Photoshoot guide for Queer Friendships

What to know before the shoot

This is a relaxed and collaborative photoshoot. Key things to keep in mind:

  • You don’t need any experience or posing skills. I will guide you, and we will figure things out together.
  • The shoot may involve testing lighting, trying different ideas, and moments of waiting while I adjust things. This is a normal part of the process.
  • You can pause, take breaks, ask questions, or say no to anything at any time.
  • Your comfort is important, and we can adjust the direction at any point.
  • You can learn more about the project you are participating in below.
01 · The Project

Concept / Project

Project name

Queer friendship

Project type

Defined concept
Experimental / research

About the project

This project explores queer friendship and connection through photography.

It focuses on how relationships between friends can be expressed through simple interactions, shared moments, and being together in the same space.

The aim is to capture images that feel natural and open to interpretation, reflecting different ways people relate to each other.

Some images may explore how people are positioned in relation to one another, through distance, movement, or gestures.

More about the project concept
References / moodboard

Moodboard (Pinterest)

If the board does not load here, open it on Pinterest.

View moodboard on Pinterest
Visual approach
Framing
  • Portrait (head / waist up)
  • Half body
  • Full body
Type of poses
  • Natural / candid
  • Guided
  • Artistic / conceptual
Poses may include
  • Standing
  • Sitting
  • (lying down is possible but unlikely)
Lighting and setup
Lighting type

Flash

If flash is used

Number of lights (approx): 1–2

Other equipment
  • Reflector
  • Backdrop stand
  • Grey seamless paper backdrop (2.7m × 3m)
  • Laptop
  • Table
  • Tethering cable
  • Multiple tripods
Lighting style
  • Soft / diffused
  • Directional
  • Experimental
Details & Styling
What will happen during the shoot

This shoot may include:

  • exploring interaction between people
  • testing different lighting setups
  • trying different angles and compositions
  • adjusting the setup throughout
  • experimenting with positioning, movement, and simple gestures

The shoot may shift between guided direction and more natural interaction.

Props and materials

This may include:

  • simple objects or fabrics
  • elements of the environment
  • minimal props if needed
Styling

Clothing: You are welcome to bring different outfit options. Clothing can be simple and comfortable or more styled depending on your preference. Avoid brands or lots of patterns or writing if possible, or bring alternative options just in case.

Hair / makeup: Whatever you want for that photoshoot, you have full creative freedom.

Skin / nudity

No nudity
Some skin may be visible depending on clothing (this is entirely controlled by the model)

Duration and timing

Estimated duration: approximately 1 hour

Who will be present
  • Photographer
  • One or two photography assistants
Intended use of images

Images are expected to be used for:

  • promotion of the Queer Friendships project (including posters, flyers, and digital advertising)
  • portfolio
  • exhibitions
  • artistic work
  • publications
  • festivals (including programs)
  • editorial publications

For full details on how images can be used and not used, please refer to the model release form that will be sent to you.

02 · What to know about photoshoots

What to expect

Before the shoot

You will receive:

  • a moodboard or references (if relevant)
  • location and timing details
  • a model release form

You can ask questions at any time or share anything that feels important.

During the shoot

The shoot will be relaxed and collaborative.

At the beginning, we usually start with simple or neutral poses while I set up and test the equipment.

At this stage, I may be more focused on the technical setup, which means I may give less direction at first. This is normal and will evolve as the shoot progresses.

I may:

  • test lighting and different setups
  • adjust camera settings
  • take test shots
  • pause to think or refine ideas
  • try different creative directions
  • ask you to repeat or slightly adjust movements

There may be moments of waiting or silence while I focus. This is completely normal.

During setup or testing phases, you may be asked to stay in position for a short time. You can always ask for a break if needed.

As we go, I will give more direction.

You don’t need to know how to pose or get it right.

If you move between poses, try to move slowly so I have time to adjust or capture different moments.

You are welcome to bring different outfits if you would like options.

I may place equipment or reflectors close to you, or ask you to briefly hold something.

You can pause, take breaks, ask questions, or say no at any time.

After the shoot

Images will be delivered within the timeframe discussed.

If tethering functioned as expected, you will be able to review the images immediately after the photoshoot and may request removal of specific images.

03 · Safety & Consent

Comfort, consent, and boundaries

Your comfort is important.

  • You can stop or pause the shoot at any time
  • You can decline any pose or direction
  • You can change your mind during the shoot

We can adjust the direction at any point.

This is a collaborative process, not a performance.

Being in front of the camera

You don’t need any experience.

I can guide you, or we can work more freely depending on what feels comfortable.

Sometimes I may:

  • take photos while you are moving or not posing
  • explore unusual angles or expressions
  • ask you to repeat small actions

Some images may feel abstract, unusual, or different from how you usually see yourself. This is part of the artistic process.

There is no right way to do this.

04 · Logistics

Practical details (General - all photoshoots)

Lighting & Equipment

The shoot may use natural light, artificial light, or flash.

If flash is used, there may be visible light bursts during the shoot.

Equipment:

  • cameras and lenses
  • tripods
  • lighting stands
  • cables

Everything will be set up safely, but please be mindful of your surroundings.

Timing & Attire

Timing: Shoots can be flexible and may run slightly over time depending on the creative process.

What to wear: You are welcome to bring different outfit options. Comfort is more important than perfection.

Unexpected situations

Photoshoots do not always go exactly as planned, and some unexpected things can happen. This is a normal part of the process.

This may include:

  • technical issues such as lighting, flash, or camera settings
  • needing to pause to adjust or fix equipment
  • testing different setups or changing direction during the shoot
  • slight delays or longer setup times than expected

If something like this happens, I will communicate with you and keep things as smooth as possible.

Who will be present

Most shoots are small and focused, but depending on the setup there may be:

  • 1 to 2 assistants helping with lighting, reflectors, or technical setup
  • other participants present if it is a group photoshoot

Assistants will introduce themselves when you arrive.

Everyone present is there to support the shoot and will respect your space.

If at any point you feel uncomfortable, whether because of the environment, people present, or anything else, please let me know.

We can pause, adjust, or stop at any time.

Questions

If you have any questions before or after the shoot, feel free to reach out.

Contact Take part