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New years Photoshoots help to start a new theme and a beginning to the year. They define the tone and future that is to come and the past. A Photoshoot should do this as well as celebrate the year. This article will go over some ideas for new years photoshoots, how to plan out a photoshoot, finding the right people and having the right things in place for the perfect photoshoot. After we get through that point we’ll share finishing off the photoshoot and deciding the final photos.
A simple way to start planning for a photoshoot theme and mood for the photoshoots is to think of important pop culture or historical events that happened during the previous year. Think of the style that you want to share or have been sharing throughout the year. You can also do multiple new years photoshoots. Having a central theme can be great for communication with other artists, directors, photographers, models, hair and makeup stylists and other people involved in the project.
One of the decisions that must be made is where will the photographs be shot at? What location will you have in mind? What location is feasible? Does it need to be local, indoor, outdoor or a remote location?
Local locations may be great for teams that are only local or if the theme has to deal with a certain place and time.
Indoor locations are great for keeping everyone warm. Think of studio spaces, living rooms, apartments, bedrooms or sets designed for the photoshoot. You will also be able to (generally) control the light in indoor locations easier than outdoor locations.
Outdoor locations include parks, avenues, gardens, popular locations or forest. It is worth noting that during this time of the year much of the northern hemisphere is significantly colder and you should plan your wardrobe, set gear more. Another one of my favorites is skylines.
Remote locations don’t necessarily have to be off trail areas. Generally I label this for anywhere that is out of distance from the majority of the team. You may be in a completely other state or country for these types of shoots which will add to the amount of items you need to consider.
It is also important to consider if you are legally able to shoot in the area. Some places may not allow you to take photos. Check with the local area or police department to see if you can shoot there. Also check with any owners prior to going.
Lastly you should physical check out these locations before you book them or you go to them. Sometimes certain areas may be closed and you will not be able to shoot there. If you don’t have a backup plan the photos may look completely different than what you intended. Choosing the right location should be fun but also takes work to figure out what matches the style and what is allowed.
Budgeting for a photoshoot is important to know what to spend where and how much you are willing to spend. Consider the following costs like props, talent, transportation. Often Models, Photographers, Hair and Makeup Artists have their fees.
Props are also important to add some extra flavor and interest to a New Years Photoshoot. Props can often take up a lot of the cost during a photoshoot more than you expect but may be well worth it. Make sure to check in with the director or photographer or even the stylist to fit any props in. Create a list of props that you might need for the photoshoot and average the costs together. If you are not sure what props you need for the photoshoot refer to the them and mood of the photoshoot then go on amazon and look for similar items. Additionally going to small businesses like on RedFin or Etsy may allow custom order at a slightly higher price.
If you are not a photographer - you will need to get one. Create a budget based on a couple local or regional photographers in your region. Also consider their quality of work, collaboration work and reviews.
In today’s world social media is a great way to find a photographer. Search for Portrait Photographers or Photographers in ___ (your city) on Instagram or TikTok. You will be able to find a photographer that matches your style and desired photoshoot. Youtube is also a way to find a photographer if you are looking for more video related expertise. There are different ways to connect such as Direct Message or Email and it is best to follow what the preferred method is in Bio’s or captions.
Another keyword to use when trying to search for a Photographer is Fashion Photographer in ____ or commercial Photographer in ___ this will filter to only photographers in that field. Fashion Photographers and Commercial Photographers have a higher focus in those prospective categories if that is of interest.
Professional photographers also usually have websites where they place their showcase work and you may need to connect through email or direct message.
You can also find a photographer through people you interact with such as other models, agencies, influencers, gurus and friends and family. Often there is usually a photographer somewhere around the family line or friends of friends that takes photos.
It is important to compare both rates and the image quality/ package quality.
Choosing a time and date for a happy new years photoshoot is important to give yourself time to prepare, capture great lighting and have enough time to post the final images.
Capturing great lighting is important and changes throughout the day. During the morning the light will be bright and high in the sky if you are shooting outdoors. An example may be anywhere from 9-12pm. During the afternoon the sun will be directly above the subject (person) creating harsh contrasting shadows. In the early evening and during sunset the sun will create softer light and gold light.
During the winter the northern hemisphere day’s are significantly shorter so it is important to prepare ahead of time and check the local weather and sunset times to make sure you don’t miss the right time to take photos.
One common caption I’ve noticed is late photographs! Late Photographs for new years. Preparing beforehand will avoid this issue. You can either plan for only a few photographs to be shared or to have the photoshoot a few weeks before the actual holiday.
A Shot List
A good photoshoot will have a shot list of photos you might want to get. A shot list helps everyone on the team understand what the desired final photos will look like. This can be from inspiration online, from catalogs or from sketches that were created from the photoshoot.
Getting together images, pose ideas, or action for a shot list will make shooting easier and less of a guessing game. Although it still may take some time to get into taking the photograph.
Communication and Coordination
Prepare to get everyone together and have a good communication plan to let everyone know if there are changes to the shoot. Having everyone know what’s going on will help the shoot run smoothly.
Schedule Hair and Makeup and Wardrobe preparations
Often what is not talked about enough is getting your style on. The time it takes to schedule hair and makeup is important. Generally you may want to schedule 1-3 hours out of an entire shoot to work on these. Of course the model or yourself can do your own hair and makeup which will also take time before the photoshoot. Additionally wardrobe should be figured out when you have a theme for the photoshoot and you can communicate with the rest of the team what will and won’t work.
Transportation and Equipment
Getting to the location should also be figured out ahead of time for all parties. It may be worth riding with someone else if you won’t get there on time. It is also important that you let others know of your ETA. Make sure all your equipment works and you have all your batteries as well.
Setting up a location is the first step and making sure that all your props and decorations are in order.
Recognize the lighting conditions and any changes that need to be done on the hair or makeup, and also on camera settings.
Guide or pose for the New Years Photo and use the shot list to move the shots as well. One of my favorite ways to get expressions out of people is to have them act or be a certain persona like someone who just got scared, or someone who is shocked, or someone who just got a new promotion at work. Expressions are essential after and during posing.
If you are shooting multiple people make sure that you get enough individual photos and group shots together. It is important that these are already in your shot list.
You may also want to try different angles and perspectives and compositions for your photos. Try different portrait shots like mid-shots, ½ shots, headshots and full body shots. Also consider the angles in which you shoot and the changes in the background and the subject.
It also is important to keep in mind the need for breaks and water. Make sure to keep a fun atmosphere around the photoshoot.
After you are finished taking the photographs take some time to review all the photos. It is best practice to choose a select few of only the best photographs. These will be the ones you will share.
Take some time to edit and enhance the photos for the best quality that you can. Remember to match the theme style, your style and the mood of the entire shoot together.
Finally, share the photos with different people when you are finished. The photos should go to anyone that is involved. A great way to make sure you're not searching for emails before you are sending them out is to compile the list of emails ahead of time. You can do this before the shoot or during that shoot if you have time.
Creating a New Years Photoshoot can be fun but it can also be a challenge to get the right people and props together. Remember that a Happy New Years Photoshoot will capture the memories of the year. Reflect on the success of the photoshoot and get ready for the new year! You can now use these photos across the web and they just may become your favorite photos. It is important to remember who worked with you on these projects if you are to do it again. Good luck, and Happy New Year.
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