Photo Shoots the D.I.Y Way

Whether friends asked you to snap some quick engagement photos or you want to capture digital memories of a family member or pet, executing a DIY photoshoot has never been easier or more budget-friendly. To learn how to do a photoshoot on your own, all you need is a usable space, a few pieces of equipment, and an introduction to DIY photo shoot basics. 

Below, you’ll find a beginner’s guide to how to do a photoshoot by yourself, from essential gear to creative ideas for your first shoot. 

Step 1: Collect the Gear You Need for a DIY Photoshoot

Cameras

With their large pixels and super-high-quality images, full frame digital cameras are the medium of choice for many top professional studio photographers, but they’re not cheap (typically over $3,000). If you’re simply learning how to do a photoshoot by yourself, you can do very well with today’s large-sensor DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Popular (and capable) models include the Nikon D5600, Canon 6D Mark II, and the Sony a6500, which cover a range from about $600 to $1600. Once you have your DSLR camera in hand, take the time to learn its capabilities, so you can produce the best photos possible. 

Camera Lenses

There are two main types of camera lenses: zoom and prime. Zoom lenses offer versatility through a range of focal lengths, but fixed-focal-length prime lenses deliver the image detail you’ll need for portrait photography. Prime lenses tend to be more expensive, and you’ll need more than one to cover a full range of shooting needs and situations. An arsenal of three prime lenses covers the bases for many portrait photographers: 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm. Keep in mind that focal length is also affected by your camera’s body and sensor size, so figure out what lenses will likely suit your needs (and camera!) before you invest in a particular model or size.

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Lights

There are three basic types of lights for photography: continuous lighting (lights typically mounted on stands that stay on throughout a photo shoot), flash (small, lightweight, battery-powered lights that can be mounted on your camera’s hot shoe), and strobe lighting (larger, more powerful AC-powered flash lighting on stands, often triggered through wireless remote). For a DIY photoshoot, continuous lighting is the best place to start. In most cases, flashes are not flexible enough for studio use. Strobes are useful in a studio, but have more advanced applications. 

Fortunately, you won’t need to spend a lot of money on DIY photoshoot lighting. Highly functional studio light kits are available for as little as $50, and often include lights, stands, and umbrella reflectors. A three-light setup gives you all the flexibility you need to experiment and learn how to do a photoshoot by yourself.

Step 2: Set Up the DIY Photoshoot

Once you have your DIY photoshoot gear, you’ll need to do a little additional setup to produce great photos. 

Light Modifications

Learning to control and modify your lighting may be the single most important part of your DIY photoshoot. Light modifiers are essential to getting the look you want for your portraits and are a key to creative freedom in your work. Here are some of the most popular tools for DIY photoshoot lighting: 

• Umbrellas: Umbrellas are inexpensive and provide lots of soft light, which makes them an ideal place to start when setting up your DIY photo shoot. White shoot-through umbrellas diffuse light and spread it evenly, while reflective umbrellas typically point away from your subject, reflecting light back in a controllable way.
• Softboxes: These closed chambers go directly in front of your light source to soften and diffuse the light. Softboxes are extremely popular not only for the warm glow they give portraits, but also because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and portable, and they come in every imaginable size.
• Beauty Dishes: Used mostly for beauty and glamour photos, beauty dishes diffuse light while enhancing contrast and image detail. They are often placed high and pointed down to accentuate and define models’ cheekbones and bodybuilders’ muscles.
• Color Gels: These transparent color shoots placed in front of lights add depth and dimension to your photos. They come in an endless array of hues and can be used to whiten your light or provide a splash of color.

If you prefer to learn how to do a photoshoot outside, you may need some different lighting options. You’ll find the natural light is best either one to two hours after sunrise or a few hours before sunset. Alternately, a gloomy day can provide the perfect soft light that’s ideal for a DIY photoshoot. 

