Pluck Photo Shoots 101

What to Expect (and How to Prepare) for Your Pluck Aerial Photoshoot
Whether it's your first aerial photoshoot or your tenth, there’s something uniquely exciting, and a little nerve-wracking, about getting your poses captured professionally. To help you feel confident and prepared, here’s a breakdown of what to expect on the day, how to get ready, and how to choose your final images afterward.

Preparing for the shoot
Let us know your time preferences as soon as you are asked so we can ensure everyone gets a time that works for them! Please also let us know if you require any specific equipment (the purple silks, a 90cm hoop) at least a week in advance, preferably two so we can ensure the equipment is in the right place, ready for you! Have a look at Dan Pluck’s Instagram and his previous work for inspiration and to get a feel of his style
Pose plan
You’ll only have 30 minutes, so arrive with a plan. I’d suggest going for poses that require the most power first so you have the energy to pull them off! People bring anywhere from a few strong poses to dozens, it depends on what you want from the shoot, pictures for promos, a momento for yourself, or a snazzy christmas card! On the day there will be no aerial tuition so please come prepared! 
Private session
If you’re unsure about what to do or how to pose, a private lesson with a trainer beforehand can make a world of difference. They can help refine your lines, poses, and even facial expressions (Robbie helpfully told me I look like I’m constipated in some of the harder poses I chose, so I knew I had to actively soften my face in those, thanks Robbie...) 

Timing & Arrival

• Each session is 30 minutes long and runs back-to-back, starting from 9:00 AM with no breaks in between. That means: Arrive early to give yourself time to settle in and warm up.
• The upstairs studio will be open for warming up, but please know you won't have time to warm up on the equipment itself.
• 30 minutes doesn’t seem like a lot when our classes are 75 minutes long but you’ll most likely be in the air for most of that time so get ready to work hard! 
• If you’re running late (train delays, traffic, etc.), call the Peckham Studio on 020 7639 2556. We can try to accommodate a later slot, but it's not guaranteed.

What to Bring

• Reference photos: Screenshots or videos of poses you like are super helpful, bring them along as you can show Dan these to help him capture your artistic vision!
• Costumes: I’d suggest trying out your costume in advance so you know how it works with the equipment. Long and flowy clothes can be stunning, but can prove troublesome so a dress rehearsal is recommended! Need ideas? Check out our costume guide here: Costumes for Aerial
• Props: A cape, a hat, shades, whatever accessory which will bring your whole look together!
• SOCKS! Keep your soles sparkly clean while you warm up so they don’t detract from your incredible pictures, Dan can edit them out but best to be prepared
• A bottle of water and a snack for after. You’ll have worked hard and will deserve a treat so make sure you bring along something to celebrate!

Hair, Makeup and Jewelry
Most people do their own hair and makeup - either before arriving or in Studio 2.
It's not compulsory but if you do choose to get all done up, some quick tips:

• If you want your makeup to POP, go a bit heavier than usual as photos tend to wash out subtler looks 
• Practice your hair/makeup ahead of time if you're unsure. Big hair, bold lips, or clean minimalism - all work well depending on your style.
• Dan (our photographer) may lightly retouch hair and makeup in the edits, but you can ask for minimal or no edits if you prefer.
• If you plan on using our fabrics in your photoshoot (silks/slings) please be conscious of your outfit and jewelry choices, it only takes a second to tear a hole in a silk and a single rip can mean retirement so please don't wear anything that could damage the equipment
• If you are posing on a hoop or trapeze, you are welcome to wear jewelry for the photoshoot but please be careful, especially with dynamics. If your bling gets caught on the equipment, metal is usually stronger than skin, so if something has to give, its you rather than the jewelry! Fabby photos are not worth the potential injuries, so please stay safe!

During the Shoot
The Shoot
You’ll receive time updates during your session - when you're halfway through, and when you have five minutes left.
If you're planning a costume change or want to switch between apparatuses (like sling and silks), factor that into your time. It’s doable, but keep it streamlined.
We’ll have someone on hand to help with rigging and spinning, so don’t worry about that - if you aren’t someone who likes spinning, Lidl sell ginger shots that are great for reducing nausea! You won’t need to spin fast but a slow spin means Dan can capture all angles. 
Have fun with it! Try different shapes and lines, flexed vs. pointed feet, grinning hair flicks or static and stoic strength, stag legs or split, the options are endless!

Dynamic Shots
This time around, we’re also offering something a bit different: motion-blur photography on a dark background. Think flowing cloaks, hair swishes, wafting silks… the artsy stuff!
If you’re interested, request a slot in the second half of the day, when lighting and setup are best for these shots.
Bring moves that involve graceful movement or spinning to make the most of these captures.

 After the Shoot: Picking Your Pictures
Once the shoot is done, you’ll receive an email with a link to a gallery of low-resolution proofs to browse through. From there:
Choosing Your Images

• Your shoot includes 3 edited photos of your choice.
• You can order additional images for £12 each. There is no pressure to do so unless you love more!
• Choose photos by their file names (e.g., 7Z4A4729). Send your choices directly to Dan at pluckphoto@gmail.com.
• If you're unsure, especially for motion-blur shots, feel free to shortlist a few and ask Dan to pick the best one.
• Try to select your final images within three weeks of receiving your proofs.

FAQs & Top Tips

• Do I have to be there all day?
  •  Nope! Everyone gets a dedicated 30-minute slot, which you’ll receive at least a week in advance. We’ll ask for your preferred times in advance, so be sure to offer a few options if you can.
• How many poses should I prep?
  •  This varies! Some people bring 5-6, others come with 10+. Try recording yourself in a practice session to see what looks good on camera, some poses feel great but don't look as impressive in stills. I’d recommend coming along with more poses than you plan on picking so you have options. 
• Can I do two apparatuses?
  •  Yes! Just let us know what you would like in advance. The team will re-rig for you (providing a good opportunity for a change of costume)
• How many outfits can I wear?
  •  One or two is usually manageable within the time. Some performers do three, but that tends to be for specific promotional needs. Try your costume changes during a practice run to make sure it’s doable without rushing.

Let Us Share Your Photos?
If you're happy for us to share your images on social media, let us know your Instagram handle so we can tag you. We love celebrating our community's strength and creativity!

Got questions or special requests? Just reach out! We're here to help make this experience fun, relaxed, and totally you.