10 Steps to Planning a Photoshoot for Your Business

Get Inspired:

Are you shooting for a particular launch? For your website? To have a pile of stock imagery to grab from when you’re writing emails and posting on social media? Print advertising? Something else altogether?
What are your goals for your business going forward and how can imagery help you get there?
How long do you want these images to last? A month? A quarter? A full year?

I like to search Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration images; screenshot them, and put them all in one spot to refer back to (like a folder on my phone/computer).
Look for patterns in the types of images you are drawn to, and identify the style you are going for. Is it light and bright? Dark and moody? Sophisticated? Beachy? Understated? People focused? Etc.
If you have a brand brief from your graphic designer this is also helpful to keep handy when nailing down your vibe and planning your brand imagery.

Now think in more detail about what you need to say with your imagery and where you will use the images you shoot.
Write out each specific image that you want to shoot (including what orientation/dimensions you prefer so it fits where it needs to go).

Location is very important to your photoshoot as it enhances the vibe and provides the backdrop for your imagery.
If you need help finding a location for your shoot, read this blog post for some location ideas.

Props can really help you tell the story of your brand, and enhance product-focused photos too.
Read this blog for more information on what types of props you’ll want to plan for your photoshoot.
I like to gather all my props in one spot before the shoot so I can see them visually together and so that it’s easy to pack up on shoot day.

Outfits can set the tone for your brand and have the potential to either make or break a shoot. I prefer simple, timeless outfits so that they don’t distract from you or your products and so that the images have a longer shelf-life.
Read this blog for more tips on picking the right outfits for your brand photoshoot.

I like to create a document that includes my shot list, prop list, inspiration images, and at least a rough outline of a timeline for the shoot day. It’s helpful to have all these important details in one spot so that your shoot day goes smoothly and you don’t forget anything.

The most important part of planning a photoshoot is the actual shoot day! I always make sure to pack everything up that I will need the day before and show up a little early to my location to make sure everything goes smoothly.
When I arrive I like to lay out all my props and products if I have space so that I can easily see what I have to style with and efficiently move through my shoot.
Keep the shot list you made handy to make sure you don’t forget any important shots too!

After the shoot you’re not done yet! Next, it’s time to download your images, cull through them, and pick the best ones that align with your shot list and your brand image.
These are the images that you will crop and re-touch to give them a professional, finished look.

Great Job! You made it to the last step! Go plug your new brand imagery into your website, emails, social media posts, and print advertising, and watch what happens to your sales!