How to plan a photo shoot

The key to a successful photo shoot is preparation. You need to plan a photo shoot in every detail to ensure it stays on track (and on budget) on the day.

Often, as part of a marketing toolkit, photography will be required for brochures, websites, adverts and a wide range of collateral. To help get the most from your photo shoot, we’ve suggested the most important things to consider.

Plan a Photo Shoot

Here’s our top 10 tips to plan a photo shoot.

1. Write a brief – be clear about the style of photography, what you want your images to communicate, how they will be used and when you need to use them.

2. Right photographer – source a photographer that is an expert in their field, a wedding photographer may not have the skill set for a corporate or fashion shoot.

3. Team roles – the photographer may not work alone, you need to find out if they require an art director (leads the shoot), a make-up artist or even an assistant on the day.

4. Location – choose a venue, studio or outdoor location that meets the brief, work out in advance travel logistics and timings so you can minimise delays on the day.

5. Compare quotes – issue your brief to up to three alterative photographers, review their approach, costs and understanding of what you need to achieve.

6. Breakdown costs – request hourly, half-day and day rates; consider if you need extra hours for an early shoot and have a contingency if you need extra images on the day.

7. Visit the location – check out parking, if you need special permits, special access, if in a public location check if you need local council permission – be warned, applications may take a while.

8. Full contact details – once you have agreed the project team for the shoot, ensure you have full contact details in advance including models, equipment suppliers etc.

9. Workflow – each shoot is different so plan a workflow itinerary (a shot list) and consider set up and break down time, plus any props and equipment you might need and have spares.

10. Be prepared – have a contingency plan if things don’t work out as you’d hoped. Be flexible and consider alternative locations or back up dates and photographer availability in advance.

Photo shoots need meticulous attention to detail. You need a clear plan and a clear head to make sure it runs smoothly on the day. And don’t forget to build in post processing time to your budget too. Share your photography thoughts in the section below or on Twitter.

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