Photoshoots are important. They showcase your business, your product and your passion. It’s even more important that you know what you want to get out of a photoshoot of your own – or at least have some idea! As a Photographer, I often get asked what is needed for a shoot and how to plan for your business photoshoot, so this should summarise it nicely for you.
ONE: THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED
You’ve got to have a rough idea of the kind of photographs you need to get back from your photographer. Start by answering a few questions: What are your products and services? What are the editorial stories you want to tell? What images do you need for your marketing and/or the pages on your website?
Put everything you need photographed in a shot list so you can tick it off on the shoot and make sure everything is captured in the time.
TWO: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU
Yes, it’s my job so I may be a little biased but finding the right photographer for you and your business is key to getting photos that fit your brand and style.
Ask questions, send me all the emails, jump on a discovery call, look in detail at your Photographer’s portfolio and Instagram page. It helps to make sure you know who you’re working with and know how they work (we all work slightly differently and have our own creative take on things!)
THREE: WORK TOGETHER ON A MOOD BOARD
For every client I set up a shared mood board that we can both use to get an idea of what our shoot together may look like!
TIP: Take a look at the images in my portfolio or do some research online to start pulling together images that are similar to what you want to achieve. It’s always a useful place to start so I have a clear idea of what you’re looking for!
FOUR: GET YOUR THINGS TOGETHER
So, think through all of the physical tools that you use day to day in your business. These may be used as props in the shoot to show what you do and be as natural as possible in your space. Make sure you’ve got them on hand (order more if you need to) and gather them in advance so there’s no scrabbling on shoot day!
TIP: Think about written things, maybe your notebook that’s marked up a little bit or client worksheets. Maybe tools that are well used and represent your business. You don’t want things to look staged or fake. Staged things usually look staged, so take the steps to make it look authentic and as it would usually be. We don’t want any false marketing going on!
FIVE: FINAL TOUCHES FOR SHOOT DAY
Give your studio, workshop or office space a good clean! It’s always best to have a blank canvas to move things around if needed and capture the most important details. Have a change of clothes (or two) ready so you can do a quick outfit swap mid shoot! Make this short and sweet, while reflecting your brand.
Hopefully that’s helped a little towards planning for your business lifestyle photoshoot. Phew, your work here is done for now so sit back, grab a cuppa and get ready for your own shoot day!
If you want to work together for your own business photoshoot get in touch. I’d love to work with you and walk you through the details.
