How to prepare for a lifestyle photography shoot
Make a brief
Tell me about your brand, your products and target market. Summarise where and how the images will be used and describe the brand message you would like to convey in the imagery.
It's great to include an example image showing the style you would like to achieve, Pinterest is a great research tool for this.
List each image required and bullet point the content of each image, I can provide an Excel shot list template for this.
Specify the image proportions you require, square landscape etc. Images are styled and composed to suit this particular image ratio so this is vitally important.
Select your approval method
I know your busy running a business so I have made 5 options to approve your images on the shoot day to ensure you get exactly what you need.
1. Attend the shoot in person. FYI I've recently moved and my home is undergoing renovation.
2. A send and shoot service. Using your brief and mood-board I work through your shot list and send you a final watermarked contact-sheet after the shoot. An affordable option if you don't need to approve the images.
3. Email approval. Receive emails throughout the day containing each prepared image for you to approve or suggest amends before I move onto the next image. This method is appropriate for highly styled images when shooting 7 images per day. Extra time is allocated in the quote to allow for this process, approximately 20 minutes per image. It's best to schedule a day in your diary when you are readily available.
4. A virtual photoshoot email. Receive a zoom link to the shoot but only be alerted when an image is ready for discussion. See the images arrive in my capture software as I share my screen with you, communicate via your audio only. This method is appropriate for highly styled images when shooting 7 images per day. Extra time is allocated in the quote to allow for this process, approximately 20 minutes per image. It's best to schedule a day in your diary when you are readily available.
5. Virtual photoshoot. Art direct the shoot remotely in real time throughout the day by seeing the images arrive in my capture software as I share my screen with you, communicate via your audio only.
See more remote shoot details.
Request a quote
Say hello and email me to start the ball rolling. Outline your brief and the image approval method you would like to select.
Enquire about my availability, please bear in mind this does change daily. If you have any questions for me please just ask, I'm happy to help.
I provide an Excel shot list template for you to complete all the detailed information that is required to request a quote.
Select how your products will be returned to you. Either arrange the collection of your products with your own courier, or I can return them to you via DHL this cost will be added to your invoice.
Please mention during the quote process if you require one round of retouching amends after the shoot is complete. An additional half day would be required, scheduled and added to the quote.
Pre-shoot consultation
Let's talk about your brand in a pre-shoot consultation, a zoom call or phone call allowing me to efficiently answer any questions you may have about planning and booking a shoot. This gives me the opportunity to learn about your products and brand identity. The client can outline the images that are required, and share example images or a Pinterest mood-board.
Taking into account the styling requirements I can give an indication of the amount of time required to complete the shoot.
Liaise with me on the prop selection for your shoot. I have a selection of house props available to help accessorise your set.
Book a date for your shoot
I recommend booking eight to ten weeks in advance of your photoshoot for availability. This also allows time for the shoot planning process. A 50% deposit is required to secure your date in my diary.
Seasonality can plays a big role in availability, Autumn is the busiest season and first availability can run into 12 weeks time.
If you are receiving new printed packaging or samples it's best to allow some buffer time as they can be delayed in transit.
Booking form & deposit invoice
Now it's time for the paperwork, you will receive a booking form and client contract which has all the details of the shoot plus my terms and conditions. These are dated, signed and returned to me.
I also email through your 50% deposit invoice, once paid your dates are then secured in my diary.
Treatment document
Once you're booked in I collate all the information we have shared into a treatment document so we have all the shoot info in one document. This document outlines
The shoot concept,
The shot list,
The approval method,
Image aspect ratio,
Reference images / mood-board,
Props selected for the shoot.
Deliver your products
Securely deliver your products to me five days in advance of the actual shoot date, or bring them along if you are attending the shoot.
Choose products that are in perfect condition for the best results eg. clearly printed straight/ level labels. Small products will be represented larger than life size, so it's vitally important to carefully package your products to reduce any scratching or damage during transit.
During the shoot
If you have selected approval method
1. Attend the shoot in person: Aim to arrive at the studio for 9.00am.
2. A send and shoot service: I will be in touch shortly after the shoot with your retouched image contact sheet.
3. Email approval: I will email you throughout the day with images to amend/ approve.
4. A virtual photoshoot email: I will send through a link to attend the zoom shoot and email you when an image is ready for discussion.
5. Virtual photoshoot: I will send through a link to attend the zoom shoot.
After the shoot is complete
After the shoot your images are cleaned up to remove any dust then they are cropped to your specification. Generally the editing is undertaken the day after the shoot meaning a fast turnaround time for receiving your lovely new images.
I email you a watermarked contact sheet of the final images along with your balancing payment invoice.
Once the invoice is paid your images are delivered to you via a We Transfer download link. You are ready to use your new imagery to promote your brand.
I carefully pack away your products ready for collection by your courier. Alternatively if requested in the quote I can send the parcel by DHL courier, this cost will be added to your invoice.
I hope this guide has been helpful to you, if you have any further questions please get in touch.