So, You’ve Rented a Photo Studio – Now What?
You’ve found and rented the perfect photo studio. You’ve scheduled the shoot with your client. Now, how do you ensure your session goes smoothly?
When you rent a photo studio, it eliminates several sources of stress before you even start. You won’t have to worry about bad weather, finding adequate power sources, parking, or access to top-of-the-line equipment.
You know your client will be comfortable. But there are a few additional practical things you can do to foster a peaceful, creative environment.
The difference between a smooth, productive photo session and a stressful, chaotic shoot is planning. Treat every photo shoot like a small production. Advance planning means you’ll be able to focus on executing creative vision, not get stuck problem-solving on the fly.
How should you prepare for your photo shoot?
Planning a Clear Shot List Reduces Wasted Time
Being creative doesn’t mean you have to fly by the seat of your pants. Making a list of the shots that you need and want to get out of your session serves as a roadmap. You know where you want to go and all the stops along the way, so you won’t forget anything. Without a plan, you could waste valuable studio time trying to decide what to do next.
Break It Down by Look or Concept
Group together shots that use a similar lighting setup or backdrop, or the same wardrobe. Minimizing the need for changes in between shots will save you time and energy.
Prioritize Must-Have Shots
If there are certain make-or-break images you need to get, put those at the beginning of the session. That way, even if time runs short, you know you’ll have the most important shots.
Use Visual References
Including some visual examples of similar images or creating mood boards will help your team see your vision. Making sure everyone is on the same page right from the start significantly increases efficiency.
Once you’ve created your shot list, be sure to keep it accessible. You could even print out several copies to distribute to your client and team members or put up around the studio. Check items off as you go to keep yourself on track.
Organizing Equipment in Advance Eliminates Emergencies
What happens if your camera battery dies in the middle of the shoot? Where did you put that macro lens? Missing gear, tangled cables, dead bulbs—you can avoid all potential emergencies and time-wasters by organizing your equipment in advance.
Just like with your shot list, create a checklist for your equipment to make sure you don’t forget anything. Cameras, lenses, batteries, memory cards, chargers, lighting equipment, stands, reflectors, triggers, whatever you need, put it on the list. Include redundancies for essentials, including extra batteries, bulbs, and memory cards.
If you’ll be renting any equipment, confirm your leases a week before the day of your shoot to ensure everything is in order for the big day.
Figure out an organizational system that works for you: bags, crates, or cases, for instance. Label everything clearly on the outside so that you can find what you need quickly. You might even include pictures of the equipment so you can tell at a glance what’s inside the container.
Pack everything in reverse order of use, if possible. The gear that you’ll need immediately for your must-have shots should be on top and easy to access.
Coordinating Wardrobe and Props Eases Transitions
If you’ll be using wardrobe and props, don’t let them be an afterthought. Coordinating outfits and accessories and finding just the right prop can take longer than expected, so plan it out in advance.
For wardrobe choices, make sure everything fits the model, is clean, and has no wrinkles. Organize each look and keep all accessories stored together with the accompanying outfit. Of course, you should always have backups for both wardrobe choices and props in case something doesn’t fit or doesn’t look as good on camera as you’d hoped.
It’s always helpful to bring along a styling kit with essentials like a lint roller, a travel steamer, safety pins, and a sewing kit.
Visiting the Studio in Advance Removes the Guesswork
Although it’s possible to rent a photo studio without seeing it first, try to visit the studio in person before your session. It’ll give you insight into which amenities, features, and equipment are available and which are not. Seeing the space can also be helpful as you plan your shots.
If you’re one of the 54.5 percent of professional photographers who spend less than $1,000 on your equipment, you may wish to choose a studio that rents high-quality equipment. Visiting the studio in advance lets you assess the available equipment so you know what you need to bring.
Besides equipment, other things to look for when visiting the studio include:
- Layout and size of the studio
- Available backdrops
- Location of power sources
- Amenities like changing rooms, hair and makeup, restrooms, kitchen, parking, or loading access
Take notes or pictures that you can reference later while you’re planning out your session.
Helpful Tips for the Day of Your Shoot
- Get there early: Arriving early on shoot day gives you a chance to unload and set up without feeling rushed. Have your primary lighting set up and ready to go, and the wardrobe and props set out before your client or models arrive.
- Test lighting and camera settings: Troubleshoot before your session by running test shots. Look for shadows, reflections, color contrast, and so on. Test out different exposure settings, and play with composition. You could even use a stand-in for the test shots to make sure everything looks right.
- Communicate clearly: Good, clear communication with team members and your client keeps everyone on the same page. Share your vision, including your shot list. Assign roles for lighting, styling, coordinating with the client, and the like. Be concise and constructive when giving directions. Check in regularly with the team, especially when transitioning between shots, to make sure everyone knows what to expect next. It’s also important to communicate clearly with the staff a the photo studio in the lead up to ensure everything you need is in place.
Set Yourself Up for Success Before You Take a Single Shot
When you rent a photo studio by the hour, you need to make the most of every minute. Set yourself up for success before you even walk in the door on the morning of the shoot. Having a clear game plan of shots, getting your gear ready, organizing your wardrobe and props, and communicating with your team and the studio will minimize uncertainty and delay. You won’t have to spend your day solving problems. Instead, you can focus on capturing beautiful images and presenting yourself as a professional who clients will want to work with again and again.
Looking to rent a photo studio in San Diego? Check out Lightz Out Studios for state-of-the-art studio space, amenities, and equipment rental.
