HOW TO BRIEF A PHOTOGRAPHER!
Have you ever wondered how to brief a photographer but don’t know where to start? Well, whether you’re a parent or a corporate guru, here’s a quick and easy guide covering all the key things you’ll need to consider! And remember I’m here to help so you’re not alone!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PHOTOGRAPHED?
OK, let’s start at the very beginning and discuss what you’d like me to photograph! Perhaps it’s a family photo shoot, new corporate photos for your website or documenting a lavish black tie event?
In a paragraph, try describing what you’d like me to capture. It could be a family party with 60 guests to celebrate your 40th Birthday and you’d like lots of photos of people having fun! Or a corporate photo shoot to document your workplace in action for use in a new brochure and on your social media pages.
You can either send this information to me in an email or mention it when we’re talking on the phone!
HOW DO YOU WANT TO USE YOUR PHOTOS?
This is really important as it will determine how I shoot on the day! For example, if you need a portrait shaped photo to go on a leaflet, then I will concentrate on photographing certain images in portrait rather than landscape to make sure they fit your design!
Alternatively, you might want to use photos from your family photo shoot to create a gallery wall in your house or an album for prosperity.
HAVE YOU GOT ANY SPECIFIC IDEAS?
Sometimes clients have an idea they’d like me to try and recreate for them> The mother and daughter below wanted a photo of them walking with their dogs. So when I saw this quaint village bridge near to their home, I knew it would be the perfect location for this particular shot!
Meanwhile, my brief from Kids Run Free was extremely detailed from photographing its company branding and new clothing to photos of guests arriving, playing and running! Having it all listed in advanced helped me plan my time during the event and we even squeezed ins a few headshot photos too!
ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES?
This can apply to both corporate and family photo shoots but let’s start with corporate. When I photograph for the National Trust I know it prefers photos where people are not looking directly at the camera! Other brands prefer to show hands rather than faces or showcase certain corporate colours or branding. Knowing this in advance ensures you get the very best mix of photos for your needs!
Parents with autistic children have also explained to me that their children may not want to hug siblings or that speed is of the essence. Any advice like this prior to the shoot can really help me create a fun experience for them that’s not stressful.
ARE THERE ANY KEY PEOPLE WHO NEED TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED?
This might range from capturing a fun shot of the Grandparents with their Grandson to a headshot photo of the MD. Adding this to your brief in advance of the day really helps ensure we don’t miss anyone important!
For the Christening above, the family asked me capture a photo of this little boy carrying the christening towel to the font. Knowing this before the event meant I could position myself in the correct place at the correct time to get the perfect candid photo!
DO YOU LIKE BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS?
I adore black and white photos and sometimes families ask for their entire gallery to be supplied like this! But at the same time, some clients only want photos in colour! I’m happy to do either, or can supply a mix of the two, so do let me know your preference!
NOW YOU CAN BRIEF A PHOTOGRAPHER!
Well I hope this article has helped you understand how to brief a photographer? Basically, the more information you can give me in advance the better! And remember I’m not scary! You can always pick-up the phone or drop me an email with additional information or questions! I’m here to help you every step of the way so please don’t feel daunted! Let’s have fun!
