Photography and video briefs: How to plan your project
Good images start with a clear purpose, not an equipment list. These questions will help you prepare a photography or video production for your business.
1. What should the images achieve?
A website, a recruitment campaign and a trade-fair stand do not necessarily need the same images. Start by describing who you want to reach and what the work should explain: your team, services, property, production process or event.
A single sentence is enough to begin: We need images that show our customers how our business works. This can become a practical shot list.
2. Where will the photographs and films be used?
Share the intended channels before the shoot. A website header needs different framing from a vertical social post or a printed brochure. If text will appear over an image, space needs to be left for it.
- Websites and presentations: image formats and space for text.
- Social media: vertical, horizontal or several versions.
- Print and campaigns: the intended format and use.
- Video: purpose, approximate length and whether sound or captions are needed.
3. Which shots matter most?
Separate essential shots from additional ideas. A production in a workplace might include an overall view, individual processes, people at work and details. For portraits, the number of people, visual style and consistent backgrounds are important.
Explore advertising and corporate photography or industrial photography for production and technology for relevant starting points.
4. What needs to be prepared on location?
A named contact and a realistic time window make coordination easier. Clarify access, deliveries, work or event schedules, and areas that must not be shown. People taking part should know when they will be photographed and what the work is for.
For outdoor shoots, light, weather and possible alternative dates belong in the plan. Drone, 3D and specialist technical requirements are assessed separately for the location and task.
5. What matters for selection and delivery?
Discuss how images will be selected, what editing is needed and which files your channels require. Timing, scope and usage rights are agreed for the project, rather than assumed from a blanket promise.
A short checklist for your enquiry
- Business, contact person and purpose of the images.
- Location, proposed dates and approximate duration.
- Essential shots or number of people.
- Intended use of photographs and films.
- Specific requirements and an available budget range, if known.
You do not need a finished concept to get started. A short description is enough. Tell us about your project so the right next step can be agreed.