How to Prepare for a Photoshoot

As a professional product stylist in Los Angeles, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on many sets and with many clients. Each time I am tasked with a new project or shoot, two things happen. First, I’m excited for the opportunity to yet again, do what I love, and that clients entrust me to help carry their vision to life. The second is sheer panic and anxiety, yes! Every time. Why? Because even now, years into my journey as a prop stylist and product photographer I still get pre-shoot jitters.

Will I be able to fabricate what the client needs in time for the shoot? Will we be able to source all of the props in-time given the current manufacturing delays across the world? will we have enough time to execute each client’s shotlist and with ease? But you know what I’ve learned? In the end, whether you’re just starting out in the industry as a Product Stylist, Prop Stylist, Product Photographer or PA, anxiety will happen, but if you’re prepared for the shoot, and take the time to set small tasks and accomplish them you’ll be that much more at ease and ready for set.

When you pre-plan and prepare ahead, you’ll ensure your shoot is successful. Which is why, today, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips to help you get prepared for your next shoot, whether it’s your first, or your 100th.

This can be applied to any position on set, however, for the purposes of today’s post, I’m going to share tips from my perspective as a Product/Prop Stylist in Los Angeles.

Preparing for a product shoot as a stylist can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, planning, and execution, it can be less so. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your next shoot:

????1. ??? Before you start planning your shoot, make sure you have a clear understanding of what brand you’ll be working for and what the Creative Director or Art Director is asking of you.

????2. ???Take the time to set-up a pre-pro (pre-production call) with the creative team to ensure everyone is on the same page, and understands the creative brief. This can include: Creative Directors, Art Directors, Photographer, Prop Stylist and more. Make sure to ask the appropriate questions beforehand so you aren’t left struggling after the call when it comes time to source props or have something fabricated. These questions can include: How many unique setups will there be?, What are the dimensions and sizes of each product or component? Questions like these are crucial to prop styling and coming to set prepared.

????3. ???Make sure you’ve discussed with the Creative Director or Art Director how many new and unused products will be at your disposal for the photo shoot. There have been many times I’ve been on set when I’ve been handed used, or damaged products, of course sometimes that’s all the brand will have to work with, and you’ll have to do your best to make them work. However, it’s always best to ask beforehand this way it ensures you have the most pristine products that are photo ready and won’t require as much cleaning prior to shooting.

????4. ???Talk with the lead creative for your shoot and together, determine what the set will require. It’s a good idea to make a list so you don’t forget any elements and you’ll be ready for the shoot. For instance, you can ask, what color background would you like to see? Will you require a surface? (an area where the product or products will sit on). Would you like to see various options? This is a great question, and I usually never come to set with less than 2 to 3 options for each prop or set component, (if budget allows). This is really helpful, as sometimes an Art Director or Creative Director may not know which option they’d like until they see the entire set built, lit, and photographed.

????5. ???Budget. Budget. Budget. Before you start shopping or sourcing for any job, make sure you get clearance on the prop budget. This is crucial, as this will help you to determine how much you can spend on each prop or fabrication required for set. The more shoots you book, the better at estimating you’ll become and the easier it will become to discuss negotiating a prop budget with a Producer or Art Director.

6. Prepare your props: Gather any props you want to use in the shoot and make sure they are clean and in good condition. Before the shoot I like to QC all of my props. whether they are rented or newly purchased. This means I like to open everything, line it up, label and organize it so it’s ready to go for load-in day.

????7. ???Plan a pre-pro call with just you and the photographer before the shoot. In this call, you’ll discuss how to execute each concept or setup with the photographer to determine the best way to tackle the day. This can be extremely helpful especially if the shotlist is rather large and you are limited on time. You might even be able to discuss having 2-setups to help the day run more smoothly. Feel it out, and work alongside the photographer as more often than not, you can’t have a successful shoot without each other. (Unless you’re the product stylist and photographer. More on that in another post to come).

8. If you’re fortunate enough to have an assistant, make sure to plan a time either before the shoot day, or first thing in the morning with your assistant, to go over the shotlist, props, and what your expectations of them will be for the day. Remember, a great assistant is as good as gold, and they’re there to help you and the rest of the team all succeed. So be kind, appreciate their help, and make sure to give them tasks throughout the day so they too, feel like they’re apart of the bigger picture.

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????9. ???Most of all, HAVE FUN: Yes, shoots can be stressful at times, but if you come with a good energy, great attitude it will go along away. Remember that a photoshoot should be a fun and exciting experience. So keep calm, enjoy the process and trust in your team to bring your vision to life.