How to Plan A Brand Campaign Photoshoot
Are you a photographer looking to shoot more imagery for brands? I absolutely love photographing for small, sustainable kids brands specifically. It’s work that I want to do more of in 2023, so I’m diving head first into the process!
Here are a few things I’ve learned and my strategy on how I plan and shoot a brand campaign on film!
Create a moodboard
As photographers, we’re visual people, right? We communicate our ideas mainly through images instead of text. So a great way to organize your ideas AND communicate your vision to a client is to create a moodboard.
I start by sourcing images on Pinterest (some on IG as well) and put together a rough version in Photoshop. I include the overall vibe, location ideas if I have them and any specific poses.
Once I get initial concept approval from the client, I create a more in-depth moodboard in Milanote. This board includes specific products I’m using, props I need to purchase/bring on shoot day, specific locations as well as a detailed shot list and timeline. I’m a huge nerd when it comes to moodboards and organization, so I might go a bit overboard but that’s just my personal process.
^ here is a moodboard I created for my lookbook shoot for Bel & Bow. ^
2. Make sure you have a shot list planned.
Always, always, always create a shot list! This not only helps to keep you on schedule during shoot day but it also ensures your client is getting the images that they need.
I always ask if there are any specific images the brand needs for their campaign. I try to shoot as much of a variety of possible but it’s also helpful to have specific shot requests if possible!
I make my shot list in Milanote along with my moodboard.
3. Gather a great team of creatives.
Collaboration is a beautiful thing! Reach out to some creatives in your area for your shoot. Stylists, hair & makeup artists, set designers, etc. are great connections to have in the photography industry.
And a photo assistant goes a long way, especially if you’re shooting film! There are a lot of moving parts on a shoot day, so extra hands and eyes on the products & gear is super helpful
Shooting for brands is so much fun and can be a great way to expand your photography career & portfolio! I have a background and BA in Commercial Photography, so I have found the combination of family photography and brand photography has been suuuuch a sweet spot for me. I love working with kids, so small & sustainable kids brands are such a great fit for me.
Are you a brand that needs fresh imagery? Please get in touch to book a brand campaign shoot.
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