Editor's Note: In our continuing series of behind-the-scenes looks at epic portrait photography shoots, our friend Kat Armendariz from hushXpose in Las Vegas, offers her expert tips for making the most of a photo shoot with a client.
Throughout this series, Kat has emphasized the need to get to know your clients well before the photo shoot.
But sometimes, you might already know the model really well, as was the case with this shoot featuring Kat's good friend, Justine.
Even if you have history with your client, it's still your job as a photographer to put them at ease, to make them feel beautiful and confident, and, of course, deliver kick-ass photos.
Here's how Kat did that with Justine.
Planning is Great, But Spur-of-the-Moment Shoots Can Be Awesome Too
Though it isn't recommended to dive into a photo shoot totally unprepared, there's something to be said for being flexible and going with the flow.
After all, you might have a solid idea of how you want to proceed with a portrait shoot, and find out very quickly that those plans need to be thrown out the window.
Spontaneity is not a bad thing - embrace it!
From Kat:
"[Planning] is great, but we can’t plan everything! Justine is one of my friends and this was more of a spur-of-the-moment shot.
I asked her to come do some glamour looks but ended up with a vintage boudoir look when the glam just wasn’t hitting the wow factor. Sometimes we just need a little champagne and some fun props and the creativity sparks!
Boudoir is just glamour gone sexy. Think of girls just having a night together at home then add champaign…then think of ANY era! It’s an instant fun candid scene that women love!
Top Tip: Skip the bed! Who needs a stinking bed for boudoir?! In fact, I hate using it lol!
It's Not ALL Up to You...
For a truly killer portrait, bringing in other professionals - make-up artists and hairstylists, to name but two - can really elevate the quality of the final product.
You can't do it all, and having an experienced team to support you in your goal to give your client the experience of a lifetime will only make your job easier (and more successful!).
From Kat:
"In the video above, I break down the impromptu shoot from beginning to end, right in my studio.
I also brought on my hair stylist and studio manager, Vanessa Witholt, to give us some pro tips on what to do with hair styling and how to be more prepared in the future. You don’t want to miss it!"
Subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on more of my PhotographyTalk articles: Kat on the Web, Unleashed."
Gear Used for this Image
- Sony a7R II
- Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM
- Backdrop: Click Props Backdrops Manor House Damask (Large)
- Floor: Click Props Backdrops Wood Pale Floor (Large)
- Lighting: A 1-light setup with a dropped down chandelier on a pull system with Candelabra LED Filament Bulbs (40W equivalent, 4000K) to light her face.
- Camera settings: 1/100, f/2.5, ISO 640
About Kat
Kat Armendariz is a published studio photographer in Las Vegas. She has a passion to create out-of-the-box portraiture and to give women an experience that will be a stepping stone to new found confidence.
Her photo studio sits in the heart of Las Vegas where she gets to work with incredible clients from all over the globe. Her studio, hushXpose, is a compilation of her two studio names: Hush Hush Shoot (boudoir photography), and Pose Las Vegas (glamour photography).
hushXpose offers an all-inclusive Hollywood experience where Kat and her all-female team work with clients one-on-one to create custom sets and scenes tailored to their clients.
Kat and her husband, Ephraim Armendariz, also own the US District for Click Props Backdrops, which specializes in professional-grade heavy-duty vinyl studio backdrops. Click Props Backdrops let you choose from an extensive and exclusive range of multi-award-winning backgrounds and floorgrounds to give you the opportunity of offering clients a multi-set portrait experience.