Planning For Photography

Planning for photography is no different to planning anything else in life, be it a holiday, a day out, a
route to somewhere, a family photography opportunity etc. Everything works out better with solid
planning in place and photo shoots are no different.
You must remember that it’s not just the camera and accessories you have that make great
photographs it’s more the planning and thought behind the photograph.
Spend time considering your theme, doing some research, your location options and your ideas before
you even pick up the camera. the more connected you can feel to what you are photographing the
more successful the shots are likely to be. There is a thought that the intensity of a photo is down to
how much of an emotional link there is between the photographer and the model/situation/location.
Photography needs to be a passion. The easiest photography to start with is your immediate family or
familiar locations, which you have a connection with already, but you still need a degree of planning
to ensure you portray what you really want. Always try and keep an open mind and plenty of
curiosity.
Once I have an assignment, I will need to do some research, on my mobile phone or iPad. I need to
consider who, what & where and when, also do I need certain weather conditions or times of day, will
the models I want be available and do I need to get permissions to use a venue.
What is a project schedule?
Project schedules are an overview of the project, with a timeline, tasks, what’s needed, and people
involved. It will tell you what you need to know in a glance. By including lots of details around all the
components of your project, you can track your progress to help you keep on schedule. Where groups
of people are involved, you would also need more in-depth breaking down of each area of schedule to
ensure you have the right people at the right times.
1. Plan a draft project schedule, including all project activities.
2. Have clear end goals. Be organised.
3. Identify all people involved in the project and set their tasks.
4. Set a deadline and build in some contingency time.
5. Work backwards from the end date to fix a schedule.
What is a shot list?
A shot list gives details of every planned shot. It is a checklist of every photo you wish to capture,
when and where. It alaso contains additional information about like camera angles or lighting set-up
so you don't forget anything1. It is usually a collaborative process between the director and the
director of photography (DoP) as they brainstorm the best way to visually tell the story3.
What is meant by Props, costumes & Makeup?
This will include each models’ costumes/clothing. Any specific make up required and who will do
this. Any props to set the scene and any locations required.

What is the Models list?

Anyone who will be within the phot shoot.
What is a Storyboard?
Storyboards help to break down a photoshoot, shot by shot. They are set out as a panel of photo ideas,
each one specific with details visually and in text. Storyboards allow photographers to define and
refine their shoot as they go if necessary.
What is a Photoshoot planner?
A Photoshoot planner contains:

 Project Plan
 Brief
 Mood Board
 Shot list
 Contact/Call list
What is a Lighting Diagram?
These are examples of a lighting diagram, useful as a good starting point but will need minor
adjustments dependant on external forces.
What are Release forms for models, locations, materials etc?
What is a Release Form Used For?
Release forms are common in film, photography, documentary, music, and radio industries. They
ensure that any content captured by a person is also therefore owned by them. Those featured have no
right to them. Without one, photographers could be forced to remove photographs from their
portfolios or websites if the persons featured withdraw their consent. A release form ensures a finished
product is protected and is a legal document which can also be used to obtain a copyright if wanted.

What is a risk assessment and location scouting?

A risk assessment is a process of identifying hazards/risks within or in connection with the place/area
you are using and those involved. It is designed to provide reasonable levels of safety and to remove
hazards.
Location scouting is carried out alongside the risk assessment and is a vital process in the pre-
production stage of photography. This is how you decide on the location for your shoot, usually you
would have a list of criteria required and you need to find somewhere that meets all the needs. In
larger organisations this is done by an actual location scout who does this as their job.
What is Weather Forecasting for?
This is relevant for outdoor shoots where certain conditions are required. There are many online
weather applications which can assist with this.
What are Permissions applications?
These are agreements that people who are being photographed sign to give permission for them to be
used in the public domain. They have the right to agree to some use and not others and must be
adhered to. For example, they might be happy for it to be used in a magazine but not on Facebook.
What is Logistics Planning?
Logistics planning is when there is someone making sure you have your props, people etc ready and
in the right place at the right time. It also includes thinking through scenarios of things that could go
wrong and how they could be dealt with. The idea is to ensure a trouble free and successful shoot.
What is the Equipment List?
This is basically all equipment required, from camera and lenses through to tripods and screens and
anything in between. If something might be required, it needs to be on the list to avoid problems with
not having all the equipment required when you are ready to shoot.