Tips for getting the most out of your next professional photo shoot 
www.twede.com




Planning a professional photo shoot with a photographer can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning, you can come out looking like a pro.
As with most endeavors, planning is the key to success. If you are new to this, even the planning stage can make you crazy.

First and foremost, photographers are people too. Don't be apprehensive if the photographer has an established name and you haven't worked with them before. Most photographers are great guys who want to get the best possible images for your project. Here are the things they like:

Make a shot list
Photographers like to budget the numbers of shots into the timeframe they have. It is helpful to have a list of shots so that similar shots can be taken concurrently. Sometimes this is as simple as going from largest size to smallest. If you will be using several different backgrounds, make sure you plan to shoot all of the shots for each background at the same time. I know it drives me crazy when a new art director goes down a list of shots, having me change the background, only to have to set it up agin three shots later. Group similar shots together on your list and things will go quicker.

Organize your products.
Bring your products organized into shots. Put the items for each shot into a box or bin that you keep separated from each other. Put tags or post-it notes on things. This makes it easier to set up and take down. You shouldn't spend valuable studio time repacking a box after the shot. Use a big enough box that you can throw everything back into it for later reorganization.
Have makeup and hair people there early. These people take time to set up and they need space. Make sure the photographer has a space for them away from the studio area. If you are going out on location, plan ahead to make room away from the shooting area. Have your talent come early too. You don't want to burn valuable photographer time waiting for talent to get ready. It's better to have them wait, than to have the photographer wait.

Bring Comps
Bring sketches and layouts to work with. As wonderful as your photographer is, he probably isn't a clairvoyant. Photographers need to know whether a shot will be used as a vertical or horizontal. You don't want to have to turn a vertical shot into a horizontal shot, trust me. Also, photographers use different lenses for achieving their look. They appreciate being able to maximize the impact of these lenses by shooting to fit the layout. If you have the computer layout file, bring it. Most photographers can open the layout on their computer and shoot to fit it. Decisions regarding color and lighting to match the layout can be made right there. It is very satisfying seeing the images filling up your layout. 



Make a resolution
Make sure you know what size a given photograph will be reproduced. Small resolutions can be photographed and managed faster. There is no need to shot 39 megapixel shots that are to be reproduced 3"x4". When images are to be used small, your photographer will switch to a smaller imager camera, which the computers can process much faster. Conversely, make sure you are getting all of the resolution that you will need. You will be hating life if you need to "rez up" an image. They will never look as good as you want.

Location, location, location
If you are going on location, make sure that you have made iron clad arrangements. There is nothing worse than trying to get some underling to let you in when they don't know anything about the shoot. I have been kicked out of many locations because the word never made it to the person at the door. Make sure that the crew get to the location on time. Location time runs out way too quickly. Make sure your products are prepped and ready in advance. You don't want to be the one holding up the production. Get out as quickly as you went in and don't break anything or leave a mess.

Time management
Budget your time. This advice works everywhere in life. It is even more important when you are spending money on a photo shoot. Photography costs can be quite high, so you'll need to maximize your time. Don't expect that the photographer/studio will be budgeting your time. Photographers are juggling a lot of balls in the air and you really want their energy spent being creative. The photographer will always give you their best effort. Make sure you are making your best effort.

Following these simple tips and you'll have a more successful shoot. 

To see some great photography check out Twede.com

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