Planning a photo shoot
Getting the best results
Arranging finished project photography is a commitment of time, money and resources. More than that, with a lot of projects there is often only one opportunity to photograph.
We want the very best results, and great photography rarely happens by accident. Careful planning and communication will always lead to a more efficient and productive shoot.
Each project is unique, but these notes will help to identify and address issues that may come up in the planning and production of any architectural photography assignment.
Before the shoot
Provide the exact location.
Can you walk through the project? If not can you provide maps, site plans, progress photographs? Time spent on the day of photography getting oriented, planning shot lists and schedule is time taken away from production.
What are the assignment goals? What concepts, materials, spaces need to be highlighted? Any elements to downplay or avoid? How many spaces do you want to have photographed, how many views?
Who will use the photography and how? What is your target audience- proposals, contests, publication?
Are other parties interested in using the photography?
Is sharing cost with another party a possibility? Normally photography is licensed for use by a single party only. Multi party arrangements should be confirmed before the shoot.
What is the time window? Are there limitations on access?
Delivery deadlines or special formats needed?
Plan to allow enough time for post production work and delivery.
At the site
Issues to consider-
Is the site ready for photography, is this a good time to photograph?
Are the owners and management expecting the photographer and crew?
Do they understand the level of production and amount of time involved?
Some may assume that photography will be a quick process involving a few hand held snapshots.
Let’s avoid surprises. They need to understand what is involved.
Will client or a representative be present for the shoot?
If not does the photographer clearly understand your requirements?
Can you be contacted during photography?
Has access been arranged to the site?
Can photographer, crew and equipment get in and out after hours?
Do we need to use the loading dock? Keys, keycards, alarms?
Can all windows and blinds be accessed?
Is an insurance certificate required?
Time of year
Consider natural lighting and sun angles.
Will we get sun on the main facade? Leaves on trees, shrubs and plants in flower? Seasonal decorations?
Time of day
Traffic, parked cars. Natural lighting or mixed lighting. Photography while people are working or after hours? Photograph on the weekend?
Is all construction complete?
Has there been a recent site visit?
Trailers, dumpsters, silt fences removed?
Permanent signage in place and illuminated?
Site conditions
Windows clean?
Can we control parking or traffic?
Is landscaping settled, has the sod grown in?
Possible disruptions
Avoid scheduling conflicts with landscape crews, window cleaners, maintenance crews.
Can sprinklers be delayed?
Electrical
Are all bulbs and circuits working?
Can light controls and electrical panels be accessed?
Can timers and photocells be adjusted for twilight photography?
Interiors
All tenants notified? Keycard available?
Public spaces clean, housekeeping available?
All furnishings installed?
Is move-in complete or are there boxes everywhere?
Paintings and artwork in place?
Flowers and plants available or needed?
Props and accessories planned?