How to Conceptualize Photography Needs
If you’ve read our previous posts, you know we take delivering content for clients very seriously. We always offer personalized pricing packages to ensure that clients get exactly what they need and never pay for what they won’t use. But oftentimes, we’re asked how to determine what photography assets are worthwhile and how to plan for that. Today, we’re talking about how to conceptualize photography to create a shot list.
Step 1: Pinpoint your goals.
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times: knowing your end-goal when you engage a photographer is the surest way to make your content work for you! Are you launching your brand? Seeking investors? Driving online sales? Announcing a new retailer? Come to your photographer with these goals in mind. They’ll know how to help you create photos that can be used in that particular application and deliver the biggest impact. They’ll also know how best to export the photos for that use — a key factor that some brands and marketing teams overlook.
Step 2: Imagine it in situ.
The most successful assets we’ve delivered to clients had a clear mission behind them that was driven by a team who could see the final product. These clients came to us with shot lists that were so specific they included the caption for the Instagram photo in the shot list! Talk about having a vision. They could see exactly how the photo would look and the impact it would have on their social feeds, emails, and websites. If this is something you struggle with, ask your photographer for help! We love mocking up photos to make sure they fit with your vision. From there, it’s easy to craft a social strategy that includes specific calls to action and thematic approaches. (PS: need help with that? We also offer graphic design and social media management services!)
Step 3: Tell your photographer what you need, even if you’re not completely sure.
A vague ask doesn’t go far. While we’re always happy to help fill in the holes on a shot list and take a creative vision and run with it, there’s a baseline for the amount of guidance we need from you to make our process efficient and effective. Before you talk with your photographer, have in mind some goals, companies you admire, and styles you like in mind. Based on these few things, your photographer will be able to help guide you through a brand style and then pinpoint specific assets you’ll need as a part of this shot list.
Step 4: Decide whether or not to join the shoot.
Concepting for photography and shot lists is just that — concepts. If you’re having trouble envisioning the photos and assets, ask your photographer if you can participate in the shoot. Of course, all photographers operate differently, so you’ll need to check with the team, but often, it’s easy to jump on Zoom or drive over to the studio for a peek behind the scenes. Heads up, though: this sometimes costs extra.
Hopefully this helps you pinpoint what your photography needs are. If you know you have a need, but you need help figuring out exactly what it is, we're just an email away!
