What to take to a professional Photoshoot

Here are our tips on what to take to a professional Photoshoot. And our first bonus tip is that you can never bring too much. The more you have the more options for variety. Bring a suitcase or suit carrier if you have to!

If you are planning on a dog shoot please see our blog “How to Prepare for Your Dog Photoshoot”

Change of clothes

Firstly bring a change of clothes. We would recommend 2 separate outfits to the one you arrive at the studio in. We have a separate blog that gives you ideas on What to Wear. Please remember Mum’s change of clothes. If she’s anything like me, she will be so busy planning everyone else that she will forget herself.

Don’t let the kids get Hangry!

They say don’t work with kids and animals. I would say from experience don’t work with hungry kids or hungry animals. Make up a little bag of healthy snacks to keep the hunger pangs at bay and to keep them occupied when it’s not their turn. Think about the mess when you pack. Strawberries, beetroot, chocolate… all will make a lovely stain on that beautiful white dress you have been saving for the occasion!

Books and games to keep them occupied

When they are not munching through their snacks, or if they are all gone, have something for the kids to do. In our studio, we have a little toy box and some books for them to rummage through. A colouring book or colouring sheets, their favourite story, a game. These will all keep your ankle biters occupied whilst others take their turn with the photographer.

Hair & Makeup

For ladies, I would suggest that you do your basic makeup before you arrive at the studio. We have a makeup mirror and changing area for touch-ups. We also have facilities for straighteners or hairdryers if necessary. Don’t laugh – you would be amazed at how many people neglect to bring a simple hairbrush along to their shoot. A gust of wind on the way into the studio or a damp atmosphere could ruin your intended look.

Props – hobbies, sports, uniforms

Have a think about your hobbies, sports interests and your job. Do you have a uniform? Are you in the military? It’s lovely to include uniforms or props that relate to your day-to-day life. Does your little boy love to play at being a mechanic or a chef because that’s what Daddy does? Does your little girl have her own mini cooking utensils to copy Mummy? Perhaps you or your partner have sports interests like Surfing, Football or Tennis? All these activities that mean something to your family right now can be captured in an image, thus creating or logging a memory. Have a look at our gallery for ideas from some of our lovely customers visiting the studio recently.

Let us see your house

We ask you to send an image of where you would like to hang your wall art once you have attended your shoot. However, if you bring an image to your shoot the photographer can get an idea of the style and background colourings.

Baby essentials – wipes, nappies, bottles

If you have booked a newborn or baby shoot then don’t forget your nappy bag. Ensure that you have packed an extra bottle just in case and don’t forget the nappies! Most studios have baby wipes, however, if your baby is used to a certain brand then bring along a supply. When our kids were babies we loved Clearly Herbal Wipes and others just would not do.

Directions

Don’t forget to take a note of directions to the studio. Make sure that the postcode that you have been given takes you directly to the correct location by checking google maps. Print out the directions if need be and if you live nearby why not take a dummy run to make sure. It’s less stressful if you already know where you are going and with limited time for each appointment, being on time is essential. Most photographers, like us, have directions on their website and our map is interactive.

If you have already booked your appointment and have any further questions, please contact us on 0114 4040898. If you would like any further information regarding ideas of what to take to a professional photo shoot, please contact us here. To see what a family shoot with Chrysalis Photography includes go to our Family Photography page.