Photography Courses Newcastle
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Newcastle Portraits Behind the Scenes!
Photo shoots at my Newcastle Photography studio often end with my visitors saying
“That was so fun….. but I didn’t know what to expect!”
This is what so many of my clients say to me when visiting my portraits studio for the first time. Maybe you also have wondered what getting a new headshot photo would involve. maybe you want a new online profile photo but don’t know where to start looking!
So here is some help! The full finished video my assistant Dan and I have put together for exactly this purpose. It’s a thorough look behind the scenes at a relaxed hour long Portfolio shoot in my studio in Clavering House. The hour long shoot allows for a multitude of image types, so some for Corporate Headshots some for online profiles and for keepsakes. So this video documentary will give you an insight into how my Headshot Shoot, Portfolio Photography and Press shoots work. Some people come to me for business shots for conferences, social media or a website, but also want to tag on another requirement like a dating website profile or a celebration be it a birthday, special occasion or hobby.
Gurminder Marwaha came to me for 2 requests, some corporate headshots together with some story telling portraits having been a DJ since a teen. He was kind enough to let Dan film him during our session from arrival to completion! The hour allows for time discussing accessories, colour schemes, creative lighting and ideas that you might have seen online. My client Gurminder sent me a Pinterest board of shots he’d seen that he liked and I mimicked the lighting styles of these images so that he got exactly what he came for!
I used creative lighting for the headphones and vinyl props using coloured gels and spot lights. Then a simple white backdrop for an alternative smart corporate approach for business use. The Portfolio shoot allowed Gurminder to try out both types of portrait photography- for business and for fun!
The video is aimed at anyone thinking about a new headshot and yet no idea what is involved. This video demonstrates what happens in my magical cave at Clavering house! It’s meant to break down any apprehensions, showing you are guided through the whole process: from booking and preparation to final edit and delivery.
Please do get in touch if there are questions you may have and check out my Studio Portraits page for more info here. Or if you’d like to see the various types of Portrait Shoots I offer go to my Portrait Galleries here
What happens at a studio photoshoot
Newcastle Photographer Sarah Deane explains…
What Happens at a Studio Photoshoot?
If you’re thinking about having a studio photoshoot in Newcastle by a Professional Portrait Photographer, whether a Headshot for business, an Actor Headshot or a Model Portfolio or you may be wondering what to expect. Here’s a brief overview of what happens during a typical portrait shoot with me:
Step one, Planning your portrait shoot!
You will need to book in and schedule a time for your shoot on my easy to use booking page. Once you have your shoot planned, you will receive a detailed email confirming your appointment and information on how to find me and how to prepare.
BOOK HERE
For more specific information about the different types of shoots I offer and what to expect, check out some of my other blog posts. Model shoots, Corporate Headshots, Actor Headshots and even tips especially for men!
So you’ll need to think about what you are going to wear and if you want to style or cut your hair prior to the shoot. You’ll also need to think about make up, are you a full face or a none at all kind of person? More tips at the base o this article.
You might like to consider bringing a few props relevant to your line of work or clothing/jewellery accessories to add some interest or personality to your photos however they aren’t essential and simplicity works very well too.
Step two, shoot day!
On the day of the shoot, when you arrive at the studio’s building Clavering House, you will arrive at the main reception of the building. Clavering’s lovely receptionist Li will give you directions on where to find me and you will be able to sit in my waiting area until your appointment.
At your portrait appointment time, I will come and greet you, guide you into my studio space and offer you a comfy seat whilst we chat through the different backdrops and lighting options. Then we will work together to make sure I create the look you want.
Then it’s time to take the photos!
My job is to get the perfect shot, and lots of variety from which you choose that shot. I may give you some direction on how to stand or pose. But most importantly I will help you relax around the camera, capturing posed and adhoc shots, making sure I catch natural expressions and genuine smiles by distracting you from the camera.
If you are still feeling nervous about what happens at the photoshoot, head over to my Instagram @sarahdeanphotographic for some behind the scenes footage and please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns.
Step three, Post-shoot editing.
Once the photo shoot is complete, I will schedule the edit a few days later. I’ll select the very best from a large selection shot, tweak each one then send thumbnails for you to choose from. Once you choose your favourites you can request any photoshop retouching work if you feel you need it.
Then the finale! Your finished shots are supplied on your very own simple to use gallery where you can view, download and even purchase printed versions.
I love seeing my clients share their images on socials! So on instagram please tag me @sarahdeanephotographic in any images you share. Or find me on LinkedIn too!
Here are some additional tips for having a successful studio photoshoot:
- Be yourself. The best portrait photos are the ones that capture a glimpse of personality so choose an outfit that feels like you! Style your hair how you think it looks best! And if you don’t like makeup, don’t wear it! You shouldn’t try to be someone you’re not, just relax and be you.
- Talk to me! I am there to help you create the look you want. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions.
- Relax and have fun! Photoshoots should be enjoyable, so don’t take them too seriously. Just put your faith in me, let me help you relax and the photos will be amazing!
Pregnancy Photography in Newcastle
Portraits are what I love and when it is Portraiture of a couple rather than an individual it’s double the fun! This month I had the pleasure of capturing some gorgeous Maternity Photography of these two (soon to be three) beautiful people, Masitano and his pregnant wife Chabala at my Newcastle Photo Studio. I love Maternity Shoots with an almost ready to pop bump! The women look delicious and the men are doey eyed, it’s a dreamy photo combo.
To capture the amazing curves and shapes that pregnancy brings I always advise the best time to visit my studio is around 35 weeks onwards. Also it is wise to avoid being photographed too close to a delivery date as I have also observed some women can find the last few weeks hard work and they are understandably not in a photo shoot mood!
I always want my studio time to be enjoyable and relaxing so that my clients leave having had a really lovely and memorable experience. For couples being photographed, it’s often very atmospheric and loving as these shots show. Masitano and Chabala are clearly very in love and the imagery reflects the tenderness between them. As a photographer you are often observing your subjects from the sideline, but with a pregnancy studio shoot like this, I find it is important to work closely with the couple to capture personality and emotion.
Chabala had researched pregnant couple imagery online that she liked, some on Instagram and others on Pinterest and brought screen shots to the photo session. This was very helpful for me as I used this to guide my choices on backdrop colours and lighting effects. The preferred photographic style had simplicity and intimacy as its strengths, all images with well executed flattering lighting in grey and black tones. It was perfect for my portrait style.
Clothing always plays a large part in the end result of an image, dictating colours, texture and atmosphere. The looks Masitano and Chabala chose were fantastic, focusing their attention to clothing fabrics and shapes including gold lame no less! Chabala had a long black stretch jersey dress to create the ultimate bump silhouette and hair up to allow for stylish femininity and a slick smart finish. Masitano wore a simple white crisp cotton shirt to complement the lame dress glamour then for the casual shots, dark grey textured denim and a pair of Dr Marten boots loosely laced with their leather and shape giving a sense of sturdiness and strength.
I felt really proud of these shots and was as ever, flattered to know this couple chose me as their photographer for such a special time in their lives. I was thrilled that they were happy for me to share the images and to promote my studio maternity photography here at the studio. Thank you Masitano and Chabala, and good luck with the next stage in your adventure!
If you would like an opportunity to chat through ideas for your pregnancy shoot please get in touch on my online form or call my number and I’d be happy to discuss. Or if you have a specific portfolio request and would like a good excuse to get out of your lockdown joggers and don some nice clothes just shout!
More images can be found on this page of my website; click here
