Of everybody involved in a shoot it is usually the photographer that carries the bulk of responsibility. Organising shoots is complex and often the process of negotiation between all involved. It is essential that all involved are unanimous in the final decisions and everything is agreed in writing prior to the date of the shoot. Here is a brief outline of the life cycle of a job and what will be expected of the photographer.
Negotiatiing With The Client
Negotiation with the client is usually the first aspect of a shoot. In some cases the client will just want to set a brief and leave it to the photographer to deliver the shots. In other cases the client may wish to be involved in the entire process or at least a few aspects of it. Make sure you agree exactly who is controlling what before you commence with any work.
Location Deciding on and locating the location or studio is the next step.
Sets and Props Sets and props must be ready and in place before the scheduled shoot begins.
Booking Talent Depending on the size and budget of a shoot various people will need to be booked. Booking Models Assistance Stylists Makeup artists etc. can be a drawn out process, during your career as a photographer you will build up relationships with reliable and trustworthy agents, models etc. It’s always advisable to have a B. plan for people who might fail to show on the day!
The Shoot Co-ordinating everybody on the day is important when you have a lot to achieve in a short space of time. Make sure that every body knows what they have to do and when they have to do it. You may find that the photographer needs to continually hurry the make up and hair etc. in an effort to stay on schedule.
Running a shoot well is almost as much of an art in its self as the actual photography. Keeping everything moving while maintaining a creative and relaxing atmosphere is no easy task.
Backing up the shots Whether you are shooting on film or digital it is very important that you keep the images safe. With digital it is advisable to keep multiple copies of the files on different items i.e. laptops, external hardrives CD/DVD etc. throughout the shoot and after.
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