10 Tips to Help You Run Your Next Photoshoot
I've been running photoshoots since 2012 and have had many moments where I wish someone had told me some pointers so my shoots could've ran better. I have written another blog post that goes over into great detail called "Coordinating Photoshoots: How to Operate like a Pro" but it is pretty lengthy. So this version is the TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read) version.
So I am here to give you 10 tips to help you run your next photoshoot as smoothly as possible.
1.) Have 2 to 3 Main Photographers
Life happens and sometimes photographers can't make a shoot. I've had photographers in the past run late due to traffic or have to cancel coming all together due to a family emergency or work. It happens so it's always good to have 2 to 3 photographers in case one has to bail.
2.) Count to 10
If not careful photoshoots can run over your time limit. To keep this from happening, count down to 10 for every group or set of photos. Once you're done counting it's on to the next group. Cosplayers can't pose for long and will love you forever if you do count downs.
3.) Tell Photographers where to Stand
I made the mistake once and won't do it again. Your photoshoot is bound to attract photographers other than the ones you asked to be there. Let them know they are more then welcome to stay and shoot, but to kindly not get in the way of your main photographers. They'll listen and the shoot will run smoothly.
4.) Megaphone
Let's be real, conventions are loud. Photoshoots where megaphones aren't present don't run as smoothly as the ones who do. Buy one, borrow one, rent one, whatever you have to do to get one do it. Your vocal cords will thank you later.
5.) Get a Co-Host
Co-hosts are magical and help to keep the photoshoot going when things happen. In 2017 I had a cosplayer faint 10 minutes into the shoot. While I got them medical attention, my co-host ran the shoot. I highly recommend finding one or having a friend help out. You never know what will happen.
6.) Avoid High Noon
Heat and cosplayers don't mix well. Avoid having photoshoots from 12pm-4pm which tend to be the hottest part of the day. Now if your photoshoot is in doors well...you can ignore this one.
7.) Have a Shot List Ready
For some reason the day of the photoshoot most coordinator's brains go poo poo on them. Have a shot list in mind before the shoot so you know what you're doing and in what order.
8.) Arrive Early
This one is weird and simple but do try to arrive early to scout the location. I've arrived to photoshoots early and have found issues with the location that needed to be addressed before the cosplayers arrived. In more severe cases I've had to move locations on the spot due to construction or filming. Most common culprit is puddles and randos chilling in the location who won't move.
9.) Ask Photographers for Business Cards
If you see a photographer at your shoot, don't be afraid to grab their info or share yours with them. This way after the con is over and everyone goes their separate ways, you have a means of communication with the photographer to get ahold of images. And who knows! You may ask them to be your main photographer next time.
10.) Run on a Schedule that Works for You
No matter what date, time, or location you make your photoshoot, there are bound to be cosplayers who can't attend due to conflicts. I've learned over the years that this is something that can't be helped. So be sure to schedule the shoot for dates and times that work for YOU and your photographers.
And those are 10 tips to hopefully will help you out the next time you run a photoshoot!