QSK’s Master Client Checklist for a Smooth Photo Shoot
Here’s how we ensure every Quincy Street Kitchen client is prepared for their time in the studio and achieves the results they want
You might be surprised by how little time during the entire photo shoot production is spent with a camera in hand. Before we ever set up a light or pick up a camera, we run through an entire checklist with our clients to ensure clear communication of imagery needs, goals, and the bigger picture!
Brand Aesthetic
Utilizing your branded style guide helps us to infuse the final imagery with branded elements. Colors, patterns, textures, and fonts help us create imagery that feels on-brand right from the get-go.
Our client, Risata Wines was looking to play up their bright, colorful, bubbly brand aesthetic and we created multiple scenes that their audience would see as an extension of the brand.
** One of our favorite things? When clients share inspiration photos that they love! We use these images as a starting point to create a mood board for the photo shoot. Scroll down to read more about mood boards!
Brand Story
Who are your clients? Who is your target market?
You might be wondering why your photographer needs to know the in’s and out’s of your brand and your audience. But, it makes it easier for us to create the kind of content you want and your audience wants to see (and already connects with)!
Our client, Anna Klimmek of Happy Food MN helps people get excited about their nutrition and finding the foods that make them feel their best. It’s only natural that the brand’s personality (and the energy Anna’s client should expect from her) shine through in her content. We captured her in action in the kitchen and made sure we allowed for a good mix of expertise and fun!
Shot List
What images do we need to capture to tell your story? There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to shot lists!
Product images
Products with ingredients? With a model using it? Only showing hands in the scene?
Portrait of the maker?
Final hero images of each food idea?
Your needs, what your audience already engages the best with, and how you plan to use the images are all pieces to consider when creating a shot list.
This is a very collaborative part of the checklist that helps us manage the number of shots needed and the time we’ll need to create all of it.
What does the client need to do?
While we take the bulk of the heavy lifting when prepping for a photo shoot, we do give our clients some things to consider and plan for to help the photo shoot go as smoothly as possible!
Mood Board - We ask clients to share a mood board that reflects their brand identity and visual aesthetic. This can include links to social posts they like, a folder of inspiration images, or other brands that have the type of aesthetic they’re looking to capture with our photo shoot.
Props - Our prop closet is our happy place and has anything we might need for a photo shoot. If a brand has specific props that should be used or needs a specific type of spatula in a color that matches their logo, we help source all those pieces. But, we need the client’s help to know what they want. If prop purchases are needed, we create a list of items we believe will make the imagery more powerful and have the client approve it before making any purchases.
Product - If the client is a product-based brand, we ask that they provide plenty of product for the photo shoot. Each product should have a clean, well-placed label that can be the hero product for photos, and additional products so we don’t come up short. If the product comes in a variety of sizes or colors, we recommend bringing a few of each size and color. Of course, final details and product needs will be discussed prior to the photo shoot in conjunction with the shot list.
Who has the final say? - It’s important to decide who signs off on the final approval of imagery. To be most efficient, it’s best to have one point person approve the images during the photo shoot, answer any questions that might come up, and make any final decisions regarding how a product is used or how the brand is represented.
Interested in telling your brand’s story visually?
We’d love to help you!
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