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How to Prepare a Successful Photoshoot

Are you ready for your close-up?

Planning a successful photoshoot takes serilus work! It involves coordinating the schedules of many different busy people, obtaining permits, and making everyone feel comfortable enough to perform their best work.

In this post, we’ve put together a guide on how to prepare a successful photoshoot. With proper preparation, you’ll be able to get the excellent results you’re looking for.

Find a Good Photoshoot Location

The location of your photo shoot can make all the difference. With a good, brand-worthy location, you’ll be able to get an assortment of excellent photos. Scout out locations ahead of time, and be sure to visit them during the time of day when you’ll be hosting your photo shoot. This is especially important for outdoor shoots because lighting can make all the difference.

Remember that shaded areas are best in order to avoid shadows and squinty eyes. Most photo shoots are scheduled for very early morning or late afternoon in order to avoid shadows.

Hire a Location Scout

Location scouts are experts at finding good locations for successful photo shoots. Using their databases of locations, these scouts will help you find a suitable location. They’ll base the search on overall aesthetic, financial costs, logistical feasibility, access to electricity, available light, weather conditions, and permissions from location owners and neighbors.

Obtain City Permits

Another important part of your preparation for a photo shoot is to obtain city permits. How do you know if you need to obtain a permit? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this a commercial photo shoot?
• Are you using public space in a different way than it was intended for?
• Will your shoot disrupt pedestrian walkways or traffic?
• Will you need to use dollies, wires, generators, or tripods on streets or sidewalks?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you probably need to obtain a city permit. Give yourself plenty of time for obtaining permits–they can take up to 10 days or more. It would be a shame to have to delay your shoot for something as simple as a permit.

In the City of New York, you don’t need a permit if you’re using a hand-held camera, a camera on a tripod, hand-held props, or hand-held equipment, as long as you’re also not asserting exclusive use of City property. For more information about photoshoot and filming permit requirements, visit the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment website.

Secure a Location Vehicle for the Photoshoot

If you won’t be in a studio, secure a production trailer, mobile dressing room, luxury bus, or any other production vehicle for your photo shoot. With a well-stocked mobile dressing room, you’ll have everything you need on location as well as a comfortable weatherproof place for your talent to use as their home base.

As you look at your options for a location vehicle, think about the vehicle’s size carefully. It should accommodate your talent and other professionals easily, but you don’t want it to be so large that it uses up space you need for the photo shoot itself.

Book Your Photoshoot Models

Once you have your location and vehicle secured, you’re ready to book your models. Start by defining what you’re looking for: the age and gender of your models as well as styling and availability. If you’ll be working with a modeling agency, you may need to fill out paperwork ahead of time and possibly pay up-front fees.

Schedule Your Catering

Photo shoots can take many hours. What will your talent, crew, and photographers eat? Schedule your catering several weeks in advance of your photoshoot. Then follow up to make sure your caterer is aware of your location, special instructions, and allergy specifications, if necessary.

Hire Your Staff

Make a list of all the people you’ll need on hand for the day of the photo shoot: manicurists, PA’s, runners, hair stylists, makeup and wardrobe professionals, etc. The sooner you contact everyone, the more likely it will be that you can get your top picks to all be available on the same day.

Finalize Your Call Sheet

Prior to the photo shoot, compile a call sheet that gives everyone involved a comprehensive look at what the day will be like. Include parking directions and other information that will help everyone to show up at the right place at the right time.

With this kind of thorough preparation, your photo shoot is bound to be a success. For more information about securing the best production trailers NYC has to offer, get in touch with us at On Time Elite. We have a variety of luxury trailers and buses to meet your every need.