Recently we attended a session with one of the UK’s most esteemed photographers –  Tony Marsh – to get tips on writing a tight photography or videography brief to ensure our clients get the very best out of every photoshoot.

In a career that spans more than 25 years, Tony has worked for global media organisations and national newspapers, including Reuters, The Guardian and The Times. He now runs his own photography and film making business, so he knows a thing or two about what makes a great shot!

Our top tips for a perfect photoshoot:

  • Prepare a detailed brief well in advance and include as much background as you can. If the purpose of the shoot is to get press coverage, think about a news hook you can hang it on.
  • Be crystal clear about the objective of the photoshoot or video. A picture for a corporate brochure will have a very different feel than one you’re hoping to get on the front page of national papers.
  • Try and set up a call with the photographer beforehand and run over the aims of the job. It could spark some original or different ideas about where, what and how to frame the photo.
  • It’s about MAKING a picture, not TAKING a picture.
  • Always think beyond photography. Making sure video is included in your budget is becoming essential. Not only can you use it on social platforms, but it can go on your website, and form part of a press pack.
  • Look UP. Drone footage is a brilliant way to get a bird’s eye view on larger projects, particularly something like housing developments.
  • Don’t oversell your image when sending to a picture desk. It’s always better to be pleasantly surprised!
  • Don’t forget about a stand-alone photograph. If you have a strong image, sometimes it doesn’t need a news hook. A seasonal related picture for example can often feature on the front page of a paper, just because it’s eye catching.
  • Timing is of the essence. Know when to send out your image/video/ press release – so make sure you speak to your media contacts and ask in advance.
  • Provide picture desks with both video and still shots. Online loves video so make sure your clients understand the value of it.
  • Captions. Captions. Captions. It helps enormously if someone is there to write down all the information, names (spelt correctly), and a short description of what’s happening. Photographers want to focus on getting the best image, not worry about writing details down.
  • AI generated imagery is increasingly popping up all over the place. If you are adding in an unreal dimension to a photo, always make this completely clear.

Stand out examples

Credit: Tony Marsh
Credit: Tony Marsh
Credit: Tony Marsh
Credit: Tony Marsh

If you would like to speak to us about setting up your next impactful photoshoot, get in touch with our team today.