How to plan a content shoot that doesn’t feel super-awkward.
So you’re planning a content shoot for your brand? Woohoo!
Oh no, not woohoo? You feel a bit awkward / nervous / [enter self-depracating adjective here] about it?
It’s okay, 99% of people do… (Not that I’m counting!).
Luckily, I am here to help, as your new favourite awkward-photographer. Alongside photography, I have spent years in the industry of Content Marketing; working for best-selling health apps, international medical associations and running personal brands for clients. The good news is that this is not my first rodeo.
So, whether you have booked a shoot with a professional photographer, or you have made the executive decision to do a solo-iPhone-shoot, this blog will help you to feel prepared, confident, and dare I say it, inspired.
We all know that high-quality imagery attracts customers to any business. When buying any product or service, your eyes are the first point of attraction - especially on social media, where the scrolls are speedy and the audience is after their next big dopamine hit. In today’s fast-paced online world, it’s more vital than ever before to have intentional, purposeful imagery that connects you with your future customer.
But here’s the catch - most people really hate being in front of the camera.
In fact, even as an ex-UGC creator and now a photographer, even I feel weird about it!
However, as I have refined my creative processes, I have found a few tactics to help myself and my clients to let the guard down, take a deep breath and, believe it or not, actually enjoy shooting. Here goes…
Step One:
Keep it really simple and ask yourself,
“What is it that my audience need to see in order to understand what I am trying to offer?”
Do they need to see headshots of yourself and the team - to understand who’s behind the business?
Do they need to see candid shots that feel immersive - to understand how the business works?
Do they need to see close-ups of products or processes - to understand what it is they’re buying?
Step Two:
Make a plan. Perhaps you’re planning with a photographer, a friend, or just your notebook, start with a shot-list of each component that you’d like to capture, to avoid forgetting any important bits! Next up, you’ll also need to think about outfits, props and locations or settings for each component.
Do you have branded uniforms or outfits that will compliment this shoot plan without feeling confusing or distracting?
Do you have any brand-relevant props that help to tell the story?
Do you want headshots with a natural setting or a backdrop?
Can you shoot in your workspace, or did you want to find beautiful outdoor spaces to be more eye-catching?
Step Three:
Take a mate! Shooting alone can feel like a juggling act. If a pro-photographer isn’t in your budget just yet, ask a friend or colleague to help you out, get involved in the shots, or simply just press buttons to save any self-timer dashes!
If you are ready to invest in a pro, find a photographer who not only speaks to you through their style, but also their work-flow and communications. It’s absolutely vital that you feel comfortable, relaxed and confident with your photographer. Creating a great working relationship with your photographer will not only make the experience more fun, but the results will also be a million times better than you could have hoped for because you’re enjoying the process.
Step Four:
Don’t rush the process. When shooting with clients, I always encourage a steady start to warm up and find the groove. Like anything in life, you will find a little more flow as you go on - and shooting, whether alone or with a pro, is exactly the same. My brand shoots typically last a couple of hours. Not because it takes that long to take the images, set up the space or pose you to perfection; but instead, to allow for breaks, coffee sips, laughs or trying something totally new as inspiration and confidence flows. I don’t believe that creation can be rushed or pressured, so give yourself plenty of time to settle into it and have fun.
Step Five:
Oh, yeah, on that note… have fun. Creativity is something that ought to be enjoyed… even if there’s a bloomin’ great lens staring at you. Find a photographer who you can relax and have fun with (hey!), or if shooting alone, put on your favourite playlist and have a laugh. This will translate into much better results - you will look less stiff, awkward or serious in your content! When you relax, you become more relatable and your audience will pick this up online. So go get ‘em tiger!
Content creation is a huge part of promoting your business online nowadays, and can require time, effort and energy. It’s important that you enjoy the process and receive the results that you deserve.
For more inspiration, please feel free to follow my Instagram (below). And for those who would like hands-on support, please check out the rest of my website for my services or contact me directly.
