How to Have a Successful Outdoor Photoshoot
Choose a location., Interact with your landscape., Know your model., Go for a variety of images., Do the unexpected., Quantity, go big or go home., Don't forget that photography is an art.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a location.
Try to find someplace outside that has a background that is interesting, but won't distract too much from your model.
You can go for an urban theme in a cityscape, or more of a more natural landscape in a field or a wooded area. -
Step 2: Interact with your landscape.
Indoor photos can often be dull because a model stands against a flat, solid colored surface, but in nature you have the whole world around you to utilize.
Pick a flower, stomp in a puddle, throw a handful of leaves or snow into the air.
The world is your playground, use it! , This is especially true if you are conducting the photoshoot with a friend or family member.
If the person is a naturally bubbly, don't make them look too serious.
Avoid forcing anything, let poses and facial expressions come naturally. , Take pictures from far away, or so close you see only half of the face, from high above, or a worm's eye from the ground looking up.
Mix things up so you and your model don't get stuck in a trance of repetitive, boring, unoriginal photos. , Break beyond the tradition of a standing straight up with a full smile and facing the photographer.
Take shots in action like when your model is laughing or running.
Remember that the model doesn't always need to face the camera, they can be looking at something else or nostalgically staring into the distance. , Take multiple shots that are similar, there is nothing more frustrating than coming home and finding out your coolest potential photo didn't focus.
Take more pictures than you might think you need, because maybe that one last picture of the day will turn out to be your star snapshot. , It doesn't have to be perfect, sometimes an odd quirk makes a picture stand out from the rest! Trial and error are the best ways to improve, remember that just like any skill practice yields progress. -
Step 3: Know your model.
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Step 4: Go for a variety of images.
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Step 5: Do the unexpected.
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Step 6: Quantity
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Step 7: go big or go home.
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Step 8: Don't forget that photography is an art.
Detailed Guide
Try to find someplace outside that has a background that is interesting, but won't distract too much from your model.
You can go for an urban theme in a cityscape, or more of a more natural landscape in a field or a wooded area.
Indoor photos can often be dull because a model stands against a flat, solid colored surface, but in nature you have the whole world around you to utilize.
Pick a flower, stomp in a puddle, throw a handful of leaves or snow into the air.
The world is your playground, use it! , This is especially true if you are conducting the photoshoot with a friend or family member.
If the person is a naturally bubbly, don't make them look too serious.
Avoid forcing anything, let poses and facial expressions come naturally. , Take pictures from far away, or so close you see only half of the face, from high above, or a worm's eye from the ground looking up.
Mix things up so you and your model don't get stuck in a trance of repetitive, boring, unoriginal photos. , Break beyond the tradition of a standing straight up with a full smile and facing the photographer.
Take shots in action like when your model is laughing or running.
Remember that the model doesn't always need to face the camera, they can be looking at something else or nostalgically staring into the distance. , Take multiple shots that are similar, there is nothing more frustrating than coming home and finding out your coolest potential photo didn't focus.
Take more pictures than you might think you need, because maybe that one last picture of the day will turn out to be your star snapshot. , It doesn't have to be perfect, sometimes an odd quirk makes a picture stand out from the rest! Trial and error are the best ways to improve, remember that just like any skill practice yields progress.
About the Author
Nathan Robinson
A seasoned expert in education and learning, Nathan Robinson combines 5 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Nathan's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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