Planning a product photoshoot
Planning a photoshoot is no easy task. Awesome photos don’t just happen - there is a LOT of planning that goes on behind the scene. The planning phase of a photo shoot is usually the phase that people skip. But planning is an essential first step in creating on-brand, well thought out images. So let's take a look at what I mean by planning;
Step 1: Concept
First you need to get clear on what you want to create. This means doing some moodboarding and research. Decide what you like and what you don’t like and what is appropriate for your brand. If you already have a style guide for your brand then think about how you can carry this style into your images. If you don’t, make some key stylistic decisions that you can come back to again and again to build your brand recognition.
Step 2: Develop a shot list
The first step of creating a shot list is to brainstorm a wishlist of all the images you would like for each product. To do this:
Write down each product you would like to photograph as a heading
Underneath each product in dot point form, list all the images you want / need of this particular product
i.e. Will it go into a catalogue? Then you will need a studio image of the product - note this down
Would you like to promote this on social media? You will need something styled and eye catching - note this down
Does this product need to be modeled to demonstrate its size or function? This is another image - note it down
Does this product pair well with another product and you’d like to sell them as a set? If so - note it down
Is the packaging of the product a selling point? You’ll need a photo of this - note it down
When you pull all of the ideas out of your head and put them on paper you may find that you have a lot of images to create. 20 products can quickly turn into 80 different images. So after you’ve done an initial wish list of images, start to organise them into lists. At the top of each list write the set up needed for these images (for example: white background - no props) and under this heading write in all the images that will be shot in this style. Make as many lists as needed.
Now you need to prioritise: Pick one list for your first photo session. Ask yourself which images are most needed at this time. Perhaps you are setting up an online store, so your priority is to get all your products photographed against a white background for now.
Step 3: Create an action plan
Now you’ve figured out what you want to shoot and how you’d like it to look, it’s time to create an action plan. This will help you keep organised and manage your time. This action plan will include tasks such as prop shopping and set building - and all the thing that need to happen to bring your vision to life.
Even if you are just doing a little shoot I encourage you to do some planning. Most shoots have lots of moving pieces: props, equipment, locations and people. Putting the time in and creating planning documents will mean you get through it all as quickly and as effectively as possible and will save you a lot of time and stress on the day of the shoot. If you are not sure where to start with your photo shoot planning I have created a Canva shoot plan template available in my store. This template will walk you through the three steps above and comes with a 18 minute video tutorial which explains how to complete the template and prepare for your shoot.
OK, so there you have it. I hope this blog has been helpful and gave you some ideas for planning your photo shoots. As always, if you create anything awesome please share your pics in the Facebook Group Photography for Makers - I’d love to see your work!