboards, packing list, and designer pulls are finalized.
The day before the shoot we picked up wardrobe from designers (if they're in town/near Austin, we pickup from Houston designers occasionally), refreshments, and then our team goes over the moodboards and lists, and prepare accordingly.
Day of the shoot, the team arrives and sets up their areas for prep. We steam wardrobe, set out accessories and props for the day, and get the set and photography equipment needed. We begin with a chat going over the day, and get everything the clients brought organized while they’re pampered by the hair and makeup team. After, wardrobe styling and lighting tests, and on to taking the portraits. We work off the moodboards we’ve created with the clients, making sure to capture all the shots they want, and then a few we think will be good. Sometimes we have to do some furniture moving, or go to multiple locations to get everything our clients want included. This particular day we were in and outside of their home and shot in multiple different rooms, moving their furniture and cars around for the different scenes.
We're wrapped! We clean up, say our goodbyes, and head home.
The day after the shoot, we return all wardrobe we borrowed, and begin the fine art editing process on the images. We schedule the unveiling session, we meet at the Client’s home to go through the images and choose which ones they wants, and the canvases they decided to add on. Even though it sounds easy enough, it can be pretty difficult to make decisions on which photographs you like the best. After the unveiling session, we placed the order, and in this case, we hand delivered their prints and products.