How to Prepare for your Cinematic Photoshoot. 🎬

Written By Kenzie Ferrell

What is cinematic photography?

Cinematic photography is a way to capture your unique story that makes you feel like the main character in your own personal movie! Instead of just being posed in front of a camera, the focus will be on capturing you in your natural element. Think of the shoot more like a dare night than anything. The goal is to make you feel like you are living in a memory every time you view your photos, to transport you back to the time in your life the photos were taken. If this sounds better than awkward, forced smiles then keep reading!

1. Know Your Story

My favorite cinematic photos i’ve taken tell a story. Ask yourselves:

  • What part of your relationship do you want to capture?

  • What word would you use to describe how your relationship feels? Is it playful, passionate, cozy, or nostalgic?

  • Is there a movie or vibe that inspires you? (Ex: “Pride & Prejudice,” “La La Land,” road trip on the east coast, etc.)

  • Share your vision in a Pinterest board with me ahead of time so I can help craft the scenes.



2. Choose Meaningful Locations

Pick spots that feel like you. It could be:

  • The coffee shop where you first met

  • A coastal cliff, city rooftop, or messy kitchen

  • A bookstore because you love to read together or the tennis courts because you play every weekend

The more personal the location, the more cinematic it will be. Even if you don’t think the place is traditionally “aesthetic.”



3. Curate Your Outfits

Think of wardrobe as part of the set design:

  • You wouldn’t see someone in a movie about an old style diner wearing a crop top and ripped jeans. Wear an outfit that makes sense with the scene you are trying to set.

  • Choose textures that add dimension (linen, knits, denim, silk)

  • Bring layers and accessories (scarves, jackets, jewelry) to play with



4. Pack Cinematic Props

Props bring the story into your photos, they are one of the most important parts of a cinematic shoot.

  • If you are doing a roadtrip shoot: A car, big old maps, CDs, snacks

  • A campfire shoot: s’mores, firewood, a guitar

  • Something personal like love letters, shared trinkets, or your beloved pet is always a good start!





5. Prep Emotionally

  • book the shoot on a day you have fully open, you don’t want to be rushing around before the shoot.

  • Do something fun together earlier that day to loosen up. treat the whole day like one big date!

  • It’s my job to guide you through the session, I want our shoot to feel like you guys are on a date and i’m your third wheel. I’ll do my best to make you feel like the camera isn’t even there!

Most importantly:

Let yourself be in the moment. Be goofy, be tender, be real.

6. Focus on Each Other

Forget the camera exists. Focus on:

  • Whispers, laughter, inside jokes

  • When in doubt, be yourselves! If you ever feel awkward think about how you normally act around each other. If you are normally super touchy and playful you can run around and kiss whenever you want! If you guys are more reserved, feel free to create space and just talk to each other.

Kenzie Ferrell