How do Commercial photography shoots work?

Stage 1 - The initial discussion.

In this conversation, my aim is to find out as much as possible to fully understand your business, and also how you would like to represent this in photographs.  So for example, I may ask you things like 'describe your business/brand in 3 words'.  I will also ask who your target market is, where your images will be used, what services do you offer, do you have a location or locations at which we could take the photographs, what format do you need the photos taken in (eg - landscape/portrait/panoramic/square). Basically, all sorts of questions in order for me to really get under the skin of your business and what you are trying to show with your marketing photography.

Stage 2 - The shotlist

Once armed with information from our initial discussion and I know a lot more about your business, I can set about putting together a shotlist which outlines the what, where and how for the shoot. For a multi-location shoot with different people involved, this will list each scenario we want to photograph, including who will be in the photo, any props needed and also the location/backdrop for that image.  This is very much a 'working' document that can evolve throughout the planning process (and on the day of the shoot too) - but essentially, it is the main reference that I work from on the day of the shoot to ensure we get exactly the shots we need.

Stage 3 - Location

If my client has business premises, then that can dictate where the photography will take place. However, for some, this might not be suitable/appropriate or they might prefer an alternative, relevant location.  I can advise on locations/backdrops depending on the kinds of photos you are looking for. I've used everything from cafes, co-working spaces, hotels and the streets of London - so, fear not, we will find something suitable for your business!

Stage 4 - Models and props

For most shoots, some form of props will be required to represent the business but it is important to plan exactly what is going to be shown and to ensure they are available on the day. In terms of models, in 15 years of business, I have never had to actually pay a professional model - we usually find either willing staff members, or rope in friends or family! I can advise everyone on what to wear, how to approach the shoot etc. If relevant, I can arrange a hair and make up artist to be on hand on the day.

Stage 5 - on the day

I appreciate that some people get extremely nervous about the idea of taking part in a photo shoot - they imagine all sorts of lighting rigs, make up artists etc. In reality, it's not like that at all - it's just me and my camera.  Rest assured, I work very hard on the day to make sure everyone is as relaxed as possible and I talk everyone through exactly what's going to happen, giving guidance where necessary and holding everyone's hand (not literally!) to make sure the experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Stage 6 - The deliverables

Following the shoot (usually within a matter of days), I edit and retouch the images and upload them to an online gallery. You can download these as both high res and low res jpegs depending on where you plan to use them. You can also share this link with anyone else who needs access to the photos eg; your website designer/marketing agency etc.

So hopefully, now you know more about what's involved in planning a commercial photo shoot. Obviously, the more people that are involved, the more detailed it becomes, but with nearly 15 years of experience, I am here to ensure that the right questions are asked throughout the planning process so that it runs as smoothly as possible.

Essentially, it's like anything in life - if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

With detailed preparation for even the simplest of photo sessions, the results will be many times better than shoots that are rushed into and not thought out well.

If you are thinking about creating some engaging images to market your business, feel free to give me a call for an initial chat - you can tell me what you're hoping to achieve and we can discuss a few ideas so that you can decide if I'm the right photographer for you - no hard sell, I promise!

Pennie

Pennie Withers Photography

07715 889457