How to Plan a Photoshoot Like a Pro (or with One!)
Whether you're dreaming up a personal branding session, a couples shoot, updated website photos, or that perfect book cover image, planning a photoshoot is where the magic begins. It’s not just about showing up and snapping photos. It’s about crafting a vision, setting the vibe, and making sure every detail supports your goal.
If you hire me, we'll hop on a quick call and go through all of this together. I love planning shoots, and with nearly 10 years of experience (and a background as a commercial producer organizing sets with 40+ people), I’ve got the process down to a science.
Here’s how I guide clients through planning a photoshoot:
1. Define Why You Want These Photos
Start with the purpose. Are you launching a new website and need clean, scroll-stopping images? Updating your author headshot? Announcing a rebrand? Maybe you want a campaign with bold visuals for a fashion drop, or just something personal that captures your love story.
Think about how these photos will live in the world. Visualizing their end use helps shape the direction. Are they on your homepage, in a press kit, printed on packaging? When you know why, the how becomes way easier.
2. Dream Up the Look and Location
Where do you imagine these photos happening? Indoors or outdoor? In a studio with colorful backdrops and stylized props? Or out in the Utah mountains at golden hour, soaking in that dreamy natural light?
The location plays a huge role in setting the tone. I have a whole blog post about my favorite outdoor locations and studios in Utah if you need inspiration!
Think about what you want in the frame, and not just scenery. Maybe it’s a signature prop, a particular outfit, or a detail that visually tells your story.
3. Build the Creative Direction
Once you know where and why, you can start dreaming up how the photos feel. Is the vibe moody and artistic? Bright and minimal? Playful and colorful?
This is when I love to pull Pinterest boards or build a moodboard on Canva. It’s the perfect way to align ideas and get the aesthetic dialed in—from color palettes to lighting to poses.
A great moodboard should include:
Sample images that inspire you
Color tones you love
Clothing ideas
Set design or environment vibes
Prop inspiration
This was a moldboard I created to send to our makeup artist to understand the vibe we were going for! I included the wardrobe inspiration, the studio, and some images that convey the style we wanted.
And don’t forget the shot list! This is a list of must-haves that ensures we don’t miss anything on shoot day.
4. Create Your Shot List
Here’s a snippet from an example shot list for a fashion branding shoot:
Website & Branding Essentials
1. Banner Image for About Page
Framing: Wide horizontal crop with negative space for text
Shot: Designer standing in studio surrounded by sketches, fabric rolls, and in-progress garments
Vibe: Artistic, behind-the-scenes, elevated
2. Hero Image for Product Page
Framing: Full body of model in hero garment, vertical and landscape options
Shot: Model walking or posed with strong lighting on key design elements
Vibe: High-fashion, polished, confident
3. Headshots for Bio Page
Shot A: Clean studio headshot (well-lit, neutral background)
Shot B: Candid working shot – designer adjusting garment or sketching
Shot C: Creative/environmental portrait in design studio
Vibe: Personal, professional, approachable
Product Content (E-Commerce)
4. Flat Lay of Signature Pieces
Shot: Neatly styled flat lays of accessories or garments on branded backgrounds
Vibe: Editorial-meets-minimal
5. Detail Shots of Craftsmanship
Shot: Close-ups of stitching, textures, and design elements (zippers, buttons, tags)
Purpose: For zoom-ins on product page and Instagram carousels
6. Product on Model – Studio
Shot: Front, side, and back of garments, both on plain backdrop and colored sets
Vibe: Clean and consistent
5. Book the Date and Details
Now it’s time to make it real. Book your studio or location, confirm your photographer (hey, that’s me!), and give yourself plenty of time on the day of your shoot. Avoid cramming it into a super busy weekend. Prep and rest matter more than you’d think!
If it’s an outdoor location, check the season, sunset times, and accessibility. The light fades faster in the canyons than you might expect!
6. Communicate With Your Team
If you’ve got models, stylists, assistants, or even just your partner helping out—make sure everyone’s looped in. Share your shot list, your moodboard, your schedule. The more everyone knows, the smoother the day flows.