Backgrounds and Backdrops 

The right photoshoot background is crucial to setting the mood for your pictures. Many studio photographers use a backdrop support system paired with photography backdrops available in an endless variety of materials, textures, colors, and sizes. A traditional support system typically consists of a three-section crossbar combined with two light stands. These systems typically accommodate up to 10.5-ft-by-12-ft. backdrops, but tend to work best in larger spaces. An X-Drop kit sets up easily and quickly and handles 5-ft.-by-7-ft. backdrops. The X-Drop’s small footprint renders it ideal for smaller studio spaces or anytime flexibility and portability are required. For ultimate flexibility, try a chroma key or green screen background (used widely in the movies), which allows you to drop in whatever background you like later on using your computer.

However, for a more inexpensive option, use removable wall hooks to provide an anchor for your backdrops. 

As far as backdrop materials, muslin is a popular option for its light weight and versatility, whether hung taught or draped over objects. Canvas backdrops are heavier but very durable. Polyester and stretch-knit fabrics are virtually wrinkle-free. Velour can look great in portraits, and black varieties may reflect no light at all for those in need of a deep black background. Less portable but very useful are seamless paper rolls, which are also inexpensive enough to let you keep a wide range of colors on hand. 

Keep in mind that cheap photography backgrounds can be created from scratch with a bit of imagination and know-how. Try hanging a colorful bed sheet (wrinkle it for texture), lace curtains, or Christmas lights for some vibrant and unexpected contrast. Be sure to experiment—using unique backgrounds may help you develop a signature portrait style.

Or, if you’re learning how to do a photoshoot outside, you can skip the backdrops altogether. Instead, look for locations that are full of natural light and offer a unique background, like flowers, foliage, or lush trees.  

Step 3: Edit Your Photos

Both Macs and PCs arrive with basic photo editing apps on board. But if you’re interested in taking your DIY photoshoot to the next level, it’s worth becoming familiar with the increased power and flexibility of advanced photo retouching and editing software. Adobe Photoshop ($9.99 per month) remains the top photo editor for professionals. But other options including Adobe’s Lightroom ($9.99 per month) and Photoshop Elements ($99.99), and Cyberlink PhotoDirector ($99.99) add workflow and photo organization tools that many photographers at all levels find essential. 

DIY Photoshoot Ideas

Once you have these basics down, you can tackle nearly any type of DIY photoshoot. It’s always wise to follow your interests, but not to the point of exclusion—you may be surprised at the kinds of photography work you enjoy or discover an underserved market segment in your area. Here are a few of the most popular types of photoshoots for budding DIY photographers, along with some tips on how to approach each theme.

Couple Photoshoots

The best advice for any DIY photoshoot is to bring a relaxed, creative vibe to the event and set an example for your subjects. Help couples show their authentic emotional attachment to one another by asking them to tell the story of how they met or imagine their future lives together.

Maternity Photoshoots

Artistically framed belly shots are always a hit, but be sure to suggest including the entire family (don’t forget siblings!) in the shoot as well. Keep some high-quality sample maternity photo prints on hand to give you ideas for the shoot while reminding any self-conscious models that growing families are beautiful.

Newborn Photoshoots 

Babies can’t follow instructions, so be sure to bring your patience and spontaneity to this type of DIY photo shoot. Be prepared to shoot an active or sleeping baby, and ask the parents to bring props such as a Moses basket, pillow, or blanket. 

Graduation Photoshoots

Asking your subject to don a cap and gown is a given, but also explore ways to go deeper and reveal your subject’s true personality. Consider asking your subjects to bring props from their lives, along with clothing that will make them feel comfortable and open in front of the camera.

Self Portraits 

To practice your photography skills and get a better handle on your overall DIY photoshoot setup, don’t be afraid to experiment with self portraits. A camera remote or self timer can be helpful for this, as well as a few tips on how to do your own makeup for a photoshoot. 

Whatever your DIY photoshoot adventures, remember to keep trying new techniques and equipment to evolve your skills and know-how. Shoot as often as you can and challenge yourself with projects that require creativity. You’ll be shooting beautiful, professional-looking photos in no time!

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