Preparing for a shoot !
EvEry PhOtOshOOt is different. Even if you find yourself working for the same clients from time to time, the location, the models, and the clothes will be different, as may the creative team and the weather.
All sorts of factors come into play during the course of a photoshoot, many of which are out of your control. However, you can help the day run more smoothly by being properly prepared beforehand.
Here’s a small guide to help you prepare:
1. Gather your ideas and have a clear concept
of the photoshoot in mind. Give your creative team and model(s) any visual references that you might have found. If you’re using model/ creative release forms you will need to prepare the documentation before the shoot.
2. Put together a detailed call sheet of who you need when and ensure it’s sent to your creative team so they arrive promptly on the day of the shoot. If you’re working with an assistant and/or a digital assistant then it is a good idea for you both to arrive early and set up everything before your creative team and model arrive. You may also want to document your travel route and times to make sure you meet your call time.
This is also useful to give to your creative team to help them plan the best way of getting to
the location on the day.
3. Prepare your camera gear in advance! Be sure you have your camera batteries charged and your kit packed the night before. The worst thing to do before a photoshoot is rush around getting your gear together before you have to leave (from experience this is always an easy way to forget something).
PREPARING YOUR sHOOT
EvEry PhOtOshOOt is different. Even if you find yourself working for the same clients from time to time, the location, the models, and the clothes will be different, as may the creative team and the weather.
All sorts of factors come into play during the course of a photoshoot, many of which are out of your control. However, you can help the day run more smoothly by being properly prepared beforehand.
Here’s a small guide to help you prepare:
1. Gather your ideas and have a clear concept
of the photoshoot in mind. Give your creative team and model(s) any visual references that you might have found. If you’re using model/ creative release forms you will need to prepare the documentation before the shoot.
2. Put together a detailed call sheet of who you need when and ensure it’s sent to your creative team so they arrive promptly on the day of the shoot. If you’re working with an assistant and/or a digital assistant then it is a good idea for you both to arrive early and set up everything before your creative team and model arrive. You may also want to document your travel route and times to make sure you meet your call time.
This is also useful to give to your creative team to help them plan the best way of getting to
the location on the day.
3. Prepare your camera gear in advance! Be sure you have your camera batteries charged and your kit packed the night before. The worst thing to do before a photoshoot is rush around getting your gear together before you have to leave (from experience this is always an easy way to forget something).
4. On the day of the shoot (and if you
haven’t already done so) familiarize yourself with your location or studio as soon as you arrive—this will give you a better idea of how to work once everybody else arrives. It is also important to brief your creative team so that they know where vital facilities such as rest rooms, dressing rooms, and refreshment areas are. If you’re working with a client you may want to arrive early to be briefed on your assignment and the areas which they want you to shoot in.
Studio lights/tripod/accessories (reflectors scrims/umbrellas etc.) if not on location or at the studio.
• Notepad and pen (for writing down catering orders, model and creative team credits, and any other important information).
• Refreshments: water and high-energy foods such as nuts, fruit, granola bars etc. These are very useful on shoots for you and your creative team. If you’re organizing catering, make sure you have the details of the service or restaurant you are ordering from.