Optimize the Optics
Are you preparing to launch a product, book or your brand? As someone who has done all three, I have learned how to maximize a one-hour, one-location photoshoot to build a collection of classic images on a budget. If you want to make the most of your upcoming shoot, implement the following:
Behind the scenes of VK Press product/branding shoot September 2017.
PLAN YOUR STRATEGY. Brainstorm your blog posts, digital product displays, social media posts, etc. Do not pay a deposit without a clear vision for the use of the photos.
PLOT YOUR PLACEMENTS. Use step one to determine the photo orientations. For a website banner, you will need horizontal photos. For social media stories, vertical photos are ideal. Mapping the photo placements will help to guide the direction of the shoot.
PREPARE TOP 10. List 10 shots and note the focal point. Include a variety of options in your list such as up close or full body and action or staged. The possibilities are endless.
VK Press product/branding shoot September 2017. Photo by Mike Andre
BONUS: Collect one already published image per shot from your list to create a mood board. You can do this on Pinterest or by creating a private album on your phone’s photo app and share it with your photographer. Trust me. They will appreciate it!
As a caveat, the actual number of shots and final edits will depend on your photographer’s packaging. Because this type of shoot can be completed within an hour, you may be able to negotiate additional photos and improvise. The more you are prepared, the more likely you can optimize the optics!
