Some of our best shoots are made outside in nature.
What will it be like?
Shooting outside is fun! 🤸♀️ Typically, we’ll choose a large recreational / bush / forest-and-field park on the outskirts of the city, but might also be a farm the Shoot Producer has organised, a beach, or a large back yard of a house owned by someone the Shoot Producer knows.
We have a rule that the temperature must be at least 22°C (72°F) (and usually it’d be warmer than that), and that the location must be moderately private (more on that below).
Because there’s a bunch of gear and supplies to carry, we try to bring only what’s necessary, so the Shoot Producer will select your clothes (and a few extras just in case) at the car before setting off.
Your Shoot Producer will get you to interact with the environment – pick flowers, wade through a stream, build a rock sculpture, climb a tree, prepare and make a fire, outdoorsy things like that.
In addition to equipment for making the shoot, your Shoot Producer will bring a first-aid kit, toilet paper, and bug spray for an outside shoot.
Prefer to shoot inside?
You Shoot Producer will always let you know the day before (or earlier) if shooting outside is planned.
You can always say you prefer to be shot inside, it’s no problem: your Shoot Producer will make that happen.
Consideration: Likely no toilets
Depending on the location, there may not be a toilet nearby. A “bush wee” is always fine with us (in fact, we’d like to include it in the shoot, if you’re ok with that? No worries if you prefer privacy!).
A “bush poo” is a bit more iffy. While the Shoot Producer always carries toilet paper for an emergency, it’s not appropriate in public spaces. Let your Shoot Producer know that “nature has called”, and they will work something out with you – it’s never a problem, and you should not feel bad about it!
Consideration: Possibility of being seen by people
Shooting outside, there’s always a possibility of someone else seeing you naked (a bike rider, dog walker, fisherman, farmer, stroller, etc). Here’s how we deal with that:
- We select locations that are literally “off the beaten track”, and cannot be seen from roads and paths
- We always get your input and agreement on the specific location
- We bring a robe or large towel to quickly cover up
- Most people quickly move on, not wanting to interrupt
- In the rare situation someone wants to watch the shoot, we start taking photos / videoing them – they promptly disappear after that! 😉
- We can move the shoot location any time you do not feel comfortable
In our experience, models tend to start off a little shy, but get bolder as the shoot day goes on. On many occasions, the model has encouraged their Shoot Producer to take pictures of her on the main path in the afternoon! 🤐 Fine with us! (but it’s also fine of you’re more modest and prefer to stay secluded).
We’ll never make shoots in places kids are likely to be (so, never near a playground).
Requirement: Wear sensible shoes
Shooting outside often means walking from the car to the shoot location. To find a suitable location, there might be some rough ground, scrambling under trees, across rocks, through streams. Your Shoot Producer will try to keep it under 2.5km / 1.5 miles, but the “perfect spot” might be a little further than that.
Wearing sensible shoes will ensure your comfort and safety. Bring some flip-flops for the shoot location itself.
Requirement: Bring the essentials
There are a few things you must to bring to an outside shoot:
- Sensible shoes, as described above
- Sunscreen & broad-brimmed sun hat
- While the shoot itself will be in full-shade, you won’t be shooting every second of the day
- Water bottle, full
- Medication if being outside makes an illness worse (hay fever / allergy meds)
Requirement: Let us know of risks
If you’re allergic to outsidey things – bee stings, for example – making an outdoors shoot might be too risky. We never want to put you in danger! Discuss this with your Model Liaison or Shoot Producer the day before or the morning of the shoot day.
Also let us know if you’re particularly sensitive to certain plants (leading to rashes), or any other issues that being outside might make worse.
