How do I prepare for a Photoshoot?

Booking a photoshoot is an exciting step but, what’s next? 

We’re here to guide you through the often-overlooked but crucial stage of a photoshoot - preparation. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most out of your production. We will touch on creating impactful mood boards, defining clear creative goals and prepping your products with extras such as props. We’ll also touch on the importance of backgrounds and colors that help accentuate your product.

Whether this is your first shoot or you’re a seasoned pro looking to refine your process, these tips will help you streamline your preparation and maximize the value of your investment. So, let’s dive in and set the stage for a stress-free shoot that captures your product at its best!

Defining your vision & goals for your brand/product

Begin by clearly outlining the purpose of your shoot. Consider the primary platforms where the images will be used. Is it for e-commerce, social media, digital advertising, or product storytelling? It may seem like a lot but each medium often requires a unique approach in terms of style, composition, and tone.

For example, e-commerce images might require high-detail shots on a white background to highlight product features, while social media may benefit from more creative, lifestyle-driven images that capture the mood and vibe of your brand, such as more colorful backdrops or environments.

Once you've established the shoot’s purpose define the style and overall aesthetics you want to achieve. Think about the color palettes, lighting, and emotional tone you want to convey. Be sure to communicate this vision clearly with your photographer, sharing inspiration boards, sample images, or brand guidelines to ensure everyone is aligned.

Create a Shot List & Mood Board

Plan out the shots you need in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient photoshoot. This includes a mix of angles including close-ups, lifestyle images, and group shots to fully capture the essence of your brand and products. Creating a mood board with references can be incredibly helpful for aligning the team on the desired look and feel. This could include sample images that reflect your brand's tone, lighting preferences, color palettes, and overall aesthetic.

Additionally, platforms like Pinterest can be a great resource for gathering inspiration – feel free to share any Pinterest boards or visual references you have, as this will give us a clearer understanding of your creative vision. The more we understand your style and goals, the better we can bring your ideas to life! Also, if you need help with a shot list we will be happy to help! An example of a (very simple) shot list can be found here.

Consider Props & Backgrounds

Choose props, surfaces, and backdrops that complement your products and help convey the desired mood without stealing the spotlight. The right selection can enhance the product’s appeal, reinforce your brand identity, and provide context to your images. Consider using textures, colors, and materials that align with your brand. Is it minimalistic? Rustic and organic? Vibrant and bold?

Background colors play a huge role in this as well as, naturally, certain colors and aesthetics clash with one another. Solid and soft colors are usually recommended to help emphasize your product but there are exceptions and it truly depends on how you want to attract your audience.

At Michelle LaCruz Photo, we maintain a large inventory of versatile props to suit a wide range of styles and concepts. From minimalist surfaces to rich, textured backgrounds, we have the tools needed to elevate your products. If there’s a specific prop or backdrop you have in mind that we don’t have on hand, we are more than happy to source it for your shoot to ensure the final images perfectly capture your brand’s vision!

Think about how your props will interact with the product in terms of scale, color contrast, and overall composition. The goal is to create a balanced scene that highlights your product while subtly reinforcing your brand’s message.

Our Prop Wall at Michelle LaCruz Studio!

In Conclusion

Proper preparation before a photoshoot plays a key role in creating a communicative, and collaborative experience. The more aligned we are on your brand’s goals, visual direction, and creative vision, the more impactful the final results will be. One of the best tools for ensuring this alignment is a well-crafted mood board as it acts as a shared visual language between you and the creative team.

Props are another essential element that can take your shoot to the next level, if it is applicable. Carefully selected props, surfaces, and background elements allow us to tell a richer story about your product or brand showing not just what it is, but who it’s for and what it represents. They help create context which is key to connecting with your audience.

And don’t worry, if you’re unsure where to start or need support along the way, we’re always here to help! Feel free to contact us and we can schedule a meet right away, we look forward to meeting you!