A product photoshoot isn’t just about pretty pictures – it’s about creating high-quality, strategic content that showcases your products in the best light possible (pun intended). If you’re wondering how to plan a product shoot, remember that whether you’re launching something new or refreshing your online presence, planning is key.
Here’s everything you should think about before hiring a photographer – so you get the most out of your shoot and walk away with images that actually give you a return on your investment.
1. Get Clear On Your Goals
Before you start scrolling for photographers on Instagram, take a moment to define what success looks like for your shoot.
Ask yourself:
– What do I need these images for? (Website, social media, wholesale, press?)
– Am I launching a new product, refreshing a collection, or telling a story?
– Do I need images that are clean + product-focused or lifestyle + shown in use?
Having clear goals helps you (and your photographer) plan everything from styling, to shot types, to editing.
2. Know Your Products Inside Out
Make a list of the exact products you want to shoot – down to the colourways, sizes and any variations.
Photographers will need to know:
– How many items there are
– If there are any reflective, textured or oddly shaped products
– Whether they need to be styled, modelled, or just shot on a plain background
🔥 Hot tip: Send extra samples if possible – just in case something gets damaged, smudged or needs more than one take.
3. Decide on the Style You’re Going For
There’s a big difference between shooting a clean white e-commerce image and a styled still-life photo. Or between a moody, editorial look and something soft and minimal, or bright and colourful.
Pinterest is a great starting point – just remember to use it for inspiration, not replication. Your product shoot should reflect your brand identity.
Your photographer will likely ask you for:
– A mood board or reference images
– Your brand colours, fonts, and tone of voice
– Examples of imagery you love (and don’t love)
Communicating the style of photography that you want is going to be key in getting the deliverables you need. Photographers are visual people so this really helps our brains understand your vision for the images.
4. Think About Location and Backgrounds
Where you shoot matters. You’ll want to think about whether the shoot needs:
– A studio with lighting setups and seamless backdrops
– A lifestyle setting like a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom
– An outdoor or seasonal location
– Custom backgrounds or props
Some photographers (like me!) can help you source props and spaces to suit your brand – just be clear about your vision during the planning stage.
5. Consider Shot List & Image Usage
Do you know exactly what kinds of photos you need? Not just in vibe, but in format?
You’ll need to think about:
– Do you need vertical images for Instagram stories?
– Do you need space for text overlays or cropping?
– Will your web-designer need wide banner photos?
– Do you want video content or behind-the-scenes snippets filmed?
– How long will you be using the images for? (Image licensing comes into play here so we can create a quote that is fair)
Creating a shot list – even a rough one – makes the shoot more efficient and ensures you walk away with what you actually need. I don’t turn up to a shoot without one, my type A personality could never. 😅
6. Communicate With Your Team
If you work with a designer, marketing assistant, or social media manager, loop them into the planning process early.
Your photographer can shoot more strategically when they know:
– How the images will be used in your marketing plans
– What kinds of layouts or crops your web designer prefers
– Which types of visuals your audience responds best to
You don’t have to have it all figured out – but keeping communication open makes a huge difference in getting the right final result for you and your team.
7. Timings & Availability
Photographers often book up weeks (or months) in advance – especially around product launch season or in the lead-up to national holidays.
So make sure you:
– Check your launch timelines
– Give your photographer a buffer for post-production
– Ask about image turnaround time before your book
If you’re working on a launch schedule, your photographer can help build a timeline to match.
Final Thoughts
And there we are. How to plan a product shoot from a product photographer.
Ultimately, the main takeaway from this is: the more prepared you are, the better your shoot will be – and the more confident you’ll feel throughout the process. A great product shoot doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of clear goals, strong communication, and a photographer who understands how to turn your vision into scroll-stopping visuals that actually convert.
Thinking about your next shoot? I’d love to help you plan, style and shoot your products to show them off at their best. Check out the work I’ve done for previous clients here.
Let’s create content that sells and feels beautifully on-brand.