If there is one art form that can effortlessly capture the essence of sisterhood and friendship, it is best friend photography. Like this photo above, friendship photoshoot illustrate strong friendships, good & bad memories and anticipation for what the future holds; instead of just looking ‘good’ for the camera.
A photoshoot is an excellent way to commemorate special occasions like a bachelorette party, graduation and birthdays. You could even do them for fun to celebrate the beauty of friendship.
Plus, there are absolutely no restrictions when it comes to age or number of pax, it’s entirely up to you and your BFFs to decide how you want to celebrate your friendship. Keep it small and intimate with your closest friends…
… or have the entire girl gang join the shoot.
Photoshoots Vs Selfies & Wefies
“Organising a photoshoot is so mafan (Chinese word for “troublesome”), I can just snap a wefies with my friends for keepsake, instead.”
Hold your horses there! Selfies & wefies might have taken over Instagram, but that doesn’t mean that photoshoots have faded into obsoletion.
Here are three ways photoshoots triumph over selfies & wefies:
1. Clear, Crisp and Glamorous Photos
Let’s be real: while beauty filters and apps might help you get those Insta-worthy selfies, no amount of meitu xiu xiu can beat the high-definition of an image taken with a professional camera. If this photo below was taken with a phone front-facing camera, chances are that harsh lighting would wash out the shot:
Plus, photographers use their own suite of professional editing tools that are tiers above beauty apps for editing and retouching.
2. Your Photographer Ensures Everyone Looks On Point
Nothing is more infuriating than snapping a bunch of wefies with your gal pals, only to realise that you blinked when the shot was taken.
I realise how disappointing it can be to look out of place in a group shot. That’s why I am determined to capture all my clients’ best angles so that everyone looks good.
Besties’ portraits are not a beauty contest, that’s why I speak with each participant to find out what poses and angles they prefer. Everyone has their own unique preference and I work with my clients to nail that charming shot.
3. Everyone gets Equal Screen Time
Cramp & tight shots are probably one of the biggest issues with wefies. People might block one another, and some might look sharper in the wefie than others.
During group photoshoots, I ensure everyone looks on point by lining them up such that they are on the same focal plane, so no one looks out-of-place. Have a look at this shot to see what I mean:
Tips for a Fun Besties’ Photoshoot
I’ve had the privilege of working on plenty of BFF portraits. If you are thinking of organising one for your clique, here are some tips I’ve got for a memorable and exciting experience:
1. Choose a Theme
Settling on a theme helps you decide on logistical aspects of the photoshoot like the location, attire (more on this later) and poses.
As a clique, come to a unanimous decision about what theme you’d like to have for your photoshoot. All indoor studio sessions with Oh Dear Studio are inclusive of greenery picture on their private rooftop!
… or even relive your university days by snapping some shots in graduation gowns!
The choice is yours, really. You could even play around with quirky up-close shots like this…
… or take some inspiration from the K-dramas you’ve been watching. Doesn’t this shot below remind you of the female gaze you see so often in dramas like Goblin and Crash Landing on You?
2. Settle on a Dress Code
While it is not necessary for everyone in the picture to don the same attire, there needs to be some uniformity so that everyone looks like they belong in the shot and no one stands out awkwardly.
Take this shot below as an example. All the ladies are wearing a white top and jeans for a smart casual yet chic feel. No one protrudes in the shot. Instead, they all look like they belong to the group.
I’d recommend getting outfits from the same brand, just so there is more harmony in the style and material of the attire like this shot below. Most tops in the photo are from Uniqlo; there is consistency in the feel and look of each individual’s outfit even though they are all in different colours.
Other brands that look stunning on camera include: Zalora, Mango, Forever New and Love Bonito. You can find plenty of choices from chic and bohemian to classy and elegant.
If you are eyeing that pink crop top, it’s from Love Bonito
Bonus: Play around with Group and Solo Pictures
I know I’ve been talking a lot about group shots, but there is room for solo shots as well. In a group, each individual has her own unique personality and story that brought her to a clique.
For these solo shots, you may choose to keep it simple…
… or go glam…
… or ethereal and whimsical.
Together with group shots, these solo shots tell a story of an individual’s journey and how they found their clique.
Why Oh Dear Studio?
Friendship is sacred. As adults, good friends are hard to come by – and I want to capture the beauty of those sacred bonds with the art of photography; from the joys of graduating as a cohort to embarking on adulthood together.
I’m all about catering to my clients’ requests to get those BFF shots they yearn for. I also work closely with them to ensure they enjoy the process and journey it took to get those pictures.
Ready to get those group shots with your gal pals? Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can get those stunning BFF portraits!
