How to write a quality photography brief
How to write a quality photography brief (and why you need to!)
The importance of a photography brief for a successful photoshoot cannot be overstated. It’s an essential part of the pre-shoot process, and certainly, no shoot of ours goes ahead without one.
If you’re commissioning us but are unsure about what to include in a photography brief, then this blog post should help. We’re going to share with you why a photography brief is so important and talk about what we believe should be included in one to achieve optimum results on shoot day.
Of course, we will also be happy to guide and advise you on what should be included in your photography brief to us if we’re working together. I (Abi) have a knack for teasing all the information out of you that I need!
What is a photography brief?
A photography brief is written by the client for the photographer or photography team.
All have a common purpose - to outline a client’s needs and expectations of a photoshoot – and, in an ideal world, a photography brief is submitted well in advance of a shoot. That’s because, as you might imagine, creative ideas for the photoshoot need to be discussed and planned. Props, accessories and backdrops also need to be either produced or sourced.
Why is a photography brief important?
There are many reasons why a photography brief is important, but in a nutshell:
Clear communication = better results
A great photography brief allows all parties involved to be on the same page.
With a clear outline of expectations, we - the photography team - can better understand a client’s needs, and therefore plan, quote and execute the job in line with expectations.
We can fully understand a client’s vision for the final images, and for the campaign overall, and we know the detail too - the specifics of what is (and isn’t) to be included in the photographs.
A detailed brief ensures a smooth-running photoshoot
To us, there is nothing more important than ensuring that our clients are happy with their final images and have a great experience working with us. We can only ensure this if we know exactly what they are after!
When we work with a client, we want the process to be as frictionless as possible, so it’s a huge help when a client provides a thorough photography brief. There’s less need for back-and-forth conversations and questions between us and them, and we can focus on delivering an exceptional client experience.
The need for last-minute revisions and changes is minimised
Thirdly, by knowing exactly what our clients are after in advance, we can be more efficient. This ultimately saves clients time and money.
With the help of a quality photography brief, the photoshoot can go ahead without needing to rush in last-minute additions or reshoot to reflect unexpected changes to the brief. Everything will have been considered and planned in advance.
Photography brief example: What should be included?
Depending on what's involved in the project, writing a thorough creative brief should include detail around things like:
Preferred Shoot Dates / Timings
Shoot location or studio hire
Models / Hand Artists required
Wardrobe / Props / Backgrounds required
Brand Guidelines
Colour Palette
Image references (if possible - always so handy as a guide/inspiration)
Season shooting for
How many images are required
Image Formats & File Size
Intended use or distribution channels
Any deadlines or other key deliverables
Technical requirements (lighting/equipment setup/preferred crew)
Retouching requirements
Budget considerations
Travel / Flights / Visas / Accommodation
Risk Assessments
Specialised equipment hire
There will be other considerations as appropriate for the client. This list is intended as a guide only and covers the basics that we find invaluable to have knowledge of when setting up a photo shoot.
How to write a photoshoot brief
These are our top tips for how to brief a photographer:
Define Your Goal
Your photography brief should include all the client’s requirements, and what formats are needed. It should also include details on setups, set building if required, brand guidelines, interpreting ideas, look, style and seasonality, as well as any creative mindset that should be taken into consideration.
A photography brief is essentially an important tool in defining a brand or campaign that has a specific look, feel, and atmosphere.
When briefing a photographer, it is essential to take into account all of these details so that they can be interpreted creatively - and in the direction you want. Without a brief, photographers can easily go off on their own fancy, creative direction. Although the results will likely be great, they may not be quite what you wanted.
A good photography brief should also explain how the client wants to achieve their goal. It should be easy for a photographer to interpret the ideas provided in order to produce amazing shots.
When briefing a photographer, there should also be an understanding of deadlines for delivery and whether image retouching or post-production is going to be needed, or whether this is to be done in-house.
Once these details are in the photography brief, it gives everyone involved in the project an understanding of the goals in order to achieve the desired outcome.
2. Allow sufficient time for planning
Depending on the size of the photoshoot and requirements, a photographer needs to see your photo brief as soon as possible. They need time to make all the appropriate arrangements, book crew, studios or locations, get props and wardrobe sourced and approved, and put realistic schedules together to work with their diaries and hit your deadlines.
Thinking everyone can just turn up on the shoot day and it all magically happens is a recipe for disaster and a very expensive disappointment!
3. Include visual references
A mood board or reference images are so useful to highlight things such as preferred lighting styles, colour palettes, and the overall mood and tone. It can also be helpful to include images of setups you don't like, as long as you make it very clear why you have included them.
The client's brand guidelines should also always be shared with the photographer, as these will form an important part of the photography brief, ensuring that the look and style remain consistent with the brand.
4. Keep in touch with the photographer after the shoot
Photographers can be a delicate breed. I know we certainly always like to receive feedback and to know how the images we create were received and where they are being shown/used.
Remember, a photographer is not just for the shoot. A great, ongoing relationship can create unique, powerful imagery campaign after campaign.
How to write a quality photography brief
Writing an effective photography brief requires skill and understanding but, if done correctly, can help bring clarity and understanding between the client, the photographer and any other relevant parties involved. It also helps to ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten.
Being clear about what's expected before anyone steps foot on set will go a long way to ensuring successful results are achieved. It also allows photographers to find ways to go beyond what is specified in the brief and create something original and imaginative.
We hope this has been helpful if you were looking to understand how to write a photoshoot brief. Hopefully, it’s now clear why outlining the client requirements and expectations well in advance is an essential part of any successful photoshoot.
Get in touch with us if you have any questions about this or are looking to commission a friendly and professional team for your next photoshoot!