How to take a staged photo
Published: 14.01.2022
Unlike reportage photography, staged photography offers more opportunities. A photographer can reshoot a scene by changing the lighting, the model's pose, or the decorations. There is the possibility to take multiple shots and refine the photos to perfection. Staged photos are generally of higher quality than spontaneous ones, as every detail is carefully planned. Staged photography is essential for advertising shoots. It is used in advertising clothing, accessories, cosmetics, food, and decor items. It is not necessary to have a person in the frame, the main goal is to showcase the product from the most advantageous angle, which requires professional photos. During staged photography, the photographer also acts as a stylist and director, taking on multiple roles and responsibilities. They need to pay attention to clothing, makeup, models' emotions and poses, choose the right lighting, and compose the shot correctly. It is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires specific knowledge and skills. Let's consider what needs to be taken into account to take a good staged photo.
"10 tips for a staged photoshoot"
We recommend paying attention to the following nuances if you have planned a staged photoshoot:
1. Get to know the model for the shoot in advance, learn about their characteristics, preferences, taboos, and favorite themes. Working with someone you know and understand is much easier. During the shoot, it will be easier for you to capture the model's mood and highlight all of their best features.
2. Before a staged photoshoot of any product, familiarize yourself with the assortment, its characteristics, and study the packaging features. Discuss with the client what exactly they want to emphasize in the advertisement, how they position their product, and for which target audience the photoshoot is being conducted.
"3. When preparing for a staged wedding photoshoot, study the features of the location, go there and observe the color palette, find interesting angles. A wedding photographer should also be a director and choreographer, giving clear instructions to the newlyweds on where to stand and what to do in order to capture great shots."
4. Familiarize yourself with posing rules, try out poses on yourself, and understand how a person will look better in photos. During the shoot, it is much easier to show a pose once than to explain to the model in words what you want from them. For example, it is better to demonstrate a pose in two seconds than to spend two minutes saying: stand to the left, hands on hips, turn your head to the right, look into the distance. Visual information is perceived better and faster than verbal instructions.
5. A staged photo should not be overly artificial, it is best if the model relaxes and behaves naturally in front of the camera. Poor acting, unnatural poses, and forced smiles are immediately noticeable. Even if you are setting up a shot and carefully planning the frame, it should still look natural for viewers to believe what is happening in the photo.
6. Pay attention to the combination of colors in the frame. Color plays a significant role in the perception of a photograph. Red is stimulating, green is calming, yellow lifts the mood. In advertising photography, the choice of color is very important as it affects how consumers perceive the product. For example, when shooting products for children, avoid black and gray tones. The brighter the photos, the more they will attract children's attention.
7. Prepare a studio for shooting in advance. Although interesting ideas for staged photos may come to mind during the process, it is better to prepare the necessary decorations and accessories in advance, rather than frantically searching for the right umbrella or scarf.
"8. The face is the first thing that catches the eye when viewing a photo. Even if the clothing fits the model perfectly, but the makeup is bad, the photo will be unsuccessful. Collaborate with makeup artists, hairdressers, explain to them the specifics of the shoot so that everything looks harmonious in the frame and the overall picture turns out perfect."
9. Stay positive while working and uplift the model's mood. Posing for photos is hard work, often requiring staying still in one position for several minutes and constantly being aware of oneself. Talk to the model, praise them, they should feel free and comfortable. The better the model's mood, the more positive and successful your photos will be.
Even if you plan and think carefully, it's still difficult to achieve perfect photos on the first try. Don't get discouraged if the shot didn't turn out exactly as you planned and don't rush to delete it right away. Most minor imperfections can be corrected in graphic editors. Sometimes after retouching, a completely new image is created, which can evoke a strong emotional response. Experiment with photo editing, try different filters, techniques, it can greatly transform your photos.
No matter what the photoshoot is, staged or spontaneous, the main thing is to enjoy it. When you love what you do, it shows. Enjoy the process, create, bring bold ideas to life, and sooner or later you will start creating real masterpieces. And the best staged photos you can keep by printing a Light album or a photo book.
Cool photos deserve unique framing. Print your cool photos in Polaroid style. Fans of instant photography from the 90s can experience familiar feelings by holding a Polaroid-style photo in their hands. Those who are not familiar with traditional Polaroid will enjoy square images with space for captions.
