It’s crucial to have a representative from the client side present on location during the shoot. Their responsibilities include:
- Arriving on time and meeting the production team
- Checking the venue’s readiness the day before the shoot
- Guiding the team to all the areas that need to be captured
- Ensuring that furniture and decor are in their proper positions and that the space meets corporate standards throughout the shoot
- Giving instructions to employees on altering the location’s appearance in accordance with the photographer’s recommendations.
Checklist for preparing a space for a photo shoot:
- No visitors are present in the room.
- Choose a time for the shoot when the sun is not shining through the windows.
- The floor is clean and dry at least 20 minutes before the shoot to avoid any wet spots or streaks.
- The furniture is arranged in accordance with corporate standards, with chairs, bar stools, tables, sofas, lamps, stands, screens, fridges, and so on placed evenly and straight.
- The decor, including all shelves, is beautifully arranged, and menus and throws are neatly folded.
- The windows are cleaned (dirty windows always show up in photos!). Curtains should not be wrinkled, and roll-up shades should be lowered to the same level.
- All lighting fixtures are in working condition, and all light bulbs turn on.
- Dust is wiped from all surfaces, with special attention paid to dark interior elements such as tables, bars, chandeliers, and shelves with many bottles, all of which must be wiped down and fingerprints removed. For the shoot, keep a cloth or special dusting tools handy.
- Glossy and mirrored surfaces are polished, dust-free, streak-free, and free of grease marks (windows, doors, mirrors, refrigerators and wine cabinets, bar glass and bottles, glossy tables, bar counters, partitions, and so on).
- Unsightly wires and extension cords are disconnected and removed during the shoot.
- TV screens and cash registers are dusted and free of streaks, turned off or on stop-frame, in accordance with corporate standards.
- Tables are set correctly, with placemats placed evenly and smoothly, tablecloths ironed and spotless, and everything on the table in accordance with corporate standards, with clean glasses, utensils, and neatly folded napkins. Remove promotional material during the shoot.
- The display cases are filled with products, with all price tags in place or removed. Wine cabinets and shelves are stocked, with labels turned to the correct side. Dust is wiped off, and surfaces are polished.
- In the bar area and open kitchen, glasses and bottles are polished, dishes are neatly arranged, rags, plastic containers, bottles, cutting boards, and knives are removed, all objects that clash with the decor are removed, and glossy surfaces are cleaned (including the doors of ovens, microwaves, and so on). The coffee machine is clean and dry, and milk bags, coffee, and rags are removed.
Prepare your space for a photo shoot with these simple tips to ensure that everything looks clean, polished, and perfect. From the floors to the furniture to the decor, every aspect of the space should be flawless. Keep in mind that dirty windows and surfaces, unsightly cords, and misplaced objects can detract from the overall appearance of the room. By following this checklist, you can create a space that is ready for its close-up and will showcase your products or services in the best possible light.