Tips for Nailing a Virtual FaceTime Photoshoot | St. Louis Dance + Lifestyle Photographer

In the age of a global pandemic, people have had to adapt. As a photographer whose work is solely based in photographing other people, this time has been especially tough. Luckily for creatives, we are constantly innovating and problem solving. Photographers following stay at home orders began innovating new ways to shoot their photography, virtually. And just like that! FaceTime photography was born. 

Now I will say, I was iffy on the whole idea of a FaceTime photoshoot. I wasn’t sure how it would work (if it would work) and wondered how this would be anything other than a glorified selfie. But I had very few other things going on and I was craving human interaction, even if that connection was simply through a screen, so I figured I’d go for it. Once I shot my first one, I was hooked. I was motivated to learn how to get better at this very strange photography endeavor. 

If you’re at all interested in testing your hand at FaceTime photography, as a the person behind the camera (in this case, sitting in front of a laptop…), or wanting to be photographed for a FaceTime photoshoot, I encourage you to read the following tips to help you succeed.

1. Find an interesting “backdrop” within your home

This could be anything from cool wallpaper or a gallery wall to a funky staircase or the coziest nook in your space. This adds interest to the photograph and helps make a great composition.

2. Use quirky props!

The time is now to utilize those random items you’ve kept around your home for reasons beyond even your own knowledge. There really isn’t any other purpose to this than shaking up quarantine and having some extra fun. 

3. Keep both arms in the shot

This may seem like a strange tip, but this is what will make your virtual photoshoot go from just looking like a selfie to looking like a thoughtful, composed photograph.

4. Try to avoid wearing white

There’s a major lack of control on our end as photographer when it comes to lighting and exposure (see next tip). If you’re standing too close to a window or light source with these virtual shoots, you’ll be washed out, especially if you have lighter skin and are wearing white clothing. To avoid confusing your phone’s camera exposure, try to steer away from white clothes for these FaceTime photoshoots.

5. Let that shit go

Most of the elements in doing a traditional photoshoot go right out the window when you’re shooting through someone else’s phone. Your photographer has no control over lighting, camera exposure, exact timing of shot, internet connection, or demonstrating what they would like to see their subject do in person. As soon as I let it go that these types of shoots are a completely different approach than my in person photoshoots, I was able to let the creativity kick in. And hey, sometimes it’s kind of nice to not have to get dressed or leave the house for a shoot!

6. Focus on what you do have control over

Composition, outfit styling, posing and direction, editing, let your personality shine in the director role!

Treat your shoot like a real-live photo session. Have your model show you outfit options, take a tour of their home (or send you pics of spots they like), have ideas of what you’d like to do or how you want to compose the photo beforehand, make sure your model has a tripod or something to prop up their phone with, and ultimately, just have fun with it! This is new and strange for all of us so don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t go as planned. You’ll likely to get some cool shots you weren’t expecting. You don’t know the full potential of the photo until post-production anyway and that being said…

7. Make space within your space

You’ll want to make sure there’s enough space to move around and set the phone up farther than seems necessary. Whether you’re doing a dance virtual photoshoot or not, it’s nice to ensure that there’s plenty of space in the shot and that no body parts get cut out of the frame. Plus it gives more wiggle room to crop the photo if needed to make some compositional adjustments. ;)

8. Editing

Play around with editing of your photos. The quality is going to be nowhere near what you’re used to shooting, so enjoy this process of experimentation. I’ve found that adding significantly more grain than I ever would in my typical shoots, gives the not-so-great quality of the image a more film-inspired finish. Try things that aren’t in your standard book of editing tricks for something different to make these photos stand out. After all, unprecedented times call for some added innovation and creativity, eh?

9. Delivery

Because these shoots are more casual by nature, I have been sending the final edited images by text message rather than my typical delivery method. The file sizes aren’t as big since they were taken on a phone, and are meant moreso for sharing online than for printing large copies. 

Virtual FaceTime Photography by Sam Fink of Lumosco Photo