\nOVERALL PLANNING<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u2022\tStage for photos, not your usual display. As you set up, look through the lens on a camera (cell phone is fine), instead of with your naked eye. Things look different through a frame, so your usual set-up might not photograph well.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tBe sure everyone involved is aware and prepared.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tIt pays to spend a week looking at the light at various times of day at the place of the shoot. Then schedule the shoot for the best time of day. The absolute best is with plenty of sunlight, but without strong shadows or harsh light, like on an overcast day.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tTo keep costs down, have a shot plan made in advance. It’s a way to make sure you get all the shots you need and to provide a checklist so no shot is forgotten. It can be a collection of photos on your cell phone, written notes, or a Pinterest board. Look at previous photos of your business\u2014what worked and looked good? Make a note to duplicate the shot. What\u2019s needed\u2014models, props, lighting\u2014to get the shots on your shot list? Here’s a very rough shot list so you can see how little effort is needed\u2014just grab a collection of photos you want to duplicate:
\n![\"Shot](\"https:\/\/metapix.us\/metablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/blog-shot-list-sample.jpg\")
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\u2022\tRemember this is marketing and branding. Be sure all props, staging, and attire are a direct reflection of your brand. It’s not about what you might like; it’s about what will make potential clients interested as well as what consistently supports and promotes your brand. If your brand color palette is calm, be sure no one wears bright colours like red or neon, if your brand is very professional, hide the ceramic kitten vase\u2014that type of thing.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tEssentially, be prepared. Everything is staged and clean before we get there. The better prepared you are, the more you will like the results. And you\u2019ll save money by shortening the time we spend shooting and\/or Photoshopping.<\/p>\n
Tell your staff well in advance that there will be a shoot. Be sure they are well-trained on your business\u2019s brand and how you wish your staff to be presented in marketing.<\/p>\n \u2022\tIs there a uniform? Make sure they have enough advanced notice to have it cleaned and pressed. It pays to spend a week looking at the light at various times of day on your building exterior. Note when there are no deep shadows. Then schedule the shoot for the best time of day. The absolute best is with plenty of light on your building, but without shadows or strong light, like on an overcast day.<\/p>\n \u2022\tIf you have street parking in front of your building, fill the spots with your staff\u2019s cars \u2013 then roll out right as we start shooting so there\u2019s no parked cars blocking the view of your building. Clean, stage, organize! It costs $$$ for us to Photoshop out dirt on walls, messy areas, monitors with ugly screen savers, wires, etc.<\/p>\n \u2022\tPlan on computer monitors being off. The best product shots are done with our light box at our offices – see photo to left. Especially if you want white backgrounds. But that means transporting\/shipping products which can be costly.<\/p>\n If we shoot at your location:<\/p>\n \u2022\tClean, neat display that will look best photographed<\/p>\n \u2022\tClutter-free background<\/p>\n \u2022\tIf you have props to use, please have them ready to go – be sure they are clean and to your brand.<\/p>\n \u2022\tIf possible, have us set up our equipment away from clients, so we do not disrupt your business.<\/p>\n \u2022\tPrice tags and stickers \u2013 your call! Sometimes they can be edited out, but that can $$$.<\/p>\n Having people in your shots can really make them. <\/p>\n \u2022\tBe sure you have written permission from the model\u2014before the shoot\u2014to use them in marketing. Hiring professional models is usually not an option. Client models make for great marketing if you have clients who are willing to trade product\/services for use of their image for marketing. Staff members in plain clothes or family and friends have worked in the past.<\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metapix.us\/metablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/blog-thena-holmen-8803.jpg\")
STAFF<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022\tDo you require name tags? Be sure they are clean and pinned on evenly.
\n\u2022\tHair – have a clearly defined outline of what\u2019s acceptable. (We once had a client tell us our shots were no good, but when we dug further, it was because their staff member\u2019s bangs were too long. This type of directive must come from you, the boss.)
\n\u2022\tLab coats \u2013 we\u2019ve learned from photographing our medical clients that wrinkles pop from lab coats. Iron them!
\n\u2022\tIron or steamer onsite. This has saved many-a-shoot. Consider it, especially if clothing or fabrics are key to your brand.
\n\u2022\tDon\u2019t wear clothing with writing, logos, or reflective elements, like on jogging gear.
\n\u2022\tEasy on jewelry and printed fabrics.
\n\u2022\tLet us know in advance if you want candid shots, head-shots, client interaction.
\n\u2022\tIf you are shooting video, make sure no one is wearing loud clompy shoes!<\/p>\n
\nBUSINESS EXTERIORS<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022\tDon\u2019t schedule a photoshoot of your building exterior on trash pickup day!
\n\u2022\tRemove all posters, clutter from windows.
\n\u2022\tClean windows.
\n\u2022\tIf it\u2019s an evening shoot, be sure all light bulbs are working.
\n\u2022\tTell your neighbors, if relevant, that you are paying for a shoot and ask them not to put trash outside.
\n\u2022\tTake out all seasonal decor (unless this is a seasonal shoot) \u2013 for example, if there\u2019s a Christmas tree in your window, you won\u2019t be able to use the shot for marketing in summer. Non-seasonal, non-dated decor is the best for general marketing shots.
\n\u2022\tIf this is a seasonal shoot, be sure all decor is perfect before we arrive.
\n\u2022\tAlso before we arrive, look at your building exterior with the shot in mind \u2013 often what looks better in general, does not work for a photo. Stand in the place you want the shot(s) done and make sure all looks great.
\n\u2022\tDo you have permission? Occasionally, we\u2019ve run into problems with an HOA or building management not allowing commercial photography. Be sure all permissions have been organized before the shoot.
\n\u2022\tIf the photographer will need to stand in a street to get the shots, be sure there\u2019s someone to look out for traffic.<\/p>\n
\nBUSINESS INTERIORS<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022\tAs with the exterior shoot planning, check the light at various times of day \u2013 schedule the shoot during good, strong light.
\n\u2022\tMake sure all product displays are perfect.
\n\u2022\tTake time, well before we arrive, to scan the location for any clutter, any items that do not reflect your brand, or speak well of your business.
\n\u2022\tHide or tidy wiring \u2013 if possible, unplug electronics and remove.
\n\u2022\tMake sure all wall art is hung evenly.
\n\u2022\tReview the areas you want shot \u2013 any bright colours or high-contrast will draw the eye, so make sure that anything along these lines is hidden away unless they are part of the brand \u2013 or you wish them to be featured. For example, we took a long time Photoshopping out neon flyers for a local farmers\u2019 market from one client\u2019s photos.
\n\u2022\tTrim dead flowers from displays.
\n\u2022\tWill we have easy access? Do we need name badges? Security codes? A guide? There have been times we\u2019ve traveled to a site to shoot and not been able to access the building!<\/p>\n
\n![\"Food](\"https:\/\/metapix.us\/metablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/blog-artisan-prep-280x300.jpg\")
PRODUCT SHOTS<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\nMODELS<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022\tConfirm and reconfirm time and location with models (Emphasis!)\u2013 any delay means you are paying us with no work being done.
\n\u2022\tBe clear with models on clothing. No patterns, logos, text, or reflective or glow-in-the-dark material.
\n\u2022\tBe sure you are all on the same page with model styling\u2014are they doing their own hair and makeup? Be sure to plan ahead.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/metapix.us\/metablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/blog_vittoria_0187.jpg\")
SERVICES PORTRAYAL<\/strong><\/p>\n