Planning Planning Planning

In addition to location location location, planning is a vital component in crafting an image or sustaining a business. Being prepared allows you the ability to react successfully when an image opportunity flashes by. You may only have a few seconds to get “the” shot. I’ve detailed my shoot preparation “checklist”. While it may seem cumbersome on something that is a creative endeavour, it helps ensure you arrive ready for that moment, contingency or that client. And with practice comes speed.

site scoping and evaluation part 1
proposal prep time
proposal investigation (client interviews, client expectations)
contract negotiations
draft contract
contract sign-off and expectation management
shoot design plan
equipment and lighting plan

Shoot phase

set-up, lighting, evaluation part 2 (changes, details, further shot ideas, composition checks)
interview model(s)
shoot
adjustments to plan
manage client expectations

Asset/File management phase

download
copy/backup
meta data
sorting/naming
selection/trimming

Image management phase

selection of product
adjustment of images
update meta data

backup

prepare any portfolio material
review contract (manage expectations) with client
review portfolio/product with client
reach agreement/acceptance of product/job/service
follow up on satisfaction and suggested improvements
ask if they would pursue opportunities with you in the future (and if not, why not – if they are willing to discuss)

Overhead phase

training (you keeping up with an evolving market as well as techniques, tools etc)
future product development/market watch/analysis/opportunity identification
marketing (web presence, blogging, monitoring metrics: to see if you are on track for your goals – you did set goals for your accomplishments right?)
networking (a variety of social internet tools as well as face to face, phone calls, email)
business administration, goal setting and planning
equipment & computer investigation/identification/depreciation/replacement

Personal phase

personal time (vacation/exercise/downtime) – forgetting to take care of yourself is always a bad idea: a personal weakness