How I Plan My Client Photography Shoots | 109

To my fellow American readers - I wanted to pop into your inbox before you start digging into turkey today. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

If you struggle with coming up with ideas for photoshoots, client revisions, or organization, this newsletter is for you.

Let’s face it: photography shoots can be a stressful and tedious process a lot of the time. But with a little preparation and a clear framework, they can be a breeze.

In fact, inside my photography company, Pieta Productions, all my client shoots are systemized. I remember I used to spend days on a single shoot and clients would often want revisions. These days, my shoots take a few hours and I almost never get clients asking for revisions.

How is this possible?

Systems & frameworks.

Let’s dive into my 5 step process.

1. The Pre-Game Strategy

Before any contracts are even signed, it's all about the sales (or discovery) call.

This is where the magic starts. I pitch ideas to potential clients and see if they resonate with the client. The goal is to start the ideation process before they’re even a client.

Prove to them you’re valuable before they pay you, making it much more likely you’ll land a contract.

It's about making them see the possibilities before they even commit.

2. Onboarding Like a Pro

After they’ve signed your proposal, it's time for a professional onboarding process.

Using tools like Jotform, I’ll send a quick questionnaire to really dig into their needs and what they like. I’ll ask ~10 questions that give me an idea of styles they like, brands they’d like to emulate, mistakes of previous photographers, etc.

I ask the right questions to understand their needs and preferences.

3. Crafting a Vision with Mood Boards

All my photography packages include a mood board.

Mood boards are beneficial to both you and the client. You give them a roadmap for the shoot, and they confirm it. This means fewer revisions for you down the road because you put in the work upfront. Win-win.

I know many people struggle with coming up with creative direction for the shoot.

I look to my past work, Instagram inspiration from accounts I admire (if you need inspo, follow my photography business account @pieta_productions for a dose of creativity), client suggestions on the onboarding form, and sometimes even AI like ChatGPT.

The power of an onboarding form is clear here. The client actually gives you ideas that you can put in the mood board.

All of this fuels the creation of a mood board that nails the client’s vision.

4. Review to Refine

Next, I share the mood board and have a detailed review call with the client.

This step almost guarantees that the final shots are exactly what the client wants, minimizing revisions and ensuring the project runs smoothly.

I’ll send a link to the mood board, we hop on zoom, and I’ll answer any questions they have.

This adds to your professionalism and boosts your value.

5. Shoot Day

The photo shoot itself is all about efficiency. Everything is prepped and ready – props, backdrops, lighting.

I stick to the mood board and shot list like a roadmap, leading to a successful shoot every time.

I’ve had hundreds of shoots like this, so after a while, it becomes second nature. It may be messy for your first few shoots, but your goal should be to improve each time.

Follow the process, get a little better, and improve your service.

Remember, these steps are not just actions - they're your ladder to creative and business freedom.

So get out there, plan with purpose, and watch as your product photography – and business – thrive.