Getting the shot…
Having had the pleasure of directing a few photoshoots over this last year, I thought I’d share some of my learnings from our most recent one, which involved capturing both motion and stills against a green screen.
Before the shoot
📅 Spend way more time planning than you think you need. Location. Studio space. Ease of access. Talent. Props. Crew. Technical equipment. Shots. Extra shots. Backup shots. Placements and variations.
📷 List the shots you need, and show examples (AI, scamps, test shots)
✅ Have a checklist for every shot – what mood are you capturing, what’s the angle, what absolutely must be included, what not to show, what are the variations?
👗 Get the wardrobe and styling sorted early on, but source this as late as possible to allow for any changes (especially where custom branding is concerned). Best to shop locally - online deliveries are rarely reliable when you need them to be!
🗜️ What equipment do you need to get the shot? Not just your cameras, lights and tripods, but is there any ‘magic’ required to achieve the footage? I had to build a device which spins a ball over a green screen so that the footage could be comped into another, separate sequence.
📍 Use local suppliers for sourcing kit, props and custom items. Dealing in person is so much easier than over the phone. Plus you can get there if you need to pick up late!
💭 Think of every possible eventuality – what could go wrong? Have a backup plan.
🖋️ Make sure all your stakeholders have approved the plan.
During the shoot
⏰ Get there early
🛠️ Set-up always takes longer than you think. If possible set up the lighting and set the day before. Test it works.
📇 Ensure everyone knows where to be and when and you have everyone’s numbers handy
⚠️ Have a back-up plan for crew and talent should there be a no show
🪪 Make sure everyone has a role on the day – whether that’s reviewing shots, adjusting wardrobe, covering up flaws or logos, moving lighting, backing up shots, or getting the lunch (very important)
📋 Keep an eye on your timings.
📸 Prioritise the priority shots.
🤳 Double check your shots as you go, then tick them off.
📋 Stick to the plan.
↔️ Plans change. So be prepared to think on your feet.
😜 Remember to have fun – how many people get to do this for a living?
In summary, shoots are exhausting, and can be really stressful. But you won’t remember the pain of the day when you have the final cuts in the bag ready to go out into the world!
CEO & Founder at Play Your Brand
2 semanas✨🍔