Pre-production: setting the stage for success

You've seen the stunning final images, but what you may not realize is the extensive preparation that goes on behind the scenes. Yes, there's a whole lot more to creating captivating visuals than just clicking buttons (I promise!) So, grab your coffee and let's dive into the world of pre-production.

The Prep

Pre-production is the unsung hero of any successful photoshoot. Whether it's a high-fashion editorial or a mouth-watering food spread, meticulous planning is key to ensuring everything runs like clockwork on the big day.

Creating a Runsheet:

First things first, we map out a detailed runsheet outlining every aspect of the shoot, from start to finish. This includes scheduling talent, crew, and any necessary equipment, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

We scheduled all of our social media content, created email templates, created project timelines (and stuck to them), created a booking system for our clients, created an inquiry form and so on.

Booking Talent and Crew:

Next up, we secure our team of models, stylists, hair and makeup artists, and any other professionals needed to bring our vision to life.

DIY & Set Design Prep:

For shoots requiring custom sets or props, we roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of DIY. From painting backdrops to constructing intricate sets, every detail is meticulously crafted to perfection.

Ordering Props and Backdrops:

No shoot is complete without the perfect props and backdrops. We scour the internet and local shops to find the ideal pieces to complement our vision.

Organizing Client Products:

Ensuring we have all the client's products ready to go is crucial. We meticulously organize and prep each item to ensure they shine in front of the camera.

Shopping for Fresh Ingredients:

For food shoots, sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients is paramount. We hit the markets to handpick the freshest produce, ensuring each dish looks as delicious as it tastes.

Wardrobe or Materials:

Whether it's selecting the perfect wardrobe pieces or gathering materials for a DIY project, every element is thoughtfully curated to align with the shoot's concept.

Why Pre-Production Matters

With so many moving parts, forgetting even one detail can throw off the entire shoot. Rescheduling or compromises are the last things we want, which is why meticulous planning is non-negotiable.

Do You Charge for Prep Time?

Now, let's talk business. Do you charge for your prep time? We believe that the preparation phase is just as valuable as the shoot itself, which is why we don't often recommend charging per image. But hey, everyone's business model is different, so we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Let's Chat!

Do you do any prep for your shoots? Have any pre-production horror stories or tips to share? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below!

Behind every wonderful photo and video is a whole lot of preparation that you often don’t see. So here's to the unsung heroes of the creative process: the pre-production wizards who make the magic happen. Cheers to setting the stage for success!

IF YOU FOUND THIS BLOG HELPFUL, Check out our INSTAGRAM for more educational content and all the bts of what we get up to in the studio!