Valentine's Day is right around the corner and if you're a photographer, it's the perfect time to show off your skills. Whether you're a pro or just starting out, there are a few dos and don'ts you should keep in mind as you plan your photoshoots.
Do:
Get creative with your shots: Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love and affection, so use this as an opportunity to get creative with your posing and composition. Set up a mini photo shoot with your clients or snap some candid shots throughout the session to capture genuine emotions and moments.
Use the 'Gram' to show off your work: If you've got an Instagram account, use Valentine's Day as an opportunity to share your work with your followers. Post some images from your minis or share a heartfelt message to show your appreciation for your clients. (Pro tip: tag your clients and popular IG profiles that focus on couples!)
Get inspired by other photographers: If you're feeling stuck on ideas for your Valentine's Day mini, check out the work of other photographers. You might just find some inspiration. Be sure to make it your own!
Focus on the little moments: Sometimes we can focus so much on posed shots, that we forget to capture the little moments that make your clients' relationships special. Remember to take some candid shots throughout the session or capture special gestures like an embrace or a kiss.
Don't:
Neglect your equipment: If you're planning on doing a photoshoot for Valentine's Day (or any day for that matter!), make sure your equipment is in good working order. There's nothing worse than having your camera malfunction during a special moment.
Forget about lighting: Proper lighting can make or break a photo, so make sure to consider it when planning your shots. If you're a natural light photographer at the mercy of good weather, now is not the time to think you can use off camera flash if you haven't before. Instead, take extra care to schedule your minis during peak lighting conditions or have an indoor backup plan for your clients.
Change your set at the last minute: While some surprises can be pleasant, others can result in a disastrous client experience. It's important to consider that your clients may have spent time, effort, (and perhaps) their funds to complement your set's theme. One way to manage client expectations is to share any changes to your set/backdrop ASAP so they can make any necessary changes. (Pro tip: offer your clients a style guide. For my upcoming Love Sessions, my clients received several wardrobe suggestions from my stylist to help them coordinate with my set design.)
4. Neglect the little details: It's the little details that often make a photo stand out, so don't forget to pay attention to them. Add in some props or a special background to make your shots more interesting and unique.
Valentine's Day is at the beginning of the year, which makes having a themed mini session the perfect segue for new customers to patronize your business and for you to make lasting client connections. Just remember to keep these dos and don'ts in mind!
XOXO
Sharde