Dance, Movement

Tips for Outdoor Photo Shoots

Below you’ll find my favourite Tips & Tricks for getting the most out of your Outdoor Photo Shoots.

For 4,5 hours of Tips & Tricks on my Photo Shoot Preparations and Posing (outdoors and studio shoots) check out my Posing 4 Pictures Online Workshop Package here!

1. Preparing

What I do to prepare for outdoor photo shoots is very similar to the tips for studio shoots I shared in this earlier Blog Post.

For outdoor shoots specifically, there are a few extra things that I do/consider:

  • Selecting ‘outdoor appropriate’ costumes (they might get damaged/dirtied, so I try to choose robust – or cheaper(!) ones)
  • Making my outfits more ‘adaptable’ (by using props, accessories, skirt tucks and/or styling tweaks)
  • Imagining the colors and atmospheres of my environment (which in turn helps me to choose my outfits/props!)
  • Selecting props and/or outfits in different colors (this way there will be more visuals to play with!)
  • Experimenting with natural-light makeup & hair (one of my biggest inspirations is this video – I simply add ‘half-lashes’ and lip color!)
  • Protecting myself from bugs and beasties, as well as from the sun(!)
  • Practicing my balance, and strengthening my core, legs and ankles (as I might have to climb/perch/pose/balance in difficult to reach places!)
Bringing new meaning to ‘porcelain skin‘, and balance πŸ™‚ – picture by Die Elster

2. Packing

My packing list is similar to what I would pack for a regular shoot (see the full list here)

Except for a few things:

  • I try to pack very lightly (as I might have to carry all of the things!) and/or team up with a friend
  • I do as much as possible of my makeup/hair at home, and I only bring what I need to touch up and/or modify for a second set
  • I wear/pack sensible, light shoes (thank you Rosa!) that go on/off easily, so I can get to wherever we need to be, in costume and all
  • I pack some water, and some light, portable snacks (i.e. emergency bananas!)
  • If at all possible, I try to wear at least part of my first outfit (if I can walk/drive in it well) to save changing time on location
  • I carry all my things in a set of sturdy ‘flat-bottomed’ tote bags (these double as posture help!)
  • I do my best extra to arrange my things neatly, so I can easily find what I need
  • Props will go on top, I consider my veils and fan veils ‘essentials’ πŸ™‚
So glad I brought (and ironed!) that red veil! Picture by Die Elster

3. Posing

I share my favorite basic posing tips, and the ways I like to use props, in my online Posing for Pictures workshop recordings package – featuring 4,5(!) hours of practical tips for photo shoot preparations and rocking your dance poses!

Some extra ideas/things to consider for outdoor shootings are:

  • Bring some extra (preferably light!) props that can be used as ‘environment/frame’
  • Play with the shapes and colors around you (imagine what kinds of poses would go well with the backgrounds)
  • Be aware of when you feel the sunlight on your face (so you are always ‘lighted‘ in the pose!)
  • Try moving in slow motion (or moving your costume/prop around you – while you lean, pose, twist and extend)
  • Experiment with seated, standing, leaning-on-your-environment poses, depending on where you are at.
  • Stairways and ledges can make for excellent photo props!
Bonus Tip: The red ‘streams’ are fan veils! Picture by Die Elster

4. Bonus Tips for windy weather

  • If it is windy, posing with props can become a bit tricky, but you can also use it to your advantage! πŸ™‚
  • Make your veils into sails (using tucks, wraps and clever angles) and attempt to have a wind-proof hairdo/direction at the same time
  • Try facing, back-facing or side-facing the winds, put your legs/body in position and then let the air do it’s work on your props/skirt!
  • Be prepared to adapt your position/angle/arms to changing wind directions (use that core!)
  • Practice blustery poses at home using a fan (we do this hereΒ as well!) so you can find your best arm/body angles
  • Do this with fan veils too (if you have them), as it can make for spectacular results!
  • Be safe, know your limits, and always stay aware of your feet, especially if you have to keep balance! (I like to pose barefoot, so I can feel where I am, but in some cases it’s best to wear shoes, you can simply keep/cut them out of frame)
Catching the air – Picture by Die Elster

PS: Would you like me to help you fix your poses? πŸ™‚

Check out my Posing for Pictures online recordings package for all my best practical tips for photo shoot preparations and rocking your next shoot.

Balancing on the rocks – Picture by Die Elster

If you have any favorite outdoor posing tips (or questions!) let me know below!

xx K.

I wish you tons of joy with trying them out.

Have a great day, and free to share this post if you’ve found it helpful!

 

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