pre-session interviews

[Rie]

Hi there, this is my first post here.

I am in need of some help here with pre-session interviews.

I am interested in shooting the following types of portraits:

Boudoir, Wedding, Maternity, Newborn, and Seniors

What types of questions do you ask in each category to help you determine what the final product is that the client wants.

Do you use a questionaire? Would you mind sharing?

Thanks in advance,

Marie O.
Utah

[Nekrose]

I think that the best way to go about a pre-session interview is to ask the client what they are looking for.

I honestly do not have a questionnaire, I just ask the basics.

What shots do you want?
What will the images be used for?
How much time do you want to spend on the shoot?

For boudoir, I would ask them if they feel comfortable being alone with you. They may want somebody else present at the shoot to help ease the nerves.

Honestly, you should put yourself in the client's shoes. What questions would you expect the photographer to ask you? That can be a guide.

[usrjpj01]

I focus almost exclusively on maternity and newborns. For maternity shoots, as an example, I ask quite a few questions:
- is this a first time mom?
- will she be coming alone or with her partner?
- does she know the gender of the baby?
- is she having a singleton or multiples?
- where will the pictures be displayed? For all to see or a bedroom?
- what is the mother's level of comfort with disrobing?
- etc.

It's so important to have a good pre-session chat - even if just via email (I prefer phone) - because then you can be fully prepped with your lenses, props, backdrops etc. when the client arrives - making for a faster shoot and clients that are going to LOVE their images!

I hope this helps you get starated!

Jen
_____________________________
owner, elizabeth grace photography
Minneapolis Baby Photographer Maternity Photographer
www.elizabethgracephotography.com

[williamsphotography]

I really like this! I am starting out as well and this is very much so helpful!

[BigFuzzy]

The advice above is good so i won't repeat it.

I also agree meeting in person is crucial to me if possible.

One thing I would add, that I do, that seems to help is the following:
Put together a print out or contact sheet of many photos in the style you're trying to take. Bring them (or email them if not in person) to the meeting and discuss the ones your client likes or doesn't like. It would help if the images are yours, but I also see nothing wrong with creating this 'test' sheet/booklet using images that are others, just make absolutely sure you can duplicate the images you show them!

This allows for you to know what styles they do/don't like. And it also allows for you to go into the shoot with ideas already in your head that you know they'll like and that you can perhaps even practice before hand.

I often simply cut and paste images onto a word document (around 4 per page) and print it and bring it with me. I constantly add my new images or others I find that I like onto the paper to keep it fresh and updated.

Obviously, actually being able to bring a finished product (like a quick paperback book from Blurb) full of your maternity/portrait/etc shots to the meeting would be best as it shows a professional end product and will reflect well on you.

throughout discussion of the photos, you'll find out a lot of what they want/need, it'll also buy you time to look at the person and see what angles they look most flattering in.

Hope that helps.