How To Book A Photoshoot

Booking your first photoshoot can be a new and exciting experience but it’s easy to have preconceptions that don’t always match up to your experience. It can become a stressful, overwhelming or nervous process if you don’t feel prepared. 

 Most bookings are made via email or over the phone, it depends on what you’d prefer. When you get in contact with your photographer it’s great to have your calendar handy so you can work out a date that you are both available. If you’re making a booking for a modelling portfolio, headshot, family or wedding images and there are some previous shots on the photographers website that you love, feel free to mention these and ask if it’s possible to recreate a similar feel.

 If you have some inspiration images saved, ask the photographer if you can show them and usually they are happy to see what you’re after so they can help create the perfect outcome. It always beneficial to do research and look for images that are similar to the ones you are after, so that everybody is on the same page. It gets tricky trying to describe visuals through words. 

It’s important to remember that communication is the key to a great outcome with your photoshoot. In general, photographers (as well as makeup artists, stylists and other collaborators) are more than happy to chat about what kind of result you are looking for and give you their opinion if you are open to suggestions. This is a great way to make sure the outcome is as close to your vision as possible, because it can benefit you to tap into their experience.

 When it comes to pricing, many photographers no longer display their rates on their website so a friendly email to inquiry after them is always welcomed. Photographers have different rates for different types of shoots so it’s important that you give as much information about what you are after so they can give you the most accurate quote. Generally the number of shots and the time of day is determined by the photographer and they usually have a large catalogue of locations stored in the back of their mind, so if you are pushed for ideas about where you want your shoot ask your photographer what they suggest, they might know a place that’s absolutely perfect for you. 

 The most important thing is to communicate, if there’s anything that you’re not sure about, just ask away - photographers are here to help you!