Planning Your Next Shoot (Made Easy)
Maybe you’ve got a photoshoot coming up, or perhaps you’re just starting to plan one. Either way, here are all of my recommendations for planning the perfect photoshoot.
Firstly you need to know what you NEED
I know it sounds simple, but knowing exactly what you want and need out of your shoot is the best place to start.
You don’t want to find yourself ready to upload your photos to your website, only to find yourself thinking “I wish I’d gotten a landscape version of this shot”, or “I should’ve used a darker background for that shot”.
And hey, isn’t hindsight just 20/20.
But you know what’s better? Me using MY hindsight right now so that you can avoid even needing it.
So without further ado, here is my comprehensive list of ways to nail your next photoshoot, from start to end.
Hiring the right team is crucial…
Your work is only going to be as good as the team you hire, so here are my tips for finding your perfect team (and some recommendations on how to find them).
— Models:
When it comes to hiring the right models, you’re going to want to make sure to choose models that represent your brand authentically. Consider the demographic of your audience - you don’t need an 18 year old modelling your anti-ageing cream.
— HMUA:
Choose hair and makeup styles that make sense with your product. For example if you’re shooting activewear, you’re going to want light, natural makeup.
— Photographers:
Choose someone who’s editing style you like - there’s nothing worse than trying to edit over an edit.
There are a few ways to find a team in your city:
The first is through good old social media hashtags (they aren’t dead after all, folks!) Hashtags like #MelbourneModel or #SydneyPhotographer are great places to start.
Facebook groups are also a go-to. There are plenty under names like ‘Sydney Creatives - Models / Photographers / HMUAs / Actors’ etc. etc.
You can also go through agencies, or websites like theright.fit.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!
There are a few different types of locations, and there are a few different ways to find them. The main three you’ll want to be across are:
— Studios
— Public Locations
— Private Properties
Peerspace
One of the best ways to find Private Properties and Studios in Australia is through the website Peerspace (an absolute must in your bookmarks bar). You’re able to filter prices, times, and specific locations across your city in order to find a space to suit your shoot.
With options ranging from premium photography studios, to glamorous mansions, finding an option for your brand is pretty easy this way.
Shot Hotspot
But say you’re wanting to shoot in a more open space.
Finding public locations can be done a few ways - maybe you’ve seen a similar shot geotagged on social media, or maybe you’ve found somewhere in person that you love.
If you’re struggling to find a public location to suit you, however, websites like Shot Hotspot could be your best friend. You’re able to see other photographer’s shots at locations across your city, letting you see the spot from different persepctives, and at different times of day. Nifty, right?
Shooting in public locations has its perks, but it can also come with its own challenges.
Firstly, you’re going to want to make sure you’re allowed to shoot commercially in your desired location, and if doing so requires a paid permit (or you could risk having your shoot shut down before you’ve even started).
You can check the areas that permits are needed in on your city’s website. Sydney’s is displayed below.
You also have to remember that public spaces are, well - public. You might have people walking around in the background of your shots, and your shoot might take longer because of it. It’s good to consider what time of day the spot is busy, or if you’re going to have time to shoot everything if there are lots of breaks.
A few location recommendations…
SYDNEY — Desk & Studio, Cloud Nine Studio, HAUS 88, No Vacancy, Prim Haus, Solis Studio
MELBOURNE — Sunny Studio, SPECTRUM HAUS, Social Studio Group
BRISBANE — Lair Studio, Newstead Studios, Luce Studios
BYRON BAY — Studio Tropico, Blanc Studio, Space Eight Studio, Studio You & I
So you’ve got all that sorted, time for a moodboard baby!
As a photographer, this is the best way for me to get an idea of the vibe you’re after, but I’m also always ready to come up with my own for you!
Either way, here’s what to include in your moodboard:
Work out a colour palette
This is important, especially if you’re asking models to bring their own clothes. You want to make sure models and props are complimentary to the main products being featured, not distracted by them.
What to include in your shotlist
You’re going to want to at LEAST have a rough draft of a shot list, and while there’s no ‘one way to do a shot list’, here’s what you will need on yours:
The products being shot, and how many photos (and angles!) you need of each.
The formats needed (Does your green bag need a landscape shot? Is there a specific aspect of a product that needs to be featured? Include allll of this information).
Specific shot compositions - this is important if you already know where text is going to sit on different photos
Timeslots are optional, but a great way to let me know that you want everything shot on a tight schedule.
Make sure to leave time for creativity
You’re hiring a creative team and doing a creative thing! Make sure to leave some space for that to flourish.
And finally, don’t stress yourself out - you’re going to learn something new from each shoot you have. At least, I have been.
All the best on your next shoot,
Lauren
