With my latest online workshop ‘Posing for Pictures 2 – Outdoor Shoot Edition‘ fresh in mind, here are a few quick tips for getting the most out of your outdoor photo shoots!
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!)

2. Packing
My packing list is similar to what I would pack for a regular shoot (I’ve included my basic packing list in the P4P1 package)
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’ π

3. Posing
I shared my favorite basic posing tips, and the ways I like to use props, in my first online Posing for Pictures workshop (get the recordings here!)
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!

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! π
- 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)

PS: Would you like me to help you fix your poses? π
For a practical set of common posing fixes, check out part 2 of my Posing for Pictures 2 digital workshop!

If you have any favorite outdoor posing tips (or questions!) let me know below!
xx K.
Hope these tips will be helpful for your next photo shoot.
Have a great day, and free to share!