Planning your outfit for your next photoshoot?
I remember in my college photography classes learning about how certain colors look better on a person depending on your hair, eye and skin color.
This guide will help you think through the colors you will wear at your next photoshoot. All of these tips are of course a suggestion, but try it out and see if you agree :)
Styling for my clients product shoot is one of my favorite components I do for them.
Some things you have to think about before the shoot:
What is the clients objective? E-commerce (white photo background) or lifestyle photos?
What are the ingredients in the product? Knowing this will help you with prop ideas. Especially for this product, which was essential oils for Plant Juice Oils.
Know that the client will not always love the shots you love. They will love other photos, ones that you almost didn’t include in the gallery. And then you are thanking yourself for including them.
Brainstorm your set, colors, and material.
Use a variety of textures-smooth, rough, cotton, stones, plexiglass, silk, wood, balloons, etc.
Do your products include food related items? If so, use those for props. For example, sugar cookie essential oil mask spray for kids, use sugar real sugar cookies.
Also, have an actual list ready to go so it makes shooting a little easier, but also welcome spontaneous ideas.
Have any questions about how a product shoot works? I’d love to chat with you. Leave a comment below.
PRODUCT PHOTO SHOOT: Cherry Pie
By using my iPhone, good window lighting, filler light (poster board), and simple editing, I can create a professional photograph in under 5 minutes.
Follow these steps on the video and try it out yourself!
All edits were done using CC Mobile Presets. Simple and easy to use for product or service based businesses.
How do you create authentic family photos?
At the time of booking:
When you first book a family portrait session, send the family a questionnaire. Ask questions that helps you get to know them a little bit better. Questions like, what each family members favorite candy is, or favorite drink at Sonic. These simple questions give you a small insight to their personality, but also allows topics to talk about when you take their pictures.
Day of the session:
First things first. When the session first starts, make some small talk. Be observant when doing the small talk thing. Watch their mannerisms, smiles, touches, and the candid way they stand with their arms folded and hands in the pockets.
If you are photographing them at their home, this creates a comforting atmosphere. Everyone, kids and husbands included, open up a little more than they would in a public location.
However, if you are doing the session at a park, or your local downtown area, give them an action.
Tell them to group up, then gradually watch how their arms fall on each other. If they don’t, direct them a little bit and make a connection between each other.
How to create multiple poses/photos in one setup:
While everyone is in the group, here is a shot list you can use. Keep in mind to work around your subjects.
wide group shot of everyone smiling (safety shot, not as heartfelt, but safe)
close-up group shot
close-up of each person, without anyone moving. Examples are below. Kids might have their arms intertwined in moms arms, or mom might be running her hand through her children’s hair. Again, if they are currently doing them, coach them and direct them through it and make them do an action. It will look authentic and lead to something beautiful.
Photograph the connections. Not just the faces, but also the arms and hands holding one another.
While you are there to photograph the family, don’t forget to snap some of mom and dad. Take a look at these cuties below.
Have any follow up questions. I’d be happy to help. You can email me at cristy@cristycross.com or leave a comment on this post.
*Pin these photos and add them to your Pinterest boards for inspiration.
Being in front of the camera is scary. I know. Even though I’m a photographer I get nervous when I’m on the other side.
Today I’m sharing 4 Ways To Feeling Confident On Camera.
1. Practice your looks in the mirror. I know that might seem weird, but it will help. Trust me. Sitting, standing, smiling, and serious face.
2. Wear your favorite outfit. The outfit that makes you feel great about yourself. Also, select colors that work with your hair color and skin color.
3. Add a prop that makes you happy. Favorite coffee mug, flowers, or hat for example.
4. Select a photographer that makes you feel comfortable. A great photographer can help direct you, coach you and make you look and feel amazing. Ask to meet in person over coffee to see if your personalities and type match up.
Okay, ready to try these steps? Let me know how it goes!
So you got a new puppy for Christmas for your kids (and you). Congratulations! Be ready for all the cuddles and puppy play. It’s crazy how much cuteness can be in one tiny little furry body and all of that cuteness has to be documented.
I have some pointers for you when photographing your new Christmas puppy.
Select your background. A Christmas tree with lights makes your photo more magical.
Choose a few different ribbons to gently tie a bow around your puppies neck.
Have a second set of hands to help keep the puppy stationary and not wiggle around. Be careful they don’t fall off a chair :)
Be camera ready with all the puppy wiggles
Edit your pictures with CC Mobile Presets and post on social media or send an e-Christmas card.
Let me introduce to you OUR new puppy, Cotton. We got her for the boys for Christmas and we are all in love with her. She is just about the sweetest little thing. I mean, look at those eyes!
If you’ve ever wished you could have professional photographs of your products, but were too nervous to hire a professional, worry no more.
My photographs of your products will make you fall more in love with them and eager to sell to the masses.
Doesn’t that sound great? Select the CONTACT tab at the top of this page to fill out the form and we can get started today!
Keep scrolling to see my favorites from this shoot for a Colorado based boutique.
What if…
What if I didn’t explore my creativity the day I did this shoot?
What if I would have stuck with something safe?
What if I didn’t branch out and try unique and random poses with Jayda?
Thinking outside the box is where I feel most alive. That’s where I feel like I matter most. It’s the place that reassures me I’m doing something right, because it’s so different.
Do I only photograph matrix style and peace-sign photos? Absolutely not. Traditional shots are a must too (as you see below), but when I’m done being traditional and playing by the rules, I like to take an adventure across that dotted line and dig deeper than my mind can comprehend.
I have another senior session this weekend and I’m curious as to what we will create.
Can I give you some tips before your senior session?
-RELAX. You are graduating. Be excited.
-Think of me as a friend and live it up.
-Wear clothes that are YOU. Don't dress up in a stuffy dress or suit if you don’t like wearing one.
-Getting your hair and makeup done is always fun :)
-Be open to ideas.
-Let me direct you. Don’t think you have to know what to do, I’ll help you out with that part.
-Have fun.
oxox
On a different note, if you go back to my food photography post, you will see where I shared a blog from another photographer friend. Well this time I’m sharing my friend Jen Vasquez’s post on getting engagements and weddings. I think you will enjoy it! Click here to read what she has to say about it all.
Sometimes you just have to take action and feed your creative thoughts. If you don't, they will fizz away.
Wedding and portrait photographer based in New Mexico and West Texas photographing world wide.
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