Photographing celebrities or high-profile individuals can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you’re a fan of their work. Whether you’ve been contacted by an agent, a magazine, or a connection in the industry, getting the opportunity to photograph someone you admire is exciting and challenging. 

However, it’s crucial to remember that you’re there to do a job. Maintaining professionalism and composure is key to success in this unique and demanding field. 

I’ve worked with everybody from Broadway stars to the Kardashians. Here are my tips on how to navigate the world of celebrity photography and deliver outstanding results.

1. Keep Calm and Stay Professional

Have you ever been starstruck? It’s natural, especially if you encounter your favorite singer or an actor you have loved forever. The first rule of working with celebrities is to keep your composure (no fangirling!). Professionalism at all times is a must. Celebrities are people too, and expect to be treated with respect and courtesy. Your job is to capture their best, authentic selves while making them feel comfortable and respected.

I was so excited when I had the chance to work with the Kardashians. I had seen so many episodes and it was tempting to let my excitement show and gush at them. But, I knew that to gain their trust and deliver the best results, I needed to make sure to stay focused, remain professional, and respect their privacy. 

The same goes for any high-profile client—whether they’re a famous actor, singer, or public figure, they should feel like they’re in capable hands.

2. Respect Their Time and Space

Make the shoot as smooth and efficient as possible. High-profile individuals often have tight schedules and may be dealing with exhaustion, especially if they’re in the middle of a tour or a busy work period. Understand that you’re likely one of many photographers they’ve worked with. Simple gestures like asking if they have a favorite coffee or snack you can provide can make a big difference in building rapport and making them feel comfortable with you.

For instance, when I photographed Vince Staples during the last leg of his tour, he was exhausted and understandably didn’t want to be there. Keeping the shoot quick and efficient was crucial, ensuring he wasn’t overworked or uncomfortable. 

Most importantly, always confirm the schedule and expected duration of the shoot in advance so you can plan efficiently. Do NOT go overtime.

3. Work Within Boundaries

Building rapport with your subject is essential, and so is understanding and respecting their boundaries. Some celebrities have specific preferences or concerns, whether it’s a particular angle they prefer or avoiding certain types of props or clothing. 

If you don’t know their preferences—ask! Put yourself in their shoes and imagine if every detail of your image was scrutinized by thousands of people. Paying attention to these details shows your commitment to making them look their best.

I did a shoot with Tan France from Queer Eye, and he had a specific request to avoid using fur on set. Respecting this request established a comfortable, safe working space for him and reinforced that I was there to honor his needs, not treat him as just another job. This level of respect and attention to detail helps establish trust and sets the stage for a successful shoot.

Remember: Use your ears more than your mouth. Actively listen and make them feel involved in the process.

4. Over Prepare and Be Ready to Adapt

When working with celebrities, preparation is vital. Every shoot is an opportunity to showcase your skills, so it’s important to come prepared with a clear vision and plan. However, celebrity shoots can be unpredictable, and you may need to adjust your plans on the fly.

Be ready to change course if the celebrity’s needs or the circumstances call for it. Always have a backup plan and remain positive through unexpected changes. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial traits for success in this line of work.

5. Handle Publicity and Confidentiality with Care

One of the biggest challenges in celebrity photography is handling publicity and confidentiality. While you may be eager to share behind-the-scenes moments on social media, always get approval first. Celebrities are highly scrutinized, and their image is carefully managed. Always consult with their publicist or the celebrity directly to ensure any content you share aligns with their brand and privacy expectations.

Confidentiality is paramount. Your conversations and interactions on set are often personal and should be treated with discretion. While it’s okay to share general anecdotes, as I’ve done here, remember that many details are not meant for public consumption. There are many conversations I have had on set that I will cherish, but they will never be shared publicly. Respecting this confidentiality is crucial to maintaining professional relationships and being trusted for future projects.

6. Take a Moment for Gratitude

Celebrity shoots may not always come with a hefty paycheck, especially for magazines or editorial spreads. Often, it’s more about building your portfolio and gaining exposure. 

Maximize the experience by staying present and appreciating the moment. Being on set with high-profile clients is an experience many photographers dream of—take a moment to savor it. Practice gratitude, acknowledge your hard work, and use this as motivation to continue pushing your creative boundaries.

7. Respect Everyone’s Role on Set

A successful shoot is a team effort. As the photographer, you’re often seen as the captain of the ship, but every person on set—from the makeup artist to the stylist—plays a critical role. 

Celebrities often come with an entourage, including managers, assistants, and other team members. Maintain a professional yet approachable demeanor with everyone. It shows you are a professional used to handling high-pressure situations.

Lead by example and show respect and appreciation for everyone’s contributions, whether part of the shoot team or the entourage. When everyone feels valued and respected, the shoot will run more smoothly, and the results will reflect the collaborative effort.

8. Follow Up and Build Long-Term Relationships

As with any client, the job isn’t done after delivering images. A follow-up email or call with the publicist solidifies a relationship and opens the door for future work. Ensure they are satisfied with the final images and that they are achieving the expected results. 

Show that you are open to feedback. Being willing to adapt and improve builds trust and demonstrates your dedication to delivering the best possible service.

Your Roadmap To Successful Celebrity Shoots

Photographing celebrities or high-profile clients can be a career-defining experience for any photographer. By learning from my experience, you can create an environment that not only produces stunning images but also fosters lasting professional relationships.

Let’s recap:

• Maintain professionalism
• Respect your subject’s time and boundaries 
• Be adaptable
• Handle publicity with care
• Remember, it’s a team effort—show respect and be a leader
• Stay present in the moment
• Have gratitude for your experience

Your goal is to capture the essence of your subject while ensuring that they feel comfortable, respected, and appreciated. Take the lead to make every detail a seamless, professional experience that they’ll remember and recommend.

Katie Levine photographed the fashion and celebrity scene in NYC and LA, interned for Annie Liebovitz and Vogue, and made a name for herself through her remarkable talent. Now residing in Phoenix, she’s helping individuals and businesses shine with the same star power that once lit up her celebrity shoots. Check out her work at katielevinephoto.com and follow her Instagram (@katielevinephoto).