Our Top Tips for Planning a KILLER Client Photoshoot
One of our *very favorite* parts of our job is planning & executing INSANELY GOOD photoshoots for our clients. And if we’re being honest, we’re ridiculously good at it. So today, we’re letting you in on our process for delivering photos your client is going to absolutely obsess over.
First things first, understand the why of the photoshoot.
I know that sounds intuitive? Lame? Motivational speaker-y? But really, you cannot plan a good photoshoot without understanding why your client needs this shoot (is it for an upcoming holiday? a new product launch? general brand content?). Once you know what your images will be doing post-shoot, you’re ready to dive into pre-shoot plans.
Now it’s time to hit up Pinterest.
Okay, you *technically don’t have to use Pinterest, but you do need to create a mood board that nails the vibe of your shoot and even acts as inspo for your shot list. And for us, there is no better place to mood board than on pinterest. Once your mood board is finished, you can share this with the client to make sure you’re moving in the right direction, your photographers so they know what the shoot’s aim is and even your models so they can prep accordingly.
And since I know you’re dying to see an example, here’s one of our recent mood boards. You’re welcome.
Nail down the location.
Once you know what vibe you’re going for and have shots in mind, you’re prepped to find the PERFECT location for your shoot. While having a trusty studio in your back pocket is helpful (hi, Art City Studios, we LOVE you), it’s also SO FUN to branch out and shoot at less precedented locations. A few of our favorite shoots from last year were at an old high school, a 5-star hotel, a skate park, a playground and inside our client’s store. Think of what your dream location is and see what you can do to make it happen!
Get the right people there!
Choose a date and recruit your favorite photographer and models (if needed). Your photographer absolutely MAKES or breaks your shoots, so be sure to choose one that can execute the style that you’re going for. If you’re looking for a good photographer recommendation in Utah, we won’t gatekeep - shoot us a message.
In addition to the talent, make sure your team has the date penciled in on their calendars! Because trust us, you’re going to want all hands on deck. From making sure you’re getting the shots you want, to outfit coordinators, to clean up crew and a fourth eye to make sure the model’s hair isn’t in her eyes, someone to shoot BTS for reels - you’re going to be glad you’ve got a team there to make the magic happen.
Bring ALLLL the Crap.
Outfits, backdrops, props, products, confetti canons - make sure you have everything you might *possibly* need for this shoot. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. We love to go maximalist for shoots when it fits the brand and there’s nothing worse than wishing you had thought to bring that pair of sunglasses, the combat boots, the glitter or the lollipop and not have it. Except for forgetting a vacuum when you use confetti. ALWAYS BRING A VACUUM. ha.
Keep Vibes hIgH!
Sometimes photoshoots can get long and exhausted (more like, every time lol). So take some time and create a playlist that matches the mood and vibe of your shoot to keep the energy up the whole time you’re there! This will make it so much more FUN and help everyone have a good time. (and your images will turn out better, promise).
When your shoot is done - clean up, take a breath & anxiously await your finished images. They’re going to be BOMB.
