One of my sisters-in-law is a photographer and asked me and my sister McKenzie if we wanted to do a shoot with her so she could try out different techniques. Of course, I said “yes” very enthusiastically!
I always love the chance to have a fun photoshoot and have my picture taken. To me, each one of those photos is a memory (especially being 23 weeks pregnant right now) and I will keep them all! Pregnancy bump pictures are my favorite!
Although we didn’t plan on doing a photography city tour, it quickly turned into one as we walked around the streets looking for cool places to shoot. I loved it so much that I already have plans to go back for a family photo tour. There are so many things to love about a city tour, even if it’s a local city you visit often. As we learned the other day, there are many places you just can’t see while driving. Walking around brings you better perspective and an eye for the art.
If you want to plan your own DIY photography city tour, here are several important tips to keep in mind. Whether you are the photographer or model, it’s much better to be prepared.
#1: Know Where You’re Going
While talking about this shoot, my sister-in-law said she wanted to go to downtown Provo, Utah. If you’ve never been, you should. They have the cutest Center Street with lots of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and fun activities to do. Actually, while we were there we saw part of the street set up for a Hallmark Christmas movie they are in the middle of filming! You never know what you’ll find!
This tip goes beyond just the city though. It’s always helpful to have somewhat of an idea of the places you want to shoot so that you’ll know how to get there on foot and have a basic itinerary for how the shoot will play out. Our photographer knew she wanted to start at a specific parking lot because of a really cool mural there.
By the way, Provo has a lot of huge murals on the side of buildings so there is always a good photo opportunity no matter the occasion.
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#2: Decide Your Photoshoot Vibe
We chose to go to the city rather than a nearby canyon because my sister-in-law wanted to capture an “edgy” vibe. I’m not sure how edgy I can be with a belly bump, but it sure was fun to try!
Knowing your vibe also means that you know what kind of clothes to wear, as well as makeup and hair styles. I chose a plain black shirt to go with my grey maternity pants because again, I’m pregnant. My sister opted for ripped jeans and a baggy T-shirt with converse.
In addition, we brought along different jackets we could layer on. Being summertime in Utah means that it’s very hot though, so we didn’t use the jackets much.
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#3: Practice Your Poses
When you go on a photography tour of a city, you want to make sure you know what you’re doing – you will be in public!
I’m lucky because I have taken modeling and acting classes so I feel very comfortable in front of a camera and an audience. Watching America’s Next Top Model also helps 🙂
As the model or photographer, you should look up certain poses that you like ahead of time so you can be extra prepared for the shoot. My sister-in-law did a great job of telling us certain poses she wanted and then let us play with the camera on our own for a bit. Due to the edgy look we were going for, none of our shots were “touristy.” You won’t see us posing with statues on this tour!
Pro Tip: To achieve more of a high fashion feel, try including angles and action into your poses. Playing with your hair, looking in a different direction, or walking is easy and looks great!
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#4: Be Flexible
Now that you’ve prepared your location, clothes, and poses, have fun! Once the shoot starts, it’s okay to be flexible with your plans and just have fun with it. Assuming you are doing your own DIY photography city tour in a local city you are familiar with, don’t be afraid to speak up and get that picture you just thought of. See a really cool mural or old building that would be perfect for your Instagram feed? Run over and get it!
And if you find yourself in Provo, Utah sometime, send me a message! I would love to show you around and do a photography tour together!
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Great suggestions for sure. I do the same thing for photos that are of inanimate obects – no live model. But always helpful to hear how others do this. Thanks for sharing.
I’m sure your pictures turn out beautifully!
Good tips! I’m trying to learn how to take better photos and this was helpful!
I’m glad I could help!
Great tips and advice! I love the idea of a city photo shoot and planning seems the best way to have a great experience for the perfect pictures!
I agree! I am very particular about my photos so I like to make sure they’re done right.
This is an excellent idea!
So fun! I always see my friends doing their children’s senior year pictures in a style like these. I love fun, unique photography. You hit the poses just right!
This sounds like it was a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Cute. I can’t even tell you are pregnant. You got the edgy vibe for sure!
Love the modeling! Fun post!
Thanks!
Sounds like neat idea and a lot of fun!
I recommend you try it sometime!
What a fun idea! I love photography and think this would make for a great day out!
It does make for a great day trip, even if it’s your own city.
I am so terrible at this! Thanks for the tips!
I hope it helps with your next photoshoot!
I hate having my picture taken. I’m glad you guys were able to enjoy it! I’m too self conscious, especially if we were out in public like you were.
PS, your sister is a natural!!
Thanks, she learned everything from me 🙂
We did a family photoshoot in downtown OKC with my niece, who is a photographer, about six years ago. I think it’s time to do another one!
Definitely! So much changes in 6 years!
This would be fun! And great pics for memories.
Exactly!
This seems like a fun, out of the box idea. Great way to make memories and have some great pic for your insta feed too!
Yep! Why not kill two birds with one stone? 🙂
How fun. Paying attention to the vibe you want is a great reminder. I figure out really quick when I stage photos if the vibe is working or not when I preview them.
I totally agree!
Love this post! I’m no photographer by any means but would still love to try something like this
It is super fun to try!
This would be such a fun thing to do when visiting a new city.
It is! I recommend having some kind of photographer with you at least once on vacation.
I love this! You all did a great job! Beautiful pics!! I would’ve been distracted and taking lots of pics of the Hallmark crew filming!! Lol
Haha unfortunately they weren’t currently filming when we were there – they film at night mostly.
Fantastic shots and ideas. The most important tip was Be Flexible. This tip is a life long lesson in anything. I appreciate your ideas and will remember to practice my poses (first).
I couldn’t agree more! Being flexible is something that’s learned with practice.
These turned out great! I always love seeing other people’s model shoot photos!
Thank you!
Very cute! I love this idea. Congrats on the baby.
Thank you 🙂
Great read! Pinned for later! Couldn’t agree more that creating your own photoshoot is an awesome activity to create memories for a lifetime.
Thanks! It’s a good way to remember all the places you’ve been to as well.
Great tips!
Thanks!
I love this! So much creative genius to be had with this!
I know! I love that everyone can do it differently and still have an awesome outcome.
The pictures turned out great! She’s very pretty, and I love the fun vibe.
Thanks!
I used to be very photogenic when I was in high school and college. I don’t know what happened after that lol. I honestly haven’t even taken a selfie in about 9 months now! But, I’ve been wanting to do a photo shoot in my city, Atlanta. Photographers can be very pricey here since it’s such a hot spot. I do have a friend that started taking pictures so I might reach out to her about trying this photograph thing again.
You totally should! I’m sure you are still very photogenic 🙂
Great tips for a new blogger! I will definitely use them to beef up my blog. Thank you.
Thanks! I can’t wait to see what you do with them!
I never considered doing this before but it’s a great idea!
It’s super fun!
This is a fun idea! I’d like to do something like this with my granddaughter as the model.
I’m sure she would love that!