Outdoor shoots can be exciting, especially when you’re showcasing stunning collections like wedding outfits. Recently, we embarked on a three-day outdoor shoot with three models each day, covering nine outfits in total. While the experience was fulfilling, it came with its fair share of challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the issues we faced and the valuable lessons we learned along the way to help you avoid similar problems in the future.
Day 1: The Farm Adventure
We decided to start our shoot at a farm to take advantage of natural light and the scenic background. However, we began shooting late in the evening, around 4 or 5 PM. This created two major issues:
Insect Trouble: Farms are home to plenty of mosquitoes and insects, especially during the evening. The models and crew had to deal with constant distractions, which made the shoot difficult.
Lighting Problems: Since October days are shorter, it got dark quickly, affecting the quality of the pictures and videos.
Day 2: Mehndi Magic with Rain Interruptions
On the second day, we planned a shoot for our mehndi outfits and created a beautiful setup at the same farm. Again, we started the shoot late in the evening, around 5 PM. Just as we were getting into the groove, it started raining! Despite the unexpected weather, we pushed through and completed the shoot. However, the timing and rain disrupted the flow of our work.
Lessons Learned
By the end of the second day, we realized that poor timing was the root cause of many of our problems. Starting late left us with limited daylight, and we were at the mercy of unpredictable evening weather.
Day 3: Adjusting Our Approach
Unfortunately, we made the same mistake on the third day by starting late again. That’s when it hit us: Outdoor shoots should always begin early in the morning. The natural light in the morning is soft and beautiful, and you have plenty of time to finish your work without rushing against the setting sun.
Tips for Your Next Outdoor Shoot
Here are some actionable steps to ensure your outdoor shoot goes smoothly:
Prepare in Advance: Set up everything—props, costumes, and equipment—the day before your shoot. This saves time and ensures you’re ready to start early.
Start Early Morning: Morning light is ideal for photography and videography. Plus, you avoid insects, rain, and other evening challenges.
Check the Weather Forecast: Always keep an eye on the weather and have a backup plan in case it rains.
Bring Essentials: Carry insect repellents, lighting equipment, and other essentials to handle unexpected challenges.
Stick to a Schedule: Create a detailed timeline for your shoot and stick to it. This keeps everyone on track and avoids last-minute delays.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor shoots can bring out the best in your products, but they require careful planning and execution. By learning from our experiences and following these tips, you’ll be better prepared for your next shoot. Remember, the key to success is preparation, timing, and flexibility.
We hope our journey inspires you to plan your shoots better and capture stunning visuals for your collections. Happy shooting!
