What are virtual photoshoots?
Updated: Apr 7, 2021
A question I get a lot online so I thought I'd address it in a blog post in an attempt to clear it up for people and to give some insight into the process.
A virtual photoshoot (also known as an online photoshoot) is essentially what it says on the tin.
Photoshoots that take place completely virtually or online.
Why should I consider a virtual photoshoot?
There are several pros a few cons to virtual photoshoots.
The Pros
Efficient - virtual photoshoots are very efficient in that you do not have to spend any time driving to or from a photography studio to have your images taken. If you're a business owner, then the ability to save yourself an hour or two of commuting is in itself a great reason to consider a virtual photoshoot.
Simple - Virtual photoshoots are very simple. All they require is an iPhone or Android-based smartphone and an App installed on it which can be downloaded from the App Store. The newer the phone, the better the camera is likely to be. See below for some specs of the more common smartphones.
Budget-friendly - because I am not using my own camera and lighting gear, or travelling anywhere myself, I am able to provide vastly discounted prices on virtual photoshoots.
The Cons
Image quality - as we use your smartphone's camera to take the pictures, we are dependant on the quality of your phone's camera. Most newer iPhones and Android-based smartphones have really good camera's, but it's important that you understand the images will only be as good as your camera is able to capture.
It's not face to face so can feel weird for you (the client) that you are unable to see me. Although the majority of the clients I have worked with thus far have really enjoyed the photoshoot and not had a problem with the fact that they can't actually see me during the shoot.
Lighting options are limited to either using natural light in your home/office or outdoors, or whatever lighting you may have. Most small business owners these days do have at least one photography/video light they use when making videos for their website, social media etc.
What sort of quality can I expect from a virtual photoshoot?
As mentioned above, the quality of the images depends solely on your smartphone's camera.
Ideally, your camera will be at least 12MP as a minimum to get suitable quality images for online use.
Here is a list of some of the more common iPhone and Android-based camera's along with the camera specs
Iphone 7/8/9/10/12/ - 12-megapixel
Samsung Galaxy S7/S8/S9/S10 - 12-megapixel
Google Pixel 2/Pixel 3/ - 12.2-megapixel
Google Pixel 4/5 - 12.2-megapixel main camera / 16-megapixel tele-lens
Huawei P20 - 20-megapixel
Huawei P30 - 40-megapixel
Huawei P40 - 32-megapixel
Can you show me examples of images taken during a virtual photoshoot?
Of course. All of the following images were taken during a virtual photoshoot over the past few months.
These images were taken with iPhone 8, iPhone 12 and Samsung S9 smartphones.
If you have any doubts about whether your phone will be good enough, please do get in touch to have a chat before you book your session.
How does a virtual photoshoot work?
It really is so simple.
You simply install an App from the App Store and then provide me with your unique ID number that the app will give you once launched.
I then enter this unique ID on my end and you approve my connection to your phone. Once you have approved the connection, I will essentially be able to see what your camera sees.
Whilst you are unable to see me, I can obviously see you and you can hear my direction through your phone speakers.
I then direct you verbally via your phone to find the optimal lighting conditions if we are using natural light, or where to place your lights if you do have any video/photography lighting available.
Once we have got the lighting right, I will then direct you into various poses using the available space.
As I take the images during our virtual photoshoot, they are automatically uploaded to me so there is absolutely nothing else for you to worry about besides looking glamourous and enjoying the experience!
Do you edit the images?
Yes, I will do basic editing of the images which includes removing any skin blemishes, correcting exposure etc.
I do not over-edit the images as part of the package prices, however, if you are looking for magazine quality editing, please do discuss this with me prior to booking your virtual photoshoot session.
Do I get to choose which images I want?
Absolutely. Once I've gone through the images taken during the virtual photoshoot, I will make the samples available to you online, whether through Dropbox, Google Drive or my website.
You then select the images you would like (number determined by which package you have chosen) and I will edit these (it's not practical for me to edit all images taken but will edit one or two of my favs to show you how the final images will look) and make the edited, final images available for you to download from Dropbox (you don't need to have a Dropbox account)
Can I change outfits/location?
Yes. If you opt for the 1-hour or 2-hour sessions you will be able to change your outfit.
For a 1-hour photoshoot, you will be able to have 1 outfit change and up to 3 locations within your home/office or outside thereof
With the 2-hour photoshoot, you can have up to 3 outfit changes (time dependant) during the session and up to 5 locations within your home/office or outside thereof.
Unfortunately for the 30-minute sessions there simply will not be time for you to change your outfit or shoot in a second location within your home/office or outside thereof.
How long do I have to wait for the edited images?
Typically, you will receive your edited images within 5 working days of notifying me of your choices.
If you need a quicker turnaround time, please get in touch before booking your session to discuss your deadline requirements and for a quote for prioritising your images ahead of the queue.
What sort of virtual photoshoots can you do?
I can provide pretty much any genre of photoshoot I can do with you in person, virtually.
These include:
Headshot photography
Personal brand photography
Portrait photography
Couple photography
Family photography
Newborn photography
Boudoir photography
What do I need for a virtual photoshoot?
Your requirements are genuinely quite simple and you are likely already to have the necessary equipment to hand if you are a small business owner. Items required:
Smartphone
Tripod, cradle or someone else present to hold the camera as directed
Installation of an app from the App store.
Natural light or well-lit areas of your home/office or artificial lighting units.
Your smartphone connected to Wifi, 4G or 5G
How do I book my virtual photoshoot?
You can book directly through my photography website for a date and time that suits your availability.
Virtual photoshoot prices are as follows:
What to do now?
Book your session online now using any of the above links.
If you have any questions, please contact me via the contact form below and I will respond to you as soon as possible.
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I look forward to shooting you virtually soon!
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