Let's Get Groovy!
As much as I love photographing my clients, I also love to set aside time for me to be creative. It's easy to stray away from the fun, creative side of photography. That's why I think it is so important to keep challenging yourself to keep exploring those new ideas that pop up in your head!
70s girl: Aliyah S.
Want To Try Something New?
Do it! Creative shoots are such a great way for both photographers and others to explore new styles of shooting, editing, wardrobe, locations and makeup! Have some amazing new "out there" ideas you have been wanting to try? Plan a shoot!
For me, I've been dying to do a creative shoot that was totally 70s inspired! I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do until I came across a stunning post Aliyah had posted to her Instagram. Her hair, her makeup, her pose! It was everything I was looking for! So of course, I sent her a message and she was on board!
PLANNING THE SHOOT
Step 1: Message Model
First step was to message Aliyah. When messaging her I wanted to make sure she understood all that I wanted to do during our time together. So, I sent her a brief list of style, wardrobe, location ideas and what the inspiration was.
Step 2: Establishing Timeline
The next thing I wanted to make sure that was established from the beginning was a time and a date! This is very important that both you and your model have set aside a good amount of time. You want to make sure you have that time to be creative and not feel RUSHED. Personally, I found that the more relaxed you are, the more your creativity can flow! Remember this is the time you are setting aside to be able to explore. You don't want to waste a day!
Step 3: Creating Mood Boards
Now this is a very helpful step towards achieving the exact look you are going for! I put some examples down below. First, I made a mood board showing the outfit I was envisioning. For me, this included a jumpsuit and style of shoes. I then continued onto hair, makeup, and accessories. I picked apart the look she had already done and detailed it a bit more to exaggerate the look more. The last bit of information I needed to give was the location. I was seeing her look and the idea of outfit on the roof top of a parking garage. So thus began the location scouting!
Step 4: Finding the Right Spot
After putting together serval mood boards and seeing what I had laid out, I began to search. I knew I wanted that downtown feel, but which downtown? Lucky for both of us we live in beautiful Southern California! So, what better time capsule of a city to use than LA? Now that I narrowed that down, I needed to find specific places to be able to send pin drops and addresses. Once that was done, off we went! On the set date, time, and location to LA to be creative!
Outfit mood board that shows visually what look and feel I am trying to accomplish with this shoot.
I took the look I was inspired by from Aliyah's page and went more into detail on her look.
Location was a very big part of this shoot. So, I took some inspiration photos to show her what feel I am trying to capture as far as background. That way location is not just a surprise to her.
So, the next time you are feeling creative and want to do something out of your comfort zone, go for it! Be brave, think outside the box, get your mood boards together, and make that idea a reality! I can guarantee you that you will surprise yourself once you let go and just let things flow.
Model: Aliyah Salazar
Her Instagram: @aliyahhh_
Camera: Canon 5D Mark iv
Lens: Canon 50mm
Locations: DTLA, Arts District, 4th Street, S Hill St.
(If you would like me to go more in depth on exact locations, please feel free to send me a message)
