Today I wanted to talk to you a little bit about how I choose the theme, locations… etc for lifestyle shoots. Having a clear idea on what you want to shoot, where and how makes the whole process easier, more enjoyable and the final images more cohesive and well though out. It’s really important for me to work together with my clients on our ideas. Ultimately these are going to be their images and I want them to be involved, proud and excited about the shoot.
1. I start the process by getting to know my clients. Who are they, what do they do, what are their passions, favorite free time activities… etc and after a few emails or phone chats, I normally have a very clear idea on how the shoot is going to be styled, which usually easily brings me to a location (or if I’m travelling to my clients then I ask them to choose the location with the set parameters). I also ask them to browse around in my archives and on the web to get inspired and get to know what they like and dislike.
2. Once we agree on a main theme, I start putting an inspiration board together, like the one you see in this picture below, which I’ve done for my photoshoot this afternoon. I’m having a family session in Berlin and I know that they love to go to the lake, just purchsed a real fun cargo bike and they like everything nautical. Once I knew all this, it was easy to put the board together and the “going to the lake with our bikes and having a fun family picnic on the shore” theme emerged.
3. With the inspiration board in hand, my clients can get in the mood and start collecting props that they would like to use. They won’t bring 100 different outfits and props as we have a very clear direction on where the shoot is going to go. It makes my job easier and ultimately it will make them feel much more comfortable and excited, which in return will make for some awesome family portraits.
That is basically the process we normally follow. I set the tone and the final theme based on the input and background of my clients and I have found it a fabulous formula to work with.
If you’re a photographer and you haven’t done style sheets for your shoots before, why not try it?
If you’re looking for a theme for your own photoshoot, start browsing around, let’s chat and let’s come up with something awesome together!
I hope this helps and inspires you a bit. Let’s get the best of summer while we can! 
P.S: All the images used in my board can be found with credits in my Pinterest account under Photoshoot Inspiration / Beach
Hi Gabby! Thanx for these great ideas! I chanced upon your Gypsy Diaries blog last year and have been following it since then. We are happy that you set up your own photography company. My husband recently picked up photography and we love looking at your photos for inspirations. Keep doing what you are doing!
Love it!!
I’ve been meaning to do a blog post like this. Great job at explaining everything so clearly! Can’t wait to see the pictures!
Recently I met a photographer who did a board something like this in blue and yellow for an upcoming shoot. Wish you were closer to California, I’d love to work with you sometime . ..
I love this, thank you! I’ve just gotten into portrait photography as more than just a hobby so this is really helpful in pre-visualizing a shoot!
Now I know who the brainy one is, I’ll keep loonikg for your posts.
Just wanted you to know that I found this on Pinterest! I know I’d want to know if my stuff was on there!
Thanks for the tips!
Here is the link: http://pinterest.com/pin/124082910/
I know about your blog today and now is in my favorites
I want to ask you about “I start putting an inspiration board together”, this board is your “Pinterest Account” ? Or what is exactly this board, real board, internet board?
Thank you and great work !
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Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about Photoshoot Inspiration .
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about Photoshoot Inspiration .
Great post!
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
Hello Gabby!
Your photography is impeccable and I can feel that you’re a very positive-spirited person! Inspiration boards are super fun and handy, and I’m so glad that I found this post about them and someone else using them (aka you!) 
. I will definitely be back at your blog, since now it’s “stuck” at my browser’s favorites and definitely it’s not leaving from there! 
I just found your blog and I only have to say that I LOVE it to the core!!!!
Lots of love,
Dora
Thanks Dora, that’s so sweet of you! ;D
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.