Cardiff has so many inspiring places that I love to explore. Some of my favourite spots include Bute Park, Alexandra gardens, the National Museum Cardiff, and Roath park.
I feel that nature can add extra visual interest to portraits and it's also a fantastic backdrop for any photo!
Here there are 5 useful tips that can help you plan your photo session so you can get the best experience, whether you are from Cardiff or not!
1- Choosing the location:
Location is a major factor when planning your outdoor photo shoot. It changes what your end result will look like as you have to take into consideration lighting, landscape and overall vibe of your location.
Don't worry! If we work together, I will help you decide on the location of your photo session based on what you would like to portray. Whether you are planning a family shoot or individual headshots, there are many places in South Wales that will fit your needs.
Do you have a location in mind and would love to be photographed there?
2- Time of the day:
Light has a big impact on how photos look. Sunset is the most popular time of the day because the light is soft and warm. The sun is low enough that won't cause harsh shadows and it will allow those warm tones to add a beautiful hue to your photo.
I always recommend doing your outdoor photo session around 2 to 3 hours before sunset. A cloudy sky also produces a soft light, so don't worry if you can't plan your session in the evening.
3-Research using Pinterest and Google
Use Pinterest and Google to find some poses for photo shoots that you'd like to emulate.
Using a few photos to use as a reference will help you and the photographer to get an idea of what you have in mind for your session.
4- Think about your outfit
Once you have your inspiration, is good to share it with your photographer so you can get their advice. I always recommend bringing two or three outfits just in case. Light and bright colours always work really well when shooting outside. I would also avoid patterns and prints, they can be quite distracting.
Last but not least, make sure all clothes are clean and pressed!
5- Practice some poses
Being in front of a camera can be intimidating for some people. Practicing before your photo session can be helpful. I always encourage people to practice in front of a mirror so they will feel more comfortable on the day of the shoot.
But don't worry if you don't feel very confident, I'll be there to help you reach your maximum potential. Candid shots of sitting, standing, and walking are great starting points.
If you are ready to get outside and have some amazing portraits of yourself, with your partner or family, I would love to hear from you!
To get more tips from a Cardiff Photographer, have a look through my blog posts!