How to Prepare and What to Expect with Creek Photography at South 40

A creek makes a brilliant backdrop for any photo shoot. Light reflects off the surface of the water, textures in the form of sand, rocks, leaves, and grasses add interest and the soothing colors found on the water’s edges allow the subjects to take center stage while acting as a blank slate for the emotion you are capturing in your photo shoot. But as spontaneous as creeks like the West Harpeth River found on the South 40 grounds can feel, there is more to holding a photo shoot near the water than to just “dive” right in with your camera. With a little planning, you can ensure your clients have a memorable experience and some phenomenal pictures. Here are some of our top tips to creating a successful creekside photoshoot.

Pre-Shoot Planning: Help your clients prepare

Your clients are looking for you to guide them during their photoshoot. Whether the water feature was part of their vision or yours, one cannot be OVER prepared for standing near (or in) the water during a photoshoot! Work with your client(s) to determine what their expectations are and let them know what to expect when they arrive on site. Depending on the specific conditions where you will be shooting, here are a few tips you can offer to ensure a successful experience.

What to Wear by the Water
Choose your palette. Solid colors look best in outdoor locations full of texture. White is a good option if you know it is the same tone. Choose colors which won’t blend into the background, and variations of a similar color (i.e., shades of blues & white) creates cohesion without looking forced. If you are coordinating several family members, buy the clothes together, or at the very least, be sure they look good together before you arrive at the photoshoot.

Personalization in a Group Photo
If you want to add some personality or “pop” to your photos, add some accessories like hats, , unique jewelry, flowers, or suspenders. If you are shooting on a bright sunny day, avoid shiny jewelry which can cause a glare. And speaking of sun, be sure to wear sunscreen, and remove your sunglasses an hour before the session so your eyes can adjust to the bright light, and you aren’t forced to squint.

Choose the Right Kicks for the Footing
Think about your footwear. What will the footing be like? Stiletto heels don’t fare well in soft dirt or sand. Will any of you be standing in the water (on purpose)? Having the right shoes will make for happier feet. If you have something special that you want to show off, bring it; it’s always good to have options! And bare feet look great on the sand, so be prepared in case it is an option.

Kids Love Water
Bring a change of clothes or towel—just in case somebody gets wet, whether a planned part of the photoshoot or spontaneously. If kiddos DO end up in the water, never fear: these will be fun photos to add to the gallery! However, if you truly want to keep kids OUT of the water, bring toys or props; it can help them relax and provide a distraction.

Have a Flexible Mind about Your Experience
Sometimes the weather isn’t ideal, or a child gets wet. Rest assured that no matter what, you will get some fantastic pictures! If the lighting isn’t perfect, your photographer has tools to adjust for that. And even with nature’s vibrant colors, consider the beauty of black & white photos. They really do give an artistic feeling to your pictures.

 

Pre-shoot Planning: Take control of your outdoor shoot

Get Familiar with the Location
Scout the site with the following questions in mind: will you have enough room for your subjects and their vision and group size? Do you have enough room for your concept? What are their relationships—are there sub-groups you will be photographing? What features of the nearby water could have the biggest impact on the photos–both as a challenge in posing your subjects as an additional element of the photos?

And if there are kids in the shoot to draw in the sand, you will certainly gain brownie points with them!

These small adjustments will help you to capture moments your clients will cherish for years, and shots you will be proud to include in your portfolio!

Be the Consummate Expert
Bring supplies for your subjects’ comfort—chairs, a small fan, bottled water, or snacks on a hot day. Bug spray, a first aid kit, and a few towels make you look like an expert in outdoor photography…and a boy scout.

Take Advantage of the Unique Topography
Photo shoots near (or in) water can come with several types of footing, from grasses to sand, and rocks of all shapes, sizes, and slipperiness! Whether your clients can stand on the footing next to the water, in the water, or simply in front of it, have a plan to take advantage of a variety of angles. One of them may not work, so the more options, the better. If you do have access to sand, even if just a small piece of real estate, you could write or draw something in the sand which can be incorporated into a few photos. And if there are kids in the shot to draw in the sand, you will certainly gain brownie points with them!

But first…Out of the Water
Kids will be drawn to the water, and once they get in, you may not be able to get them out. In addition, unless they have separate clothes for each pose, they could be in wet clothing for the rest of the shoot. Plan your “dry land” shots before anybody wades in. Then, depending on the safety and weather conditions, let them (relatively) loose!

Technical Details—Making the Most of Water
Although water looks beautiful in most light, most photographers know that sunrise and sunset offer the most value for your time. There are a few other equipment tricks which can help you create the most breathtaking water backgrounds. One is to set your ISO as low as possible, and your shutter speed as fast as possible. The higher the speed, the more the water will freeze. If you shoot in burst mode, you will catch the best water movement. These small adjustments help you to capture moments your clients will cherish for years, and shots you will be proud to include in your portfolio!