3 Tips for Planning a Stock Photography Shoot

Photography

A robust stock photo folder is a useful resource for any company. Businesses who don’t want to pay for access to online stock photos, though, may need to get out in the field to take some shots of their own. While that sounds simple enough, it can be a challenge. This is particularly true if you want to have variety in your photos, and diversity in your subjects. However, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, before you get started, here are some things you should think about before you start snapping.

3 Things to Think About When Planning Your Stock Photography Shoot

#1: Focus on Neutral, or Positive, Situational Associations

Stock photos are meant to be used as general filler to accompany text. They’re visual aids that catch the eye, draw attention, and break up big blocks of words. However, it’s all too easy to let bias or stereotypes filter into your stock images. As a for-instance, if you’re putting together a stock photo for someone eating dinner, and your model is African American, consider what props to pose them with. Fried chicken might create an undercurrent of prejudice you want to avoid, as an example. A more neutral food, such as a salad or a steak, takes that association away and leaves the image without such a negative charge.

Photography

#2: Run Your Thoughts By A Diverse Team

A team made up of more diverse members is more likely to bring a variety of viewpoints to the table, and thus to see things from more than one angle. Before you finalize a plan for your photo shoot, run it by people who have different backgrounds and experiences from your own. They might catch something that never occurred to you.

#3: Mix Things Up

Don’t be afraid to give a variety of models a chance to try out different shots. If you’re not using film (which is fairly common thanks to the advances made in digital photography), then you have all the storage space you can haul with you. So, take as many photos with as many combinations of people, places, and situations as you can. The bigger your starting pool, the easier it should be to find the best pictures.

For more advice on how to prepare for your next photo shoot, simply contact us today!

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