Do you struggle taking photos? Or maybe you love taking photos but you are looking for tips to take your photoshoot game to the next level? Either or, I’ve created a list of some of my favourites tips to help you have an ever better photoshoot with yourself or with friends!
Tip#1 – Look For Hidden Gems In Your City
My favourite places to find cute little hidden gems where I live is Google, Instagram, local newspaper articles, you name it! If you haven’t tried it yet, go on the Instagram location for your city where some other people have taken cool photos, you never know, you could find a hidden wall mural, coffee shop, or beautiful spot you never knew about!
You can also search “Instagram spots in ____” and I bet you some articles will come up written by local creatives or photographers!
The first photo was taken on a bridge in the city I live in, the second was taken at an arcade near my house as well!
Tip #2 – Check Your SD Card!
If you are using a DSLR or point and shoot camera, always check your SD card the night before to make sure you have enough space for photos so you can get the most out of your photoshoot! Same goes for your camera battery!
Tip #3 – Bring Little Props In Your Bag
It never hurts to have a few backup props in case you stumble upon an aesthetic wall or mural you want to take photos in front of or if you need some props to help you pose or create interest in a photo! If you have a specific photoshoot theme or location, bring props that relate to the shoot! Example, for a retro diner photoshoot, bring some bubble gum or some fun 50’s glasses for a pop of colour!
In the photos below I used my phone to pose in the photos below for a collaboration for CaseApp!
Tip #4 – Play Music During Your Shoot
Are you shooting with friends you aren’t super comfortable in front of the camera? Or maybe you aren’t quite comfortable in front of the camera yourself yet. Either way, play some music to help you loosen up! Don’t’ be scared to move around and dance to the music too, you can capture awesome candids that way!
Tip #5 – Plan Outfits and a “Theme” For Your Shoot
This goes along with the props tip, but if you are wanting certain photos out of your shoot, plan a theme or location that goes along with the vibe you want. Do you want natural earthy photos? Go outside and wear loose fitting and flowy clothing! Are you wanting professional studio headshots? Find a nice studio to shoot in and wearing suitable office attire! Are you wanting a fun retro shoot? Find a retro diner to hit up or drive around until you can find some old cars to shoot in front of! For the outfit add in pops of colour and retro pieces! You get the idea!
Tip #6 – Hype Up Your Friends!
If you are the photographer for your friends, and they are a little shy in front of the camera… hype them up! Encourage them, suggest pose ideas, and help them feel natural best you can! Any supportive feedback or pose suggestions I personally find are always helpful because it’s hard to know what looks good from in front of the camera!
Did you find these photoshoot tips helpful? I have SO many more tips I could share with you if you guys want more! Comment below if you found this helpful and if you want more tips! If we can get to 20 comments on this post I will definitely do a part 2! Tag your friends in the comments and let’s get to 20!!!
16 Comments
Hannah
21/03/2019 at 11:52 amOoh those are great tips Taiya! I love your pictures, do you have a certain filter you edit them with?
Taiya Maddison
23/03/2019 at 6:04 pmHey, Hannah! Every photo is different, some photoshoots I will edit in Lightroom if there are specific and detailed colours I want to edit in the photos, otherwise I use the A6 filter in VSCO mostly!
Isabel
21/03/2019 at 12:52 pmAwesome tips, thanks! I’d love a part two.
Taiya Maddison
23/03/2019 at 6:03 pmYay! Sounds good 😉
Pixie | Productive Pixie
21/03/2019 at 11:49 pmGreat photography tips! I would love to see a part two on this post.
– Pixie | Productive Pixie
Taiya Maddison
23/03/2019 at 6:02 pmThank you so much, Pixie! I think I will most likely do a part two 😉 I love photography posts!
Bea Q
22/03/2019 at 4:02 amOMG thanks for this post cant wait to try out these tips.
Taiya Maddison
23/03/2019 at 6:01 pmYay!! Thanks, Bea!
Isa
22/03/2019 at 4:08 pmOo, I’ll totally try out these tips! x
Taiya Maddison
23/03/2019 at 6:01 pmGlad I could help, Isa!
Jenna Remacle
01/05/2019 at 12:22 pmhey I’m new here but, this is crazy and I LOVE IT !!!!!!!! Thank you so muc
ally
07/05/2019 at 3:33 pmi really enjoyed this post and definitely will try some of this stuff, do you have a instagram theme because i want to start one but don’t know how to? my instagram is allywhite._
Taiya Maddison
10/06/2019 at 5:41 amHey, Ally! I sort of have a theme but I try to not focus on it too much and I try to focus on creating unique content and great photos! If you want some tips feel free to email me!
Luna
10/05/2019 at 1:08 amThese are fantastic tips! If you do a part two, could you do tips on object photography as well?
Taiya Maddison
10/06/2019 at 5:40 amOooo great idea, Luna! I’ll definitely add it to my list of blog post ideas!
Deborah
02/07/2019 at 3:25 pmThese are great. This is my favourite blog ever.
I wish there were more. Plz do a Part 2.