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Photo Shoot Checklist

4.8/5 with 253 votes
Table of Contents

Introduction

The key to a great photo shoot is advance preparation. Whether you’re having an impromptu session or staging a multi-person shoot with models and makeup artists, it’s best to consider a few important elements. By paying close attention to the following considerations even a selfie can transform into something profound and professional.
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Camera.

Obviously a camera is the number one necessity, but the right camera for the job is even more important. Will these photos wind up on billboards, TV, Instagram, or hopefully all three? Knowing ahead of time will ensure your camera sensor and pixel size are adequate for these applications. Something 10MP and above should handle most applications.
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Lighting.

Often overlooked but this is one of the most important aspects of capturing a great photo. When taking selfies, try turning into different angles of light until you find something most desirable. For a staged photoshoot, consider the environment and provide ample lighting to accommodate for shadows or inadequate indoor lighting. Filters, gels and diffusers can help smooth out artificial lighting and add a professional appearance to your photos. Anything from an extra household lamp, flashlights to professional lighting rigs can be used. You can even use a second smartphone flashlight to help illuminate subjects when snapping photos at night.
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Water and Concessions.

When hosting a photo shoot, if the subjects are tired and parched, it will be extra difficult to keep them looking their best. Keep around:
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fresh water

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hot tea

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iced-tea

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cookies

Toggle fresh fruit status

fresh fruit

Toggle vegetables status

vegetables

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citrus juices

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Wardrobe.

A balance of colors between the subject’s clothes, the background and available light all play off together to create the perfect photo. Consider where you will be shooting, be it your bedroom or on a sailboat, the colors and dress either in sheer compliment or contrast to your surroundings.
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Photographer.

Hiring a professional photographer for your photo shoot. Some photographers are willing to shoot images pro-bono to help build their portfolio. Ask around and peruse the portfolios of different photographers until you find someone suitable for the shoot.
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Models.

Consider hiring a professional model for the shoot. Even adding just one professional model to a multi-person shoot can take your DIY photo shoot to a more professional space. Additionally, models will have considerable contacts for photo shoot essentials, so feel free to inquire and seek advice from your model.
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Makeup.

Go clean or go for cosmetics. There are a considerable number of books available on the subject. Even your local make-up shop will have some helpful tips. A professional makeup artist will often do hair and wardrobe as well.
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Venue.

Sometimes hosting your photo shoot in a cool or unusual place is the best way to make the end result stand-out. Give careful thought to the best environment for your shoot and your photos will continually be “next level”.
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Scout locations ahead of time.

Toggle Think of an environment that will best suit your goals for the resulting imagery. status

Think of an environment that will best suit your goals for the resulting imagery.

If you’re modeling lingerie, perhaps shooting in an upscale hotel room or on a luxury yacht will enhance the photo. If you’re selling food products, using a professional kitchen as a setting could prove useful.
Toggle Venues can be gifted by their owners or often rented for the hour, day, or week. status

Venues can be gifted by their owners or often rented for the hour, day, or week.

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Photo Shoot Checklist Tips

Having a tripod handy will help keep images stable and clear. Even the smallest movements from taking a handheld photo can affect the overall clarity of a picture. Tripods and camera stabilizers often yield the clearest and sharpest images.

If you are planning to shoot outside or you’re having people travel to and from your photo shoot location, it’s possible weather may be a determining factor in the outcome. Bad weather can keep people from reaching your shoot. Some photographers may refuse to shoot outdoors on rainy or overly cloudy days. Plan an alternative rain date in advance and confirm it with the whole crew.

Having a laptop or personal computing devices at the shoot will help you examine images on the spot and also afford any hired photographers the opportunity to download some photos for you.

Who it's for

This Photo Shoot Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

  • Avoid forgetting - keep all your Photo Shoot essentials in one place (external memory)
  • Save time - start from a proven Photo Shoot structure instead of a blank page
  • Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
  • Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
  • Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use it

How to use this Photo Shoot Checklist

  • Save Photo Shoot Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
  • Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Photo Shoot (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
  • If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
  • Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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