10 Tips for perfect Shoots

Riekert’s Get Ready – Be Prepared kit

Except for annual school photos and wedding photos, chances are that you haven’t really been photographed by a professional (except if your name is Fabio).
As a photographer I understand totally where you’re coming from – you, or your spouse, kids, dogs or teddy bear might be terrified of the camera! It always helps if we can prepare you for what is coming, and to put you at ease so as to make it a fun and memorable activity

With that in mind I’ve compiled the Get Ready – Be Prepared kit.
Keep in mind that I do many different shoots; use what is applicable to your situation.

Let’s go!!

1 Location

We are lucky in Cape Town that we have vastly different types of locations to choose from. One’s first instinct is to shoot at all of them, but unfortunately that would be impossible. Except if you have a time machine we could use.

I am open to shooting at any location of your choice (including your home) but bear in mind that I cannot remove or add anything to the background.

I personally love nature so whenever I can show off the glorious scenery of the Western Cape, I’m a happy man! If you however have something completely different in mind, let’s chat about it, I love going on adventures!

2 Time of the day

If we shoot in a place like a forest or indoors then the time of day does not matter that much. If we are doing a beach shoot we need to start 90 min before sunset. Please keep this in mind in deciding on your location. I will help guide you with the best time of day depending on your location of choice.

3 Hair and Make-up

If someone is interested to have hair and/or make-up professionally done have a look at Iza‘s work. She does call-outs to your home/hotel. Contact her directly for rates and availability

4 Clothing

This is probably one of the biggest headaches people have and they always ask me: WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR!!? Quick answer: whatever you want! Seriously though, wear something that you feel comfortable in. It’ll put you at ease as well, and that is something that shows on the pics.

A few tips:
- No big logos
- No matching jeans and white t-shirt (if you really want that, ok then it is fine). Too matchy is corny, but you don’t want mom in a ball gown and dad in flip flops…
- Very bright colours and big prints can easily dominate photos, so keep that in mind
- Bring at least one different set of clothes (even more for the kids)
- Texure is good!
- Limit hats
- Keep the background and location in mind when deciding on colours (Camo wear is not a wise option for forest shoots..)
- You have to love your look (don’t wear something you don’t like)
- Clothing needs to be comfortable (especially for the kids)
- Bonus tip for maternity:
long, flowy skirts, with strapless bras that coordinate with them works well. Tube dresses are great for showing off your baby bump. See links below

5 Props

I am not a huge fan of too many props. But sometimes they bring a nice dimension and something to do in the pics as well.

· Blankets
· Scrabble tiles
· Flowers
· Chalkboard
· Dogs – if you want to, bring them with!

For maternity shoots:

· Ultrasound printouts
· Alphabet letters or blocks
· Stuffed animals
· Cool gifts
· Baby shoes or first little onesie

6 Refreshments

Sometimes it’s a good idea to bring some refreshments (water, juice, sparkling wine etc.) to the shoot. We don’t want you to get drunk or anything, but it’s nice to take a break during shooting – no need to bring anything for me 🙂

Snacks and wet-wipes work well for kids… and dads.

5 Themes

If you have any specific themes in mind, feel free to share them with me beforehand. This can be hobbies, fantasy, clothing, whatever. We can chat and see if it’ll work.

8. The 24 hours before the shoot

Sleep well the previous night.
This affects your skin and eyes (no hangovers please)!
Be well fed. Happy stomachs make for great photos!
Don’t over-commit the kids for other activities on the day of the shoot.
Watch out for sunburn and tan lines
Drink plenty of water

Remember to take kiddies to the loo just before the shoot!

9 Relax

This is a special note for parents with kids. Kid meltdowns happen… always when you want it the least. Relax!! I have seen worse. Please don’t feel embarrassed. I have a little boy and I know these “sessions” all too well!

For the kiddies, it should be fun! If we are stressed, they are stressed. If I need to shoot them like a spy for the whole session that is also fine. We want the whole experience to be great for them and have fond memories that you created together.

10 Enjoy the experience

That brings me to my last and final point. We WILL get great images.
Part of the success of the day is that you enjoy the experience.
You are there to enjoy nature with your loved ones, create a memory, and I am there to capture it! I am relaxed; you can relax too and have fun!!