How to plan a photoshoot.
How do you plan a photoshoot? A question that every photographer stumbles upon when they are just starting on their journey of portrait or fashion photography. There are a lot of ways to plan a photoshoot and manage it. But it gets a bit overwhelming tackling a hundred things at once. So, let me give you a few ideas on how you can organize your shoots and make your life a bit easier.
When I started with portrait photography and got to work with several different people, I noticed that I did not have a clear view of what I was planning. Meaning I wasn't able to convey my ideas as clearly. Which confused the models and the people I worked with on several occasions. Over the years, I've built a simple way of turning my mind babies and ideas into well-thought-out photoshoots.
I plan my photoshoots in three stages: Finding an idea, visualization, and actual planning. All three points are vital for a well-thought-out plan.
I will share a planning example of a published photoshoot at the end.
FINDING AN IDEA:
Personally, it took me a while to find a resourceful way to get inspired easily, but I have found a few things that work for me. You will have to try and find, combine and use some of these or other ways to find inspiration.
I get my ideas from a whole lot of different things. My main ways to get inspired are:
Music, Movies, Literature
Locations, Places
Clothing pieces, Accessories, Outfits
Models, generally People
Designs
On socials like Pinterest, Instagram, Photo Vogue
You want to find an inspiration spark that could turn into an idea.
When you've found an idea, head over to your notes app or use a notebook of your choice. And write down or draw every related thing that comes to mind.
Don't be specific here. We are trying to accumulate as much input as possible. Examples: style ideas, mood, songs, shot ideas, textures, colors, lighting.
You've got that down?
VISUALIZING THE IDEA:
We've just written down all the things for our photoshoot idea and need to add some clarity. This is super important when working with others such as Models, Stylists, Makeup and/or Hairstylists, agencies, etc.
Your idea is clear and logically thought through, but not everyone gets your way of thinking or can look into your brain. So it is time to make a vision board that shows all your ideas.
A vision board is simply a file where you find visuals that represent your idea in different aspects.I always differentiate my board into the following aspects:
Location (add photos of the location if you can. From your personal scouting or google maps)
Fashion (add the style or specific fashion pieces)
Makeup and Hair (Specific Looks or direction)
Potential poses
Set Design
You can get as crazy as you want with your vision board. Just make sure you keep it organized.
When I am working on personal projects I tend to make a Pinterest Board and add subcategories. In the end, I can share the board with all the team members (if needed). If you are working professionally make sure to compile your vision board in a shareable PDF.
Visualizing your ideas for every shoot you are doing is extremely helpful. After all, there is less room for failure because everyone will know what the overall shoot is going to look like. It's also a great way to show professionalism when you know what you want.
REALIZATION/ ACTUAL PLANNING:
You got the idea down and now you just need to decide on a few things.
Location (based on your shoot idea)
Team
Location:
Are you shooting indoors or outdoors? There are a few things to keep in mind with both. So I will make a little list of things to keep in mind when planning.
Indoors/Studio:
How does the lighting look like? Do you plan on natural light or do you need to rent studio lighting? (keep in mind, that natural light can always change, even in-studio)
Set Design: What is in the studio and what do you need for the design?
How much does the studio cost? Availability of the studio?
On Location:
Are you allowed to shoot at your desired place? Do you need a permit? (It's always good to have a permit in case you need it)
Does the Location close at a certain time?
What does the desired lighting situation look like? (sunrise/harsh mid daylight/ sunset/ night) What gear do you need to achieve this look?
Do you need electricity? (For hairstyling, External lights, etc)
Is there a place to change clothing? (If not get a changing tent or use a big blanket to wrap around the model.)
Possible disruptions to keep in mind:
How busy is the location? (annoying when you have to edit people out of the frame, so make sure to check this beforehand)
Weather (check the weather a week before, a day before, and on the day for possible changes)
Noisy people (people that disrupt the shoot by harassing the model, team, or you. I will write a post about how to handle those people in the future)
Team:
Do you need a team to support you or are you going to pull a one-man show with this shoot?
Reminder: There is no need to involve a lot of people in a shoot that you can do on your own. But it's always a great way to grow your network, grow your work itself, and take some pressure off whilst shooting.
Here is a list of people that could be involved in a shoot:
Model/Models
Makeup Stylist and/ or Hair Stylist
Fashion Stylist
Set Designer
Assistant (Photo/Lighting/everything you need a hand with)
Catering
possible driver
someone to keep an eye out for the schedule
Things you need to keep in mind when working with a team:
You have to brief everyone on your idea together or in a 1:1 sitting. I like to meet up for a coffee to discuss ideas. Also helps when you work with someone for the first time. Breaks the ice :)
Check availability for time and date. Make sure to remind the team of the shoot a week before, the day before, and on the day.
Make a schedule or a disposition where you compile a list of times, locations, and what is going to be shot. So you and your team are organized and don't forget something.
Make a checklist for each party of what to bring.
You are the manager of all the people involved. Everyone has a different style of working. So set the tone before the shoot and make sure to treat everyone with respect.
In conclusion, the more organizational work you do before you even start the shoot, the easier and calmer you are on the day of the shoot.
With all the planning that is going on before and during a shoot please don't forget to have fun too!
It doesn't matter if you get paid or if it is a personal project. You got into photography because you love it.
Example of a vision board for a publication
See the Pinterest Board here: https://pin.it/23l87Os
