What is a remote photoshoot?

Chafik Benarrioua
Oct 28, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Nov 2, 2022

Amid the Covid situation where many photography studios closed, a modern way of photography became popular. Remote or Virtual photography, at first it was done via Face App, where the photographer didn't have much preferences and freedom with the camera, not only that but the quality wasn't much good as the result is compressed.

Later on, some apps were born with the much-needed features, the Closapp was first and was similar to Face App, but there weren't many options, it still was a video call.

Another app was made before that evolved rapidly. This one was made by a photographer and her husband, TheShutterApp was invented by the photographer Svetlana Chekhlataya and developed by her husband, it was made by a photographer for photographers. The app was and still is something else. Advanced options for photographers that allowed much more freedom, and the creations made via this app were mind-blowing. You wouldn't be able to tell it was done remotely with a phone.

Remote photography by @jalowa_photographer

Creativity

When most people think of photography they think of someone holding an expensive camera, if they aren't then it isn't photography. While holding the camera in your hands is important, it isn't crucial. Most shots in different genres are done with a tripod, and although it is moved a bit, the majority of the moving is done by the model. Another way to look at this is that a camera is only a tool, and without the right knowledge of composition and perspectives, even the greatest of tools may not give the best result in the hands of an uninspired nonresourceful creator, even if they know the technical settings.

Quality

Recently, smartphones have reached another level of technological advancement. Any budget smartphone can take outstanding shots in the right light setting. Add to that the retouching part done by the photographer and with the right skills you'll get great results.

And even the prints afterward give a perfect result!

Budget

We've talked about how the budget for a phone is good. But one of the pros of virtual photography is cutting down other expenses, such as travel expenses & accommodations, and let us not forget the studio. Does that give a bad result? quite the contrary, imagine doing a family photoshoot in the comfort of your own home where the kids are natural and at ease. You will get a memorable souvenir better than a white background at a professional studio, even your pets can join in!

Travelling? create some great souvenirs anywhere you are, outdoors or indoors. Just let the photographer make the best of the situation and produce something you will never forget! It's like a photographer in your pocket. Your phone is their brush & the world is their studio!

Is it for you?

Maybe, you'd have to give it a try. If you're not a professional model posing for a magazine then it could be a great fit. At first, it may be a bit bizarre, yet it all depends on the photographer's communication skills. If you're an amateur model looking to build a portfolio or someone looking to mark down an important moment in your life, it could be something you want to try out.

How does it work?

Model install theshutterapp on their phone, launch it and give their ID to the photographer
The photographer opens theshutterapp webpage and connects with the model
The model can use a tripod or even a sneaker and follow the photographer's voice instructions.
The model can see a preview on their phone of the shots taken.
The retouched result can be found then on the app or the model's webpage.

See for yourself:

https://www.instagram.com/theshutterapp/

https://www.instagram.com/theshutterapp/tagged/

Next level

Some photographers took this concept to a whole new level, I'll just let the photos speak for themselves:

Pets Source

Wedding by @by_rhea

Couples by @facetimphotos

My biography:

I am a 25 years old artist experimenting with different visual mediums, I have studied visual communication and concept design in a fine-arts school for 5 years. This allowed me to dive in deep into different aspects of creating a visual concept. some of the few topics I've studied include drawing, painting, photography, anatomy, perspective, color grading, graphic design, photo-editing and retouching, semiology, art psychology, sociology, marketing, concept creation, composition...etc. All this knowledge translates into my work when I'm given the opportunity. Add to that the gift that I have of being resourceful. To sum it up it is like your phone is my brush and I am painting with it.