Andy’s Top 5 Tips for Photography

1.  Comms on Lock

A huge part of working with a model is communication and consent. Speak confidently and articulate what you are trying to achieve with them. A lot of this comes from pre-shoot mood board discussion and planning on what you and the team are going to accomplish way before anyone steps into the studio. When everyone is on the same page, it’s a lot easier to read a book.
 

2. The Shadow Knows

If you’re just starting out and really want some hands-on experience with something bigger than your friends or your environment, reach out to a photographer you admire and see if you can apprentice under them for a shoot or two! The magic of the internet has also been able to condense this field a bit too, some photographers could offer courses, portfolio reviews, how-to sections. Just ask!
 

3. Play That Funky Music

 I love tunes. Often at the start of a shoot, I’ll ask whoever I am with “What’s your go-to Jam right now?”. For them, they get to relax into a song or artist they are comfortable with while in front of the lens. For me, I get a sweet new artist to listen to. TBH, I only discovered Lizzo because of a shoot and have not stopped listening to her.

4. Trust Fall!! LOL

One thing I have learned, through the magic of *~_improvised theatre_~*, is if you have an idea in the moment to just run with it. A different pose, the addition of a prop, a tone. If it doesn’t work out, oh well! Move on. If it does work out, then in the words of Hulk Hogan, HELL YEAH, BROTHER!

5. What’s good, tho?

Find what you like and what you dislike to shoot. Getting a well-rounded sense of what you want your tone and style to be. It can help you solidify your outcome and will assist in saying “no” when a project comes your way that you might not enjoy. When you discover the boundaries of your process and work, then you can find ways to break them and grow more.