We all love to get good pictures, and photographers love it when they get good pictures. But, unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way. So why does this happen? Models think it’s the photographer’s fault, photographers blame the models – but both of them have successful photo shoots. It turns out that besides the level of skill of the photographer and the model there is a certain sum of factors which determine the result of the photo session. Let’s try to analyze them and get an effective checklist for maximum results.

I should say right away that I will consider only objective and constant factors. Moments such as the mood of the photographer or various force majeure I do not take into account. Also, for simplicity, let’s take as a given that:

• The photographer is experienced and knows how to give objectively good shots
• The model is beautiful, photogenic and has experience in photo shoots
• The photo equipment is serviceable and of a sufficiently high level

So, what can prevent our heroes get as a result of the coolest pictures?

Choosing a location for the photo session

One of the most important factors for a successful shoot is choosing the right location for the photo session.

First, of course, the location needs to match the image of the model.

Second, and this is very important, the photographer should be familiar with the location. If the photographer is shooting in the location for the first time – a very large amount of time will be spent shooting and understanding the light, and you can only understand what you get in the end by looking at the finished photos. In other words, to get a good result, it is advisable that the photographer has already spent at least one photo shoot in the location, or better several.

Stylist’s/fixer’s work

I think there is no need to comment here. Of course, almost all photographers and models have their proven masters, but sometimes you have to work with a person for the first time, and the result of his work can be an unpleasant surprise.

Interaction between the model and the photographer

As I wrote in the beginning of the article, in our case, both the photographer and the model are experienced masters of their craft. But even the masters can fail in the process, “when there is no harmony in comrades.

Psychological comfort and a friendly atmosphere during the photo session is very important. If the model and photographer work for the first time, there can be some awkwardness and tension between them. It definitely needs to be destroyed by live communication. Well, the best option – when the model and photographer know each other for a long time and have worked together repeatedly. In this case the result will be really MUCH better.

Preparing for the photo shoot

The model and photographer need to clearly understand what the result should be as a result. To do this, you need to discuss in advance the image, the atmosphere of the photos, the desired emotions. It is desirable to support your thoughts with examples of photographs. Of course, in addition to planning is important and the implementation of these plans – the selection of clothing and accessories, appropriate makeup.

A sufficient amount of time for the photo session

Also an important factor. Several of my photo shoots turned out much worse than they could have because of the limited amount of time (for example, renting a photo studio without the possibility of an extension, or the need for the photographer or model to finish at a certain time). So when planning an important photo shoot, allow plenty of time for it – the drive itself can start by the end of the second hour, and it will be extremely frustrating to end the photo shoot in the middle of it.

Conclusion

Of course, this is not all of the factors, but these are the most important in my opinion. Also, it is often impossible to influence these factors, especially for commercial shoots, but if you have a TFP-photoshoot, taking them into consideration can make a big difference.