One of the most daunting parts of blogging for some people is the blog photoshoots. When you’re hosting a space online, photos are what catch the attention of your readers. They can be the make or break of your brand, and so blogger photoshoots are more important than ever to stand out amongst the crowd of other blogs that are out there.
Scott, my brilliant (and very patient) boyfriend, is behind the camera on 90% of the photographs that you see on Mile in My Glasses. We have shot together since the beginning. And although we’ve crafted a style and aesthetic that we’re used to capturing together, it wasn’t always this way. When we started things were much different. Which is why I wanted to share the advice I’d give myself back when we were starting our first shoots together. Tips on how to smooth out the process and capture the most amount of great content that you can during any photoshoot for your blog.
Be on the Same Wavelength as Your Photographer
Being on the same wavelength is. So. Important. Having a vision that complements each other and knowing what it is you’re trying to capture that day. Whether shooting for yourself or for a brand, make sure that you both have spoken about what you want to walk away from this shoot with (aka the deliverables), and what type of shots/locations/moods you’re after.
When Scott and I first started shooting, I can’t even say the amount of blog photoshoots that went to waste because we had different ideas of what we wanted. It truly is that important. Over time, your photographer will know your best angles, the images you love the most and what yours (and their) favourite style of images to capture are. These little factors are the gold dust that will stand you out from the other blogs. Once you know what you like, hold onto it.
Don’t be Afraid to Try Something New
On the other side though, don’t be scared to try something you’ve never done before. Dedicate five or ten minutes of each shoot to trying new angles. New moods, facial expressions, focal lengths – locations or backgrounds. Give yourself flexibility to have fun, let go and see what you end up with. Some of my favourite blogger photoshoots have been the ones where I have let loose and just captured magic. The more genuine, the better.
Be Wary of Your Time Management
Ah, time management. The crux of every shoot. Making sure you and your photographer know the time your shoot will take is integral. Are you shooting multiple outfits, locations or posts? How long do you think each will take – then double that for unforeseen circumstances. You can never have enough time management, and the last thing you want when shooting is to be stressed about the amount of time you have left.
Although it can be annoying to deal with organisational factors, by getting all the ‘boring’ stuff sorted first, it gives you more time to have fun and be carefree in front of the camera. Which is what you really want to capture when shooting for a blog.
Always be Thinking about the Finished Product
How will this angle look, what about this stance or pose? Do you know how you’re going to edit it, or what the image will look like upon delivery? Make sure you’re always confident in yourself and make sure you’re aware of how what you’re capturing is going to end up like. Sometimes, throwing caution to the wind and shooting with no intention is fantastic. Other times, it’s the nail in the coffin of a bad blog photoshoot.
Knowing how you edit and what your images are like will help inform locations, backgrounds, focal lengths, outfits and the entire mood of what you’re capturing.
Allow Yourself to be Comfortable in front of the Camera
A trickier one – especially for those who have never done a blog photoshoot before. Allowing yourself to be comfortable in front of your camera can be hard. It takes practice, and can still be uncomfortable to the most experienced blogger. I try to see the camera as an extension of Scott – since he’s the one shooting me. It’s a friend, a fun piece of kit to capture great memories through.
Remember – if you don’t like the outcome of your photos, then nobody has to see them. So why not let loose and enjoy yourself? Get comfortable, have fun and let yourself go. You’re the only one with access to those images, which is probably the best bit of advice to remember if you’re feeling nervous in front of the lens.
The only way to get comfortable is to just do it – and all of the best blog photoshoots are captured by doing just that.
For more blog posts of mine about photography, including my Beginner’s Guide to Photography and the Tip to Improve Your Instagram Photography, click the above links. I always write a lot of blogging advice posts, which you can read here too. Including posts like How to Spring Clean Your Blog for 2019, and Why It’s Important to Evolve Your Blog.
How do you feel during blogger photoshoots?
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