Impromptu shooting 101

Impromptu: done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed.

CHECK OUT MY VIDEO ON IMPROMPTU SHOOTING

One of my favorite ways to build up my photo album is creating my own shoots. Even though impromptu by definition means unplanned, I do a little planning to get the shots right. I mostly take my own pictures because it is an option that cost less than hiring a professional, however, I will say if you plan on modeling do try to invest in a photographer if possible.

My shoots usually consist of my own styling, trying to come up with outfits that can pop in each photo. This is where most of my planning comes in. I look at Instagram, Tumblr, and google for some outfit inspiration, depending on where I want to have the shoot. In my latest impromptu shoot, I shot right in my living room. I have a dark brown couch, so my idea was to contrast the couch and have a soft and subtle look. When I decide I want to shoot outdoors, I go for brighter looks, it all depends on what vibe you want to give the viewers.

The next thing I do is pick a “set”, I typically shoot outdoors because it is the easiest way to find different scenery and have good light. However, I have been stepping out of taking the easy route and finding ways to shoot indoors. With a friend, our dorm was extremely old school, so we took some photos in a bathtub. Weird… Maybe, but the outcome is amazing.

Once you figure out a set, start shooting your pictures! Before I got my hands on my tripod, I would have someone else take my photos. This was great because the other person can stand in while you find the angles you want and they could have some ideas as well. The cons of having someone else take them is just depending on who it is they might not be available when you want to shoot, some planning may be required. However, now I have a tripod, that way I can shoot on my own whenever. The cons of a tripod are not being able to capture all the angles.

I shoot on a Canon PowerShot SX410 IS, Samsung Galaxy 7, and iPhone 8 plus. Each camera is different and produces different looks; when doing impromptu shoots I take pictures on each to get the best pictures. My number one message for the impromptu shooting is to work with what you have. Even if you cannot see the beauty in something at first glance, it’s there. You just have to imagine it in a new way.