5 Tips to Art Directing a Successful Photo Shoot

Getting that perfect photo that captures your vision and wows your client takes a lot of hard work to achieve. These 5 tips will help you art direct a successful photo shoot:

  1. Plan, plan, plan. It is extremely important going into a photo shoot that you have a vision for the end result. This usually begins with a quick sketch of what you are looking for. For client buy-in, it is usually a good idea to find a stock photo that conveys the feel of the photographic style and rough idea of the composition. Scouting the location and even doing several test shots with a stand-in model will give a good sense of the lighting and any potential issues you might run into on the day of the photo shoot.
  1. Remember your end design. The photo you are shooting will be used on a billboard. So why did you shoot all vertical shots? You don’t want to finish your photo shoot only to realize that you have to manipulate your photos to fit your dimensions. Also, keep in mind any space necessary for copy and the gutter if applicable. Let the photographer know about all of these considerations ahead of time. While it is important to keep the specifics of your primary design in mind, it is still a good idea to get a wide variety of compositions for your shot. Which leads to…
  2. Shoot, shoot, shoot…and shoot some more. While it is important to plan ahead and keep your end design in mind, with photo shoots I generally believe that more is more. During your shoot, you have to be flexible and roll with issues that arise…and be ready for any new ideas that come to mind as well. I try to do as many variables as possible (with props, poses, and environments). There is nothing worse than getting back to the office and thinking, “Why didn’t I get a shot that included…” Getting as many shots as possible helps minimize that risk.

  3. Don’t miss the forest for the trees. While some, or even most, photos may have a singular focus, don’t forget to examine the big picture. You don’t want that graffiti or piece of trash in the background to ruin your otherwise beautiful portrait. You need to look at every detail, from reflections of the photographer or art director in mirrors and windows to exit signs or clutter in the background. Photoshop is great, but you don’t want to have to completely clean up a photo in post.
  4. Choose wisely. Obviously one of the most important choices you make for a photo shoot is the photographer you choose. Most photographers have specialties from portrait shots to architecture. It is important that the photographer you choose has extensive experience shooting the type of photo you are looking for. It is also important to have a good line of communication with the photographer. While the art director may have a vision of the end result, the photo shoot is still a collaborative process. The most successful photo shoots occur when the photographer buys in with the vision and end goals of the shoot, but offers his/her own ideas and thoughts.

Jonathan Bruns is senior art director at The Design Channel.