Executing successful media shoots is an art and can be both exhilarating and tiring.  Choosing a location for a shoot benefits from proper planning that will ensure the expense nets the desired results.  Having a strategy and a plan helps but day of will always go different no matter how prepared you think you are.

#1  Prepare A Shot List 

Knowing what you want to get. Why you want it and how it will be used is essential.  Shot lists take time but they also allow you to communicate with any onsite resources and budget your time.  If working with a photo/video contractor they will want this as well to prepare the gear they will bring.

#2 Prepare A Mood Board 

The look and feel of the shoot will inform lighting and props.  A mood board will provide another level of background and move the ideas out of your mind and into the actionable realm.

#3 Day Of – Request A Live Screen 

Make sure you can review the shots as you go.  Work with your crew to make sure you can approve as you go.  Waiting until the end is tricky and can be expensive as you need to ensure you are getting what you want.

#4 Day Of – Get Extras

It does not hurt to get as much as you can while on site.  Watch the clock and allow some time for fresh concepts.  If shooting product and people request a white seamless paper backdrop will allow clean capture for evergreen options.

#5 Post – No Edit In Post – I Repeat No Edit In Post 

Edit in post is a tired cliche.  It is the idea people can make assets into something they are not later offsite.  Even the most professional and accomplished providers cannot always fix in post.  Get what you want on site and leave post for minor color and composition correction.

Shoot Location Selection: 

Work with your team to select a location that fits budget and aesthetic but make sure to ask key questions from the vendor.  Will anyone be onsite from the location team?  This can be a surcharge and an annoyance if they are not professional.  At a shot in LA the property owner called me letting me know a group of prospective renters would be arriving in 30 minutes to tour the site.  I refused and they showed up anyway had key codes to the door and tried to walk around taking pictures.  I ejected them and as one would expect this did not sit well with the owner.  We lost 2 hours on site with these interruptions.

Sound:  If capturing audio it is helpful to know if the location is loud.  People have different feelings about sound.

Rules:  How big is your crew?  Some locations charge by the person.  What hours are allowed?  Can I drive a car in?  This was a requirement for a ROADTEK shoot and many locations do not have the option to drive a vehichle in.

Amenities:  Is there a kitchen and places to sit? Bathroom?

If you are interested in additional information and are preparing for a shoot please contact me I can assist you in cost effective execution.