Tips for Running a Successful Photoshoot
Our rebrand meant many things; a new logo, new printed collateral, new writing styles, and so much more. One of the things we were most excited about was new photography. A photoshoot can be fun, exciting, creative and so much more. But without the proper planning it can be really stressful. Saskia's compiled her top tips for running a successful photoshoot for those of you who are curious, or about to embark on the adventure of running one yourself.
BE PREPARED FOR A TON OF WORK
We're putting this one first because it will certainly take you by surprise. It's essential to plan every last detail if you want to stay on schedule, that's incredibly time consuming and things you never thought would crop up will crop up.
START BY DECIDING WHAT PRODUCTS YOU WANT TO HIGHLIGHT
It can be all too easy to think you can wing this on the spot. Thank goodness we decided to plan ahead or else timing would have been really off the entire day. We knew exactly which jewelry designs we wanted to showcase and then we branched from there - which outfits would work with what pieces, what type of hair and makeup etc.
BE COGNIZANT OF HOW THINGS LOOK WHEN PHOTOGRAPHED TOGETHER
When picking out pieces - especially if you have multiple models - you have to pick designs and styles that will complement each other. There needs to be a point during planning when you expand from the micro to the macro, and think about how all the little pieces work together in the big picture - literally. Your backgrounds and lighting will also come into play here - nothing worse than floating head syndrome with a white shirt on a white backdrop.
PICK THE RIGHT TEAM
You're going to be spending weeks if not months communicating with your photoshoot team in the lead up to the big day, and all day together when the day comes. You need to be sure you're all on the same page, wanting the same things, and working well together. You want to pick people that will work hard, and also have the right chemistry.
DON'T DEVIATE FROM YOUR BRAND
With a lot of hands in the pot, it can be easy to be convinced of things that don't feel quite right. You know your brand best, so listen to the professionals, but also make sure your brand's voice and your vision come through no matter what.
KNOW WHERE TO SPEND YOUR MONEY
Prioritize what's important to you. First and foremost your photographer and models are where we'd suggest to spend your money, but if you have a larger budget a stylist, makeup artist, and assistant were vital to making our day run smoothly.
STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE
We were completely taken back by all the work and prep that went into creating the framework for our day. When the day arrived we found in a few instances that we could have focused too much time and energy one a single thing, but with the right team we were reminded to stick to the schedule and we're so happy we listened. It can be hard to move along to the next thing when you're a perfectionist, but in order for the day to run smoothly timing is everything. A shot list helps immensely with this too.
Lastly, DON'T FORGET TO SCHEDULE YOURSELF AND YOUR TEAM A LUNCH BREAK
Trust us, you'll need it!