How to prepare for a commercial photoshoot
Set the scene — you’re a business owner or marketing manager gearing up for your next brand shoot. It’s exciting, but there are a lot of moving parts — and if you’re not prepared, you can waste time, money, and miss your shot (literally).
Start With Your End Goal (Define Success)
Before you even talk locations or lighting, get clear on why you’re doing the shoot.
Is it for a product launch? Social campaign? Website refresh?
What emotions or values do you want your visuals to communicate?
What’s the end use — print, web, social, e-commerce?
💡 Pro Tip: The clearer your creative direction, the more efficiently your photographer (that’s me 👋) can plan and budget.
Build a Shot List That Aligns With Your Brand Story
This is where strategy meets creativity.
Start with your marketing calendar.
Note what visuals you’ll need for each channel.
Prioritize “must-have” shots and “nice-to-have” extras.
Include lifestyle, product, and environment variety for flexibility.
💡 Pro Tip: Think in campaign sets, not single images. You’ll save time and money if the shoot is planned around your marketing cadence.
Plan Your Team and Talent
Behind every great photo shoot is a small army.
Who’s your internal point of contact?
Who needs to be on set (marketing, art director, product stylists)?
Are you hiring models or using employees?
Hair/makeup/styling — are they included or outsourced?
💡 Pro Tip: Assign one person to be the “final decision maker.” It keeps the shoot efficient and avoids creative gridlock.
Lock In the Location and Logistics
Choose a space that matches your brand tone (modern, natural, industrial, lifestyle).
Plan for power, parking, and noise (especially if outdoors).
Always confirm access times and load-in/out requirements.
💡 Pro Tip: Scout your location with your photographer or at least send detailed photos/videos. A five-minute walkthrough can save a five-hour headache.
Prepare Your Products or Props Early
You’d be surprised how often this gets overlooked.
Clean, polish, and prep every product.
Have multiples on hand in case of damage.
Organize props and wardrobe by shot order to save time.
💡 Pro Tip: A simple labeled bin system can save 30–45 minutes of chaos on set.
Communicate Clearly Before (and During) the Shoot
Share your goals, shot list, and timeline early.
Be clear on file delivery expectations (raw vs. retouched, formats, etc.).
On shoot day, keep feedback concise and trust the process.
💡 Pro Tip: If something feels off, say it right away — fixing it on set is 100x easier than in post.
After the Shoot — Organize, Review, and Use Your Images
Review proofs promptly and make selects strategically.
Build a brand image library so your assets are organized and easy to find.
Plan your rollout: social, website updates, ad campaigns, etc.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your photographer for resized versions for each platform — consistent formatting keeps your brand polished.
Preparing for a commercial photoshoot isn’t just about logistics — it’s about clarity. The clearer your goals, your message, and your team, the more your images will actually work for your brand.
If you’re planning your next shoot and want to make the process simple, organized, and stress-free —
👉 Contact Patrick Fore Photography for a quote or consultation.
FAQ
Q: How far in advance should I plan a commercial photoshoot?
Ideally 3–4 weeks ahead for small shoots, and 6–8 weeks for large productions.
Q: How much does a commercial photoshoot cost?
Costs depend on scope, talent, location, and licensing. Most of my clients invest between $4,000–$8,000 for fully produced shoots.
Q: Can I reuse images from one campaign for others?
Absolutely — I recommend planning shoots around evergreen visuals so you can scale your brand content library over time.