How To Plan A Photoshoot In 4 Simple Steps

Sep 13

Have you ever looked at a photos on Pinterest or another social platform and wonder, how did the photographer plan that?

Planning a photoshoot can often feel daunting for photographers. There are endless decisions to make, from picking a concept to choosing the best location and equipment. However, with a little planning and preparation, any photographer can conduct a successful shoot.

When planning very specific sessions my main goal is always to fuel my creativity and push my skills. But to plan the session, breaking it down step-by-step and forcing myself to accomplish one task at a time is how I set myself up for the best success.

The first step is to come up with a concept. This can be anything from a specific theme to a general mood or atmosphere. I highly encourage photographers to create a “mood board” before you start any session. It will help keep the images cohesive and on point as well give an opportunity for inspiration while working out how they want their final product be packaged.
The following are some ways in which one can do this:
a) Start with stylistic or thematic jumping points - there's something about movie/TV show that catches my eye? I'm interested then research what other films have been made along those lines; b). Searching through Pinterest.
The next step is to choose a location. What type of set is best for your concept? Are you looking to rent an existing location, or create one yourself. How much will it cost and what are some other considerations that might come up while planning this aspect such as lighting options (natural light vs artificial).
Gather the necessary props/equipment/accessories needed.
a) Are you going to work with other businesses to make the vision come to life? Will this be a joint effort or will you be paying for their services? b) do you need to rent camera gear to make your vision work?
Find your Subjects/Models. Let's find some friends and family members who might be a good fit for your shoot or will you be hosting a model call on your social channels? I believe the most important aspect of getting someone to model for you is being upfront about the usage, terms of service (to make sure they know what is expected), and what your goal with the session is. At the end of the day you are creating a session for you!

The most important thing to remember is you have to start! Trying new things, stepping outside of your comfort zone, it’s always scary. Take the leap. There are no failures, just lessons learned!