Create Engaging Content With Quality Photos

A Different Kind of Photo Shoot

At JRH Graphics we tend to do things a little bit differently, so it should not really surprise anyone that we approach photo shoots differently as well. We don’t like to shoot in the studio. Whenever practical, we like to shoot in your neighborhood, where you live and where your business is located. Our photo shoots are “in the wild” as we say. This type of shoot encourages real-life engagement which leads to greater engagement online. So what does a photo shoot in the wild look like? How do we decide what photos to take? What do you wear?

Well, aren’t you lucky… we are going to answer all your questions in this post!

Before The Photo Shoot Begins

Before each shoot begins we will discuss what types of images you wish to get from the shoot. We will also review key aspects like how we will be portraying the brand in the images. Are the shots a part of a planned campaign?  We can also review what the overall feel you want from the photos. We will review the specific photos we wish to capture for posts we have planned as well as ways to get some more versatile images that can be used in multiple situations. We always try to capture as many shots as possible at every shoot.

Some Important Pre-Photo Shoot Questions

What to Wear

We have discussed the intent of the shoot and the message you wish to convey in the photos we will be capturing. So now, what about the styling? We may tell you what we envision for a specific shot or the overall feel but it is up to you and what you have in your closet. No matter what, make sure that whatever you decide on, matches your brand. That is the most important recommendation we can make. Other than that we recommend bringing a few versatile options with a variety of complementing accessories! Mixing and matching is the name of the game to get the most looks out of one shoot. Blazers, jackets scarves and statement jewelry help transform a look in seconds. Always bring great shoes, but wear sneakers as we will be walking a lot.

Where are we going:

Once the location has been picked we will scout it out and set up a plan of attack based on what shots you are looking for. We are flexible and can make changes on the fly so if you spot a shot you want while taking another one just let us know. We also may need to change a shot because of crowds or lighting etc. We roll with the punches and we will get the shots. Again, bring a pair of comfortable shoes. We will be moving and heels are not running shoes!

So What Else

We will take as many shots as possible from a variety of angles, sometimes the photos you don’t expect to look great look awesome. During the shoot I will be talking to you, working with you, and trying to keep you relaxed but we will also be capturing candid shots. Move around, play with the way your body bends, pose, then act naturally and sometimes be goofy. The more relaxed you are in front of the camera the easier it will be to get the shots we want.

Oh yeah… How long and how many shots?

On average a shoot will consist of 3-5 shots will take about 90 minutes depending on the distance between location, the number of people, and outfit changes, etc. The result is generally 150-200+ unedited images. Which converts to about 10-12 Awesome shots and 20-25 good shots if we vary outfits, angles, and even props. This is enough images to get you through a month of social media posts. Which is exactly why each monthly social media client above self-managed gets one shoot a month with their package.

It’s Photo Shoot Day

On photo shoot day we will meet at the specified location and review the purpose of the days’ shoot. Like a broken record, I will remind you that each photo should have a relatable story and every client and product should be approachable and have a personality. Once we begin the pace usually goes something like this… Uncomfortable photo, I try to make you laugh, we chat, I shoot, you laugh I continue shooting, you pose, I shoot, pose again, and then on to the next shot. The idea is to shoot candidly and comfortably. We move, we chat, we shoot, we look for a different backdrop, we move again, we shoot again. The same applies to the products- we just have to help them move!

Getting the Shots In

We work to finish our shot outline but sometimes we don’t so we try to stack the front end of the shoot with the necessary pictures and the back end gets the supplemental images. Expect about 50 varying angles, poses and/or positions per shot. Feel free to change up accessories during a shot but save outfit changes for between shots.

Remember we are shooting in public so sometimes we may need to wait for another group to vacate an area. Conversely, when we are shooting many people tend to steer clear of an area, if it is an essential area for a business or building we will need to act fast so we aren’t negatively impacting a fellow business.

So That Is It!

We hope this post helps you understand what to expect. Our number 1 objective is to get the shots we need to build engaging content for your website, social media, and other campaigns. But almost as important is having fun. These shoots are meant to be laid back and enjoyable so don’t worry you will look great so have fun!

Want to know more?

If you are interested in learning more about any of the services we have to offer or want to schedule a free 30-minute consultation call? Just fill out the form below and we will happily answer all the questions you have or set up your consultation call. We can’t wait to help you tell your winning story!