Photoshoots are important. They showcase your business, your product, and your passion. A Lifestyle shoot, in particular, is all about capturing the essence of what you do, captured in the most authentic and natural way possible. But to get the best out of it, a little preparation goes a long way. So, grab a cuppa and settle in – here’s everything you need to know about how to best prepare for your lifestyle shoot with me.
What to Expect from Your Lifestyle Shoot?
A Lifestyle shoot can range from 1-4 hours (or even a whole day, if you fancy), documenting the heart of your business – from the behind-the-scenes process to the faces behind the brand. Whether it’s you crafting, serving, creating, or simply working in your element, I’ll be there to capture it in a relaxed way – and we’ll most importantly have fun!
Think of it as a content creation day – the images we take can be used across social media, websites, and promotional materials, making them an essential part of your brand story. I’ll guide you through everything, making sure you feel comfortable in front of the camera, while also ensuring we capture all the important moments that truly reflect your business to work cohesively with your branding and content plans.
How to Prepare for Your Shoot?
1. Share Your Vision
Before the shoot, gather some inspiration. Look at images in my portfolio or find visuals online that match the vibe you’re going for. A Pinterest board or a shared folder of ideas is a great way to communicate the style and feel you want. The clearer the vision, the better I can bring it to life!
2. Tidy Up Your Space
Whether it’s a studio, workshop, office, café or restaurant, a quick tidy-up helps set the stage for clean, professional shots. While a bit of natural workspace mess is great for authenticity, decluttering unnecessary distractions can make all the difference – and won’t end up in your photos.
3. Plan Your Outfits
Bringing a couple of outfit options allows for variety in your final photos. A simple change – like switching tops or adding a jacket – can make it look like the shoot happened on different days, giving you more versatile content. Top tip! And look for tips on posing and outfits in my Pinterest board here.
4. Create a Shot List
A shot list helps us stay on track and ensures we capture everything you need in the time you’ve chosen. Here’s a quick guide on how to structure it but let me know if you have any more questions on this!
- Key subjects: Who or what needs to be photographed? You, your team, your workspace, your product?
- Specific shots: Any must-haves? Close-ups, process shots, interactions, tools of the trade? Any shots needed to work with your social media content coming up?
- Team prep: If others are involved, let them know ahead of time so they feel comfortable and prepared, and make sure the space is tidy!
- Reference materials: Sharing your shot list in an Excel sheet or Milanote makes it easy to keep everything in one place and share it with me on email. It’s that easy!
5. Know Your Package
Your shoot includes planning, mood boards, directing on site, styling, shooting time, and post-editing. Check your selected package for details, and if you think you’ll need extra time, just let me know in advance!
What Will Your Shoot Include?
Every lifestyle shoot is tailored to you, but here’s a general idea of what to expect:
✔️ Candid images of you doing what you do best.
✔️ Beautiful detail shots of your workspace, tools, and products.
✔️ Natural headshot style photos of you and any team.
✔️ Authentic moments that tell your brand’s story.
Once you’ve gathered your ideas and shot list, just pop them over to me on email. I’ll review everything and check in if I have any questions. Now, your prep is done – so sit back, enjoy that cuppa, and get ready for our shoot together! I can’t wait to work with you.
