How I got ready for My First Paid Photoshoot

I started my photography adventure by taking landscape pictures of the places I traveled to. It was my hobby and my way of relieving stress from school and work. I shared my secret “portfolio” with Chris when we first started dating because he was always willing to help with my questions about photography. I wanted to learn more about it after seeing his work (best photographer I know!). He thought I had an eye for it and was surprised I was only doing it as a hobby. He started inviting me to events he was scheduled for and asked if I can be his assistant/second shooter.

After shooting many events with Chris this past year, I started advertising portraits I’ve taken of my friends on my Instagram and Facebook. I didn’t know where it would lead me to, but my goal was to try something new and I did. Daisy messaged me on Instagram, complimenting my pictures. She then asked how much I charged and my availability for graduation pictures. I was so happy, nervous, and surprised because I didn’t expect anyone to contact me at all. Her comments definitely made my day and it was a challenge I was up for, my first paid photography gig by myself.

Although I already knew how Cal State East Bay in Concord Campus looked like, I still visited the day before our shoot. I wanted to check out how the lighting was and where I could pose Daisy and her daughter, Dahlia. Being nervous, I ended up coming an hour early just to set up before our shoot that day.

I was glad I came early because I was able to find these chairs in perfect lighting to help create these images.

Although I had other poses in mind, it was rewarding to capture their natural relationship. Dahlia was running around; and instead of telling her to stop, Daisy and I decided it was best to let her continue being herself. Because of this, the shoot was more relaxed and less forced. I also ended up capturing Dahlia’s natural smile and how much she adores her Mom, awww!

 A couple of take aways from this set:

1. Clients like seeing their pictures on the set. Ever take professional pictures and they never show you any of them until they’re all edited? You won’t have that experience with me. You’ll get to see your pictures while we’re on set.
2. By seeing how your pictures are, we can correct any pose(s) together by knowing which side/angle you like best.
3. It’s harder to pose kids but once they become comfortable with you, everything becomes natural. So definitely try your best capturing images candidly.
4. Don’t shoot clients too close – I learned that with my 17-40mm lens. It’s a wide angle lens and I didn’t realize I was too close until Dahlia pushed my camera away. So I’ll definitely watch for that next time!
5. Bringing props aren’t mandatory, but it will help bring in more content in the pictures.
6. Make the photoshoot fun! 🙂

Thanks for reading! I really appreciate your support. This was a huge deal for me and I’m happy to have had the opportunity to be Daisy & Dahlia’s photographer. Please comment, like, or share. I’d be happy to help you with any questions you have.

-Russelle