Organizing and Executing a Lifestyle Photo Shoot
If the words lifestyle photo shoot make you cringe, hear me out. I get it, getting your pictures taken by a professional can be scary and intimidating, especially if you’re camera shy or you’ve convinced yourself that you’re not photogenic.
A lifestyle photo shoot is often a suggestion I make to clients to personalize their website, emails, and social media and to have ready just in case they need photos for press or events. Recently, I took my own advice! I had been using an old picture taken at the beach for everything. I liked it, but I was way overdue for an upgrade.
My concerns were similar to what my clients would say – lifestyle shoots often seem too curated, too fake, just…too much. When I thought of organizing one for myself, I would often get overwhelmed with the execution and put it on the bottom of my to do list.
You and I both know why they are important though. Good pictures can communicate your values, interests, and on a basic level, they can help people identify you when they need to. Also, they help sell your products and services!
I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with Photographer Sarah Ford several times on various projects. Based in Los Angeles, Sarah’s work is inspiring, innovative, and she approaches the work thoughtfully with patience and the highest level of professionalism. She has the gift of capturing people in a dynamic and exciting way. During our work together, I learned a few things that I’m excited to share with you.
Here are 7 tips for your lifestyle photo shoot:
Disclaimer: These are my suggestions! Photographers may have a different opinion but I hope the below info provides insight from a marketing perspective.
Create a Mood Board
Spend an hour collecting the images that you like. This can help your photographer understand the aesthetic, style, or vibe that you’re looking for. They may notice that you like action shots or that specific locations are important to you. The mood board can help spark conversations about what you like and don’t like to create a blueprint or action plan for your shoot. Also, be sure to ask your photographer for suggestions and integrate them – even if they make you nervous!
Make a List of Locations in Walking Distance
For time efficiency, find several locations that are close to each other. Look for places with interesting textures and potential for photos – a coffee shop, stairs, brick wall, or interesting views. For most of the pics, the focus will be YOU, so consider that in your selection. As you are walking, you will no doubt find some other interesting spots along the way that you probably didn’t even think of. If walking is not an option, find places that are close in proximity. Bonus: Take pictures of these spots and share them with your photographer.
Shoot During the Magic Hour
That’s right, sunrise and sunset. Yes, studio shoots can be equally amazing but natural light looks, well, more natural and in my opinion, it’s less fussy. Also, the process seems a bit more organic, so if you’re intimidated by getting your photos taken, getting out there in the world can be a more comforting choice. Taking advantage of the sunrise or sunset can help with capturing some dynamic lighting. Also, early morning shoots can help with crowd control, so you won’t have to fight crowds to take pics (unless that’s what you want to capture). We finished our shoot at 8:30am so it easily fit into my work day.
Capture a True Moment in Your Day
One strong suggestion is to have your photographer capture a moment in your day that is important to you personally. Whether that’s making breakfast for your kids, meditating, grabbing coffee, shopping at the farmer’s market, or an early morning mindfulness walk, this is a fantastic way to share and demonstrate your values.
Professionally, if you meet with clients all the time, write on chalkboards, or have a secret handshake, be sure to take a moment to capture that as well.
Be True & Be Brave
Ultimately, these pictures are of you on a good day but be sure to stay true to who you are. If you don’t normally wear a suit or wear your hair in a side banana clip, I wouldn’t suggest sporting them for the entire shoot. Having that being said, I think it’s a good idea to change clothes and wear the things that bring you joy. So if wearing your favorite bowling shirt or your 1960’s dress makes you feel boss, go for it! You never know what you could use those photos for.
Let Go
This is a challenging one! Don’t ask to see the photos when they are being taken. TRUST that your photographer is doing everything they need to do to capture the moment. If you took the time to prepare, now is the time to let things happen. When in doubt, breathe and engage in conversation with your photographer. That will bring you back into the present moment.
Use Your Photos!
This sounds like a no brainer but I can’t even tell you how many people I’ve worked with who have a full folder of pictures they’ve never used. What do you do with the photos? These photos can be utilized for so many assets. Below are some ideas:
Social media posts, banners, or profile pics
Email signature
Video slideshow
Direct mail postcard
Business card
Greeting card for your business
Online advertising
Your website (about, team, contact pages, and/or blog posts)
Title page at the end of a video
Speaking and/or press events
Anything I miss?
So your next step is to add a date to your calendar! When would you like the photos completed by? Pick a date and work backwards to make it happen. Special thanks to the super talented Sarah Ford. Your can follow her Insta @sssarahford or visit her website at www.sarahfordcreative.com to view more of her work.
Need some support brainstorming ideas? Contact me today.
