Working with celebrities
Maria Chi comparte su experiencia y da consejos sobre cómo hacer sesiones de fotos con celebridades.
It has been a while since I wrote here last time. I had a lot of great photo sessions since then. And as my last job was for an extremely talented, beautiful and very popular musician NK Nastya Kamenskykh (www.nkofficial.com), I decided to tell you about my experience and give you some advice on working with celebrities.
A little bit of history.
During my 7 year professional photography career I had an opportunity to photograph celebrities. Some of them are local famous people, others are famous in few neighbouring countries.
I had a pleasure to make photos for Ukrainian musician NK Nasty Kamenskykh’s release of a new music video “When the war is over”, I made portraits for Natalia Gordienko a Moldovan singer who represented Moldova in 2021 at Eurovision. I was shooting many celebrities for InStyle Moldova magazine’s different fashion projects.
And based on my vast experience I can say that famous people generally are easygoing people who treat photo sessions professionally.
Now I want to share with You my thoughts and the way I work with celebrities.
I would divide questions of “working with celebrities” to 2 groups:
Technical organisation of a photo shoot,
Personal setting up :)
First of all a photographer has to be well prepared. There should be a clear communication between photographer and the team. So a photographer would clearly understand the creative idea of a photo session and final result that has to be obtained. Of course place, time and etc.
Usually celebrities need little direction and pose marvellously making photographers job easy and pleasant, but I suggest to have ready some posing ideas as well (just in case).
I also recommend You to do a research about the subject of Your photo session. Learn about the person - it will help You later in building relationship and maintaining conversation.
Also do a research about physical features of the person. So You can plan ahead and set up the right light scheme, which will flatter your subject. Person should look his best.
VERY IMPORTANT! Celebrities have little time. So everything should be ready before they come. Some celebrities may only have literally minutes to pose for pictures.
Before Your model steps in:
backdrop and set up has to be already made,
All props are in right places,
Light setup made and adjusted (use your assistant),
Camera connected to computer (I recommend to shoot directly to laptop. Your assistant will check focus, sharpeness and other important things),
Additional camera, batteries, cards (in case something breaks to replace it fast),
Have your assistant with You always,
If you plan to shoot different light setups - second light setup must be also already made and be ready for a usage.
Remember - You have to work QUICKLY!
Ok. Now let’s talk about PERSONAL side of doing photo session of a famous person.
It is nerve wrecking. At least for me. It always was and I still have the bath of anxiety.
Shooting a celebrity a photographer has a double task - first a photographer should relax himself and also a photographer should relax his subject and make her (or him) feel comfortable.
Here comes in handy the advice I gave before - do a research on your subject. Learn the person and it will be easier for You to communicate.
And remember the power of Small Talk. If You are bad at it - I want to recommend You a great Book “The Fine Art of Small Talk: How To Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive” by Debra Fine. Here is the link:
https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Art-Small-Talk-Conversation/dp/1401302262
BE PROFESSIONAL. Concentrate on your job. I know it may be hard, especially if you are “a fan”, but please avoid “can I make selfie with You?”, “Can You please give me an autograph?”, doing backstages (if no one asked). Please respect space and privacy of other person. And NO GOSSIPS!
Treat celebrity as “another client”. Stay focused on Your job.
BE NICE and POLITE. It is important to make a good personal connection. Engage Your client in typical conversations. Small Talk (again).
Good communication before and during the photoshoot will lead to better pictures.
Don’t be afraid. We all humans. Just stay focused, keep calm and be friendly!
I hope my tips will be useful for You. GOOD LUCK!
Pictures used:
Natalia Gordienko https://www.instagram.com/natalitsa/
Natalia Barbu https://www.instagram.com/nataliabarbu_official/
Olia Tira https://www.instagram.com/olia_tira/
Raquette Designers Dana and Violetta www.raquette.co
Karizma https://www.reverbnation.com/karizmaofficialpage?popup_bio=true
