Planning

Planning and organising your first photoshoot with a professional photographer can be a little daunting, but fear not, we are a friendly bunch and I am always here to help and advise you. I have listed a few tip below, depending on the type of photography your are looking to commission, but feel free to contact me at any stage of the booking process. These questions doe no need to be answered at then time of booking.

Product Photography - In Studio

Apart from jewellery, glass and silverware, I am happy to undertake any type of product photography, so please start by providing me with some information about your products and we can proceed from there.

• The size of the products. Am I photographing table top sized products, or free standing products?

• Please describe the product in detail and attach a few photographs, or a link to a website.

• Do they need assembling, or an electrical source?

• The quantity of products. Will they arrive at the studio together? If not, please advise.

• Can you deliver the products to my studio, or do they need collecting, if so, please supply the address)

• Will you provide someone to help with the assembly and styling of your products.

• What are the photographs being used for? Website. E-Commerce, Exhibition.

• Do you require the background removing (Cut-Out) and / or a Photoshop drop shadow adding?

• Do the products require retouching? If so, please supply details. (I can advise later if necessary)

• Do you have a deadline and date in mind for the photoshoot to take place?

Product Photography - On Location

Many of the details for product photography on location apply to the studio planning sheet above. In addition, please supply the following information: exact location(s) of the photoshoot.

• Details of the room to be used and the approximate size and ceiling height. If not, a mobile phone image will help.

• The existing lighting in the room. Any windows? If so, can they be blacked out?

• Access to electrical points.

• Are there any tables and chairs in the room? if so, can they be cleared? (I can advise on the space required)

• Will people be working in the same room?

• Are there any health and safety issues that I should be aware of?

Portrait Photography - In Studio

Please see my guide to portrait photography here In the meantime, I have listed a few more tips to ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly.

Please send me details of the number of people to be photographed in my studio.

• Where is everyone coming from? Please provide me with names and their travel locations.

• Am I following an existing style for your photographs? If so, please provide examples and details of the backgrounds used.

• Depending upon the number the number of people to be photographed and their travel locations, I will normally advise on staggering the photoshoot so that pole arrive at set times throughout the day.

• Do you have an idea of clothing to be worn? Formal casual, or a mixture of both (this will extend the shoot)

• Am I taking head and shoulders or full length? I usually suggest that I take both.

Portrait Photography - On Location

Please see the questions associated with product photography on location. These will be the same for portraits.

Food photography - in studio

Please note: Due to the amount of lighting, surfaces and props in my studio, I regret that I no longer offer food photography on location. I have a fully equipped kitchen here at CWP, with plenty of car parking and easy round floor access. Come along for day out from teh office and enjoy some time at the farm. Although, I no longer take my food equipment on location, I can offer some outdoor photographs in teh garden and paddock - time and weather permitting. If you are not working via a marketing agency, here are a few tips for planning your food photoshoot.

• Please describe in detail what I will be photographing and supply any previous imagery if possible.

• What is the photoshoot for: Menus, website, brochures, POS, digital, exhibition?

• Will you be supplying chef and an assistant in the kitchen?

• Do you require a food stylist / home economist? I highly recommend the use of a stylist.

• I will need ‘sign off’ on screen as we proceed through the photoshoot. Therefore, someone with authority to make a decision should attend please. I work closely with my customers and you will have full access to the studio and will see a ‘live view’ on screen of the image before we proceed to final photography. Don’t worry, this is a very simple way of working and gives you full control.

• Do you have an idea of the style of photography that you requre? Propped, on white, or would you like me to advise.

• Will you be providing your own crockery, cutlery and glasswear? I have a large number of plates and glasses, but best to check?

• Will you be providing surfaces and backgrounds, or would you like me to suggest these to you?

• What proportion of the photoshoot will be from frozen or ambient products? Can they be delivered to me prior to the shoot.

• Will you need to use a deep fat fryer, pizza oven or other cooking equipment?

• Would you like a free online chat prior to the photoshoot to discuss the logistics ect? Important for multiple day shoots.

• Who else plans to attend the photoshoot please?

AERIAL, DRONE & LOCATION SHOOTS

Foe aerial, drone and location photoshoots, please provide the following information:

Please describe what you would like photographing: Land, buildings or both.

• If possible please provide a plan /drawing showing bounderies.

• Do you require aerial (helicopter), drone, or ground level?

• Please provide exact locations with a post code, What3Words, or a Google Maps screen shot.

• Is permission required? If so, please provide details of the landowner.

• Will you be attending the photoshoot?

• Do you have a deadline / day for the photoshoot?