February 12, 2024
You’ve decided to do a photo or video shoot for your business. Great decision. You clearly understand the massive benefits of integrating powerful visual assets into your marketing efforts (Here’s a blog post discussing that very thing).
But before the bright lights turn on, you need to be prepared. The last thing you want is for your marketing visuals to represent your business inaccurately. Photo and video shoots may seem expensive, but this is often because of the time and effort allocated to preproduction, the planning and prep phase long before the cameras start “rolling.”
It’s understandable if you’ve never done a commercial photoshoot. You’ve likely got lots of questions. Good thing we’re here to help.
Following are TDG’s Top 5 Tips for getting the most out of your next photo or video shoot:
- Make the shoot a priority. We understand interrupting regular business hours can cost time and money. But trust us, it’s worth it to do this right. Plan the shoot when there is no other work or customers needing help. Put all your effort and attention into the shoot to ensure you get the best shots possible, have dedicated access to your business space, and allow ample time to get shooting done. We understand that not everyone can shut down your business for a shoot. If you have to be open, make a plan with your shooter to give them the space needed to get quality photos and videos of your location. And don’t wait to make that plan. Do it well ahead of time.
- Talent makes all the difference. You’ll probably need people (called talent) in your photos and videos. They serve a specific purpose. Often, they fill up the space you’ve just blocked off so your business looks thriving. You don’t need professionals per se, but they should be comfortable on camera, taking direction, and acting. Not everyone is blessed with those skills. Work with your shooter to identify and hire these models and actors. Options may include recruiting good customers, friends, and family. Again, be sure to plan ahead. Get them scheduled. Warn them of what they are in for. And compensate them for their time.
- Be prepared for the boring. While the result looks great, a photo shoot is not very exciting. Honestly, at times, it can be downright boring. There is a lot of hurry up and wait. It takes time to set up equipment, set lights perfectly, frame the shot, and position people properly. That doesn’t even take into account how many times you may need to redo the same shot. Getting the best take is not about taking whatever you can get. You may do multiple shots of the same pose simply to get one great one. Believe us, it’s worth it. Just prepare your talent to be ready to perform when called on, and be okay with the waiting in between.
- Have a vision. Sure, it is possible to get something of quality by winging it. However, since you’re spending the money to have a photo/video shoot, it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Know what you want and talk with your shooter so they can see what you need. Not sure what you want? That’s fine. You don’t need to come up with this yourself. Listen to their vision as well. Allow them to pitch to you. Hear what they are saying. Respect their expertise. A collaborative environment usually produces the best results.
- Get a professional to do the work. No disrespect to your accountant’s third cousin’s youngest kid (who I am sure is very nice,) but it’s unlikely they have the skill set to produce professional results. If you want a professional product, you need to hire a pro to do the work.
Quality photo and video work is vital to your marketing. It is used in your printed materials and on your social media, website, digital advertising, and so much more.
TDG Agency has been making great videos for 30 years, and our experts would love to work with you! Contact us today, and let us discuss what you need. Even if you choose to work with someone else, just make sure your vision and their vision line up so you can get the best quality product possible.
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