Collaborating with your photographer is one of the best ways to get what you’ve been envisioning brought to life. Whether you’re dreaming of a whimsical engagement session, a vibrant family portrait, or capturing a personal milestone, working closely with your photographer is key. So here are three tips to effectively collaborate with your photographer to achieve the photography session of your dreams.
1. Collaborating with your photographer starts with sharing your vision & inspo
Open Communication is Key
The foundation of successfully collaborating with your photographer lies in open and honest communication. As your photographer, I want to hear about your vision, your style preferences, and the overall vibe you’re aiming for. Feel free to share mood boards, Pinterest pins, or images that inspire you. These visual references can give me a clear idea of your tastes and expectations.
Whether you’re inclined towards a rustic, vintage, urban, or minimalistic theme, sharing this with your photographer helps in crafting a session that resonates with your personal style.
If you have specific color schemes or aesthetic preferences in mind, let your photographer know. This information is crucial in planning the details of the shoot, from location to props.
Be Open to Suggestions
While it’s important to communicate your ideas, also remain open to your photographer’s suggestions. With years of experience and a creative eye, photographers can offer insights and ideas that you might not have considered.
2. Plan together and prepare
Collaborative Planning
Once we have a clear understanding of your vision, the next step is planning together. This includes deciding on the location, time of the day, wardrobe, and any props or special elements you want to incorporate.
The location sets the stage for your photoshoot. Whether it’s an urban setting, a natural landscape, or an indoor studio, I can help you choose a location that complements the mood and theme of your session.
Lighting plays a critical role in photography. We can discuss the best time for the shoot based on the desired lighting effect, whether it’s the golden hour glow or the dramatic midday shadows.
Preparation and Comfort
Preparing for a photoshoot can be just as important as the shoot itself. This includes selecting the right outfits, hair and makeup, and any additional elements that will make the session uniquely yours.
Your clothing choices should reflect your personality and fit the theme of the shoot. I can provide guidance on what works best in terms of color, patterns, and textures.
It’s essential that you feel comfortable and confident during the session. Comfort translates into more natural and relaxed photographs.
3. Trust and Enjoy the Process of collaborating with your photographer
Trust in Your Photographer’s Expertise
A crucial aspect of collaboration is trust. Trusting your photographer’s expertise allows for creativity and spontaneity during the session. As a photographer, I strive to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring that the session is a memorable experience.
Sometimes, the best shots are unplanned. Being open to spontaneous moments can lead to unique and authentic photographs.
Don’t hesitate to give feedback during the shoot. If there’s a particular pose you want to try or if something doesn’t feel right, communicating this on the spot can make a big difference.
Enjoy the Journey of collaborating with your photographer
Remember, the goal of the photoshoot is not just to create beautiful images, but also to enjoy the experience. It’s a time to express yourself, have fun, and create lasting memories.
The more relaxed and genuine you are, the better the photos will turn out. My job is to capture the real, unscripted you.
Beyond the photographs, the experience of the photoshoot itself is something you’ll remember. Enjoy this special time and let the joy shine through in your photos.
Your dream photography session is achieved through collaborating with your photographer. With open communication, careful planning, and a mutual trust in the creative process, your vision can become a reality.
Collaborating with the Call Family
The Call family is the perfect example of collaborating with your photographer. Mom had the outfits planned out and thought that she wanted something that was less seasonal and more out of the box. After narrowing it down to a little more of an urban vibe, I sent her a gallery of a senior session that I captured at a parking garage and she LOVED it.
Take a look at their gallery below to get some inspo for your own out of the ordinary photo session.
Looking for a Utah photographer to collab with? I’m your girl! Click the image below to chat more with me and head over to IG to preview some more of my work > @brookebakken
