How to start thinking about– your first photoshoot.
In this digital age, great photos are a must.
In the age of coronavirus, they’re even harder to manage but even more necessary as most shopping is virtual at the moment. Customers can’t touch or taste products anymore, so you’ve got to find a way to convey what you sell through photography and words more than ever.
For sure, the industry that has always had to do this is the services industry (not service, services). Photographers, designers, coaches, consultants. The folks that don’t sell physical products. They sell services.
Here’s where you can start when you’re planning to up your photography game.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Quick tips
Not everyone with a camera is going to be the right person for you. Most photographers have a niche.
Research how much photographers cost–it’ll be different for all of them.
Find photographers on Instagram- you’ll be able to decide if their style works for you.
Some photographers travel, some have studios.
In-studio shoots have a very different feel than those outside of studios.
STYLISTS–
Quick tips
It’s challenging to both be the photographer AND the stylist so in more professional settings (especially for business / brand shoots) you’d want to bring in a stylist
Research how much these folks charge and what types of things they include–props? backdrops? etc
Ask the photographer if they’re comfortable styling the shoot themselves- depending on what you’re looking for, they might be able to do it themselves
STUDIO SPACE–
Quick tips
Many photographers don’t have their own spaces–depending on what they do they’re more on-location (wedding / engagement / family) anyway
There are options to rent studio space by the hour (I’m actually converting my own studio to this right now!)
Decide- where should this shoot be? At your home? At a studio?
MODELS–
Quick Tips
It’s important to deliver people value in exchange for their time. This can be in the form of money (especially if this is what they do professionally), products, photos, practice. Many real-life people (who aren’t models) would love to be a part of something like this and don’t expect payment necessarily. But it’s good to offer compensation or ask what they might find appropriate.
If you hire an actual model, you’ll get to be more in control of what you end up getting. Just working with people who aren’t models might get you into some situations that make it harder for you to get what you need.
they can flake (and lots of times they do)
they might not want you to use photos they don’t like of themselves
they might not feel comfortable in certain types of shoots (for instance, I’m doing a shoot for a wellness center, and we need to show body parts like pregnant bellies and stretch marks). Not everyone is up for putting that stuff out commercially but if you were hiring models and they understand the brief ahead of time, you’re more likely to be good to go.
Always be respectful that you’re in a position to collaborate with these humans and making sure they’re comfortable, well-informed and well-take care of is extremely important
Have each model sign a release ahead of the shoot or right when they arrive- this ensures you can use the photos in the capacity you’re intending
PRODUCTION–
Quick tips
Producing a shoot is different than styling and being the photographer
This person draws up a shot list, time schedule, manages contracts and model releases and more
This person keeps the shoot running on time and cares for the safety and comfort of all parties
This person make sure you get all the shots you need
So, most people think shoots should be free and easy. They’re not. They’re valuable, however. Photos can transform your brand dramatically and that is totally worth it.
I recommend a brand shoot at least 1x quarter and for every new collection. That ensures your content is knit together with your sales goals.