Preparing For A Shoot: What Clients Should Know
A shoot day is nothing without the proper preparation beforehand. As a professional photographer, it’s essential to have all my gear and plans coordinated in advance- but what about my clients? It’s my responsibility to have them prepared too!
Today, I want to break down one of my top tips for elevating your professional photography business to the next level: preparing your clients. So, let's dive into some of my essential tips on how to get your clients ready for their dream shoot.
Focus on Making the Space Photo-Ready
The first thing I always stress to my clients is the importance of having the shooting location in tip-top shape before we can even start clicking away. This means having the space as photo-ready as possible. Here’s a checklist I always recommend:
Declutter: Ensure that everything is picked up and put away. A tidy space not only looks better in photos but also saves you the hassle of cleaning up during the shoot.
Hide Cords and Knickknacks: Cords and knickknacks are a necessary part to any space, but can take the focus away from your subject. Tuck those cords away and stow those knickknacks in a drawer just temporarily for aesthetic purposes.
Clean Windows: Dirty windows can be a real mood-killer for natural light photography, especially when we are trying to highlight airy spaces. A quick wash or wipe-down can make a world of difference in overall photo quality.
Give Your Floors A Good Scrub: Dirty floors, especially darker wood tones, can detract from the overall appeal of your shots. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, but a quick mop gets rid of any dust.
By having the space prepared in advance, you as the photographer can maximize your time and energy for what you do best – capturing stunning images.
MAke A Plan for Models
Models are an amazing way to emphasize the grandeur of the space, but require planning beforehand. Usually, I recommend to clients to have a mix of individuals, preferably 3-6, depending on the space's size and complexity. More models provide flexibility and allow you to create some super cool shots that help bring life into the location you’re trying to capture.
Although in this scenario more can be better, make sure to have clients communicate to their models that photoshoots take a while. I do try to be as speedy as possible, but set ups require time and patience between all parties. Communication is key to ensure everyone is on the same page and ready for a long (but really fun) day!
Ensure Communication with On-Site Contacts
One of the most difficult scenarios for photographers is arriving at a location only to find that it's not ready for the shoot, or worse, the people on-site are unaware that a photoshoot is scheduled. To avoid such mishaps, establish direct communication with the person who will be on-site during the shoot.
Whether it's the restaurant's general manager or an office administrator, make sure they are aware of the shoot's date and time. As a California photographer working on a lot of property spaces, I always emphasize to my clients the need for my presence (with a camera) to be known throughout the property.
Coordinate a Shot List Together
When it comes to shoot coordination, both you and your client have responsibilities. As a professional photographer, it’s essential to understand the vision your client wants and fulfill it to the fullest extent. As for the client, their desired shots, angles, and images need to be discussed beforehand.
Haley’s Pro Tip: Start the shot list conversation way beforehand! I like to brainstorm this process together in the starting conversations, then have it solidified at least a week prior to the shoot day. This way, everyone is on the same page and we can have a great day!
Not sure what a shot list looks like? It should include anything and everything your client wants. Some clients are more specific than others, but I always emphasize this is where any special details or concerns can be highlighted.
Interested in learning more of the specifics for how I plan a time of day to shoot. Schedule a 1-on-1 call with me! We can talk through all the factors that go into shoot prep to ensure the day of runs seamlessly.
