Do you know that a one-hour photoshoot is actually not one-hour?
You didn't know? I'm guessing maybe like most people, you confuse the length of a portrait session with the length of the photoshoot.
Let me show you some things, flow with me...
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the details that go into a portrait session from beginning to end.
We’ll talk about how long it takes a photographer to prepare, shoot, and process a portrait session. I’ll be speaking as a premium portrait photographer who creates custom-made high-end quality portraits and experiences. In other words, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes into how Akorede works.
We’ll go over all of the photography steps together, such as client/partner communication, photoshoot time, post-processing, and finally, delivery.
Research & Education.
Many people forget that photography requires ongoing research and continuous investment in educational advancement. The goal of a premium portrait photographer like Akorede is to create unique and custom photography experiences, and because everyone has different preferences, I spend time developing new ideas for each project. I refresh my mind with inspirational images and posing ideas for the session.
Obviously, the photographer’s customer service skills must be excellent, and so I dedicate time to researching and developing myself in customer service, experience, and satisfaction. And yes, this happens before my client comes in for the photoshoot.
Communication Time.
Communication with my clients takes many forms, including emails, phone calls, text messages, social media messages, and in-person consultations, all to ensure that the client has a thorough understanding of what to expect and also what is expected of them as the client. It is my responsibility to make the client feel at ease and to alleviate any anxiety that may arise as the session date approaches. (you know how we get nervous, as the photoshoot gets closer day by day).
Being the photographer, I must answer the client’s questions, assist them with styling ideas, make suggestions on how to better prepare for the session, recommend outfits to wear, and so on. All of this time has been spent on the portrait session without even bringing out the camera. Do you see what I'm talking about?
Photoshoot Preparation.
The team begins preparing the photography equipment for the shoot at least one night before. The team ensures batteries are charged, spares are available, double-checks that all images from memory cards have been transferred, cards have been formatted, camera bags and required lenses are packed. (By this time, we are fully armed for the shoot).
Commute Time.
Sometimes the amount of time spent shooting is significantly less than the amount of time spent commuting (getting to the location). Of course, the commute time will vary depending on the location of the session and the time of day. One time, I had to spend 8 hours on the road for a 2-hour photoshoot. (Things we do for love).
Photoshoot Time.
Depending on the type of session and how quickly the client relaxes and becomes accustomed to the camera, a portrait session with Akorede could have a photoshoot time of two to eight hours.
I’ve learnt from experience that it’s never a good idea to rush a photoshoot, so we make sure the client has a good time and a great experience while also feeling comfortable in front of the camera.
Post-Processing.
Hmmm! There are numerous sub-details to consider when it comes to post-processing.
First is, Transfer + Photo Backup
So, now that the photo shoot is finished, the real work begins (just when you thought the work was over). The first step after any photoshoot is to transfer the images, and it is critical to transfer the images immediately to reduce the possibility of data loss.
Once the images have been transferred to the computer, a backup is then made in another location to avoid unnecessary headaches for both of us.
The second is, Culling.
After transferring and backing up the images, we sort them. This is known as culling. The team selects images that are out of focus, have closed eyes, or have funny expressions, as well as several “NO” images, doubles or multiple pictures of the same pose, and so on. We go through several rounds of selecting and sorting to eliminate the “ok” images and only keep the ones that stand out the most (the ones that are museum-worthy).
After the culling process is completed, we are left with only the best images from the shoot. As a result, you, the client, will be presented with the best portraits.
The third is, High-End Full Retouch.
Akorede has a distinct shooting and post-processing style, and it is these two elements that entice people to our work. As a result, we try to maintain consistency in our editing style. High-end portrait retouching entails more than just color correction; we go above and beyond to address issues such as skin, posture, eye circles, wrinkles, unwanted objects, manipulation, enhancements or reductions, etc. This type of edit requires detailed retouching and definitely cannot be achieved through batch editing. Every edit must be tailored to an image for it to stand out as a work of art (a-a-a-a-a-a-art). Editing a single portrait takes hours and hours and hours.
Do you know that my retouching time for one portrait can range from two to five hours or more? So the more portraits to edit, the more hours consumed.
What I've tried to do (if successful) is provide you with a better understanding of how long a portrait session takes from start to finish. And, as you can see, the portrait session extends beyond the photoshoot time.
In other words, that two-hour photo shoot isn’t just a two-hour photoshoot. When we add up the times from the steps described above, we get approximately 38 hours (Thirty-Eight Solid Hours) of full-time work and more.
Amazing how a two-hour photoshoot becomes a 38-hour portrait session. Who would have thought?
I hope I've been able to give you a deeper insight into what goes into your portrait session.
Cool.
My name is Akorede and I create Premium Portraits for Royalties!
See you soon