Artistic portrait photography

When it comes to taking artistic portrait photography, there are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to nail the perfect shot.

First and foremost, lighting is everything. Make sure you have a good light source that will highlight your features. When contacting your photographer, ask for an evening session two hours before sunset. This allows for the buttery-evening light to flatter your features.

Secondly, creativity is key. Think about how you want to be photographed and plan a little before you meet. Share ideas of the type of photographs you like by sharing Pinterest boards, send each other snapshots of ideas that appeal, and ruthlessly cut out suggestions that don’t suit your outlook.

For this session, I drafted four different plans until I had the locations, timings, and routes planned to perfection. I also completed four separate reccies so I could monitor where the sun sets, what the traffic was like, tide times, and colour palettes to suit each outfit.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to throw the rule book out of the window! Be inspired by your surroundings and let your artistic vision come through in your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to capturing stunning artistic portraits that will wow your viewers.

What to know before going to a photoshoot?

Portrait photography is an art form that takes time, patience, and practice to perfect. If you’re thinking about booking a photoshoot, there are a few things you should know before you go.

First and foremost, it’s important to find a photographer whose style you love. Do your research and look at their portfolio to make sure their aesthetic is in line with what you’re looking for. I suggest looking at photographer’s reviews as well as searching google images so you can establish a consistent, polished portfolio over a number of years.

Secondly, be prepared to be patient. A good photographer will take their time to get the perfect shot, so don’t expect to be in and out of the studio in 30 minutes. That’s what my Headshot Days are for! A typical session will last for 2 to 3 hours.

Thirdly, book your hair and makeup artist well in advance. I would like to thank Jo Lofthouse and her colleague for doing such a wonderful job. They really make all the difference.

Finally, have fun! A photoshoot should be a fun experience, so relax and enjoy yourself. The more comfortable you are, the better your photos will turn out.

A simple guide to artistic portrait photography

Here are some questions to discuss with your photographer ahead of the session:

• What are the basic steps of a photoshoot?
• What do you need to prepare for a photoshoot?
• How do you choose the right location for a photoshoot?
• What should I wear?
• How long will the shoot take?
• Who pays admission fees?

Artistic portrait photography: What to do first?

Before your session starts you spend the first ten minutes talking with your photographer and getting a sense of how the photoshoot will work.

This is important because you want to be sure that the photographer understands your vision for the shoot. You also want to make sure that you are comfortable with the photographer and that they are someone you can trust.

By spending a few minutes talking with your photographer before the shoot, you can ensure that your photos will turn out exactly as you envision them.

What happens during the artistic portrait session?

When you book an artistic portrait session, you are commissioning a photographer to create images that are unique to you. The session will last anywhere from one to two hours, and during that time, the photographer will work with you to capture a series of images that represent who you are as an individual.

During the session, the photographer will direct you in a variety of poses and may ask you to interact with props or other elements in the environment. The goal is to capture natural expressions and movements that convey your personality. The photographer may also ask you to change outfits or hairstyles throughout the session in order to achieve a variety of looks.

By the end of the session, you will have a collection of beautiful, one-of-a-kind images that represent your true self. These artistic portraits will be cherished memories that you can look back on for years to come.

What to do after your session?

Depending on the session, I explain the next stages so you know what to expect.

By the end of the session you will be clear about:

• What are the different types of photos that I can order?
• How long will it take to receive my proofing gallery?
• What is the turnaround time for getting my photos?
• How are the photos processed?

Now you can say goodbye to your photographer now and get dressed in your weekend clothes or head out to the car and relax. If you are with a partner or with some friends consider a night out as you’ve had your hair and makeup done, this is a great way to turn your portrait session into a full-on experience.

Relax … being photographed for the first time doesn’t have to be intimidating!

Hopefully, this guide has helped to make your first artistic portrait experience a great one. Just remember to book hair and makeup in advance, check your style guide, and bring a hairbrush, change of outfits, and a small carry bag for adding variety to your looks.

Most importantly – relax and enjoy!

For those of you wanting more of an inside look at more artistic portrait photography, please check out the following images that I took during a sunset meadow session.

For more information or to arrange a complimentary consultation, please call +44 (0)7719316609 or email me at [email protected].

Due to my location on the Isle of Wight, I am also able to conduct business portraits outdoors around Ryde as well as in my Seaview home studio.   I’m here to help.

Makeup Artist: Isle of Wight Makeup and FacePaint