HOWIE Share: How to prepare for your photo or video shoot
Have you got a video or photo shoot booked in, or you’re just considering what’s involved? Here are our Top 8 Tips about what you need to do before a shoot!
1. Identify Your Purpose
The most important thing is to figure out exactly what you want to achieve, and keep that in mind throughout the entire decision-making process.
2. Make a Script or Shot Outline
Having a script for a video or a list of photos will really inform the action on the day, and help you stick to time.
3. Figure Out Your Visual Style or Tone
The way your shots look, and the feel of your communication will reflect your brand, business, or organisation. A great idea is to find examples that you think both work and don’t work. Use these examples to give your videographer or photographer a solid idea of what to do!
4. Find the Right Locations
The location is essentially a character in your production, what is it telling your audience? When shooting photos, is there some natural light, or are you at the mercy of the elements? For video, consider sound, because having a quiet area is critical. Remember to tidy areas too – especially watch out for messy desks and computer cables!
5. Tidy Your Spaces and Featured Items
This is a simple one: make sure your signage and vehicles are spotless! It will bother you later if you don’t!
6. Prepare Your Clothing
Showcasing a range of branded materials is a great idea, but if you don’t wear a uniform, consider what will best represent the tone of your business or organisation. Also, try to avoid wearing very tight straight lines, and if it’s a shoot with a portrait backdrop, try not to wear the same colour.
7. Ask, Are You Representing Your People and Operation?
Include as many different people as possible to accurately represent the makeup of your organisation. Also include a range of vehicles or signage to extend the scope of your operation.
8. Consider What Permissions You Might Need
The best practice is of course to make sure you ask anyone who is to be featured if they are happy to do so. Make a conscious effort to ensure anyone who isn’t keen doesn’t feel pressured to do so, and feels comfortable about what’s going on around them. It’s also a nice touch to show people their photos or videos before sharing them. If you really want to be sure, you can get your talent to sign a deed of release, giving you permission to use their image.
This may seem like a whole lot to think about, but the production company you’re working with should make it a simple process through ongoing support and advice. Remember it should be a fun process that gets you excited and helps your business or organisation achieve its purpose!
