Planning Before You Shoot

[tripletaker]

When you are shooting an event, a wedding or a job, do you plan ahead of time what you want and how you want it? Do you time everything out so you know what you want?

I usually just shoot and I'm happy with the results later, but I'm wondering if my results would be better if I spent time beforehand contemplating what kind of shots I want and planning everything out.

By visualizing the end goal, is it easier to achieve good pictures or should I just do it spur of the moment? Or maybe a mix of structured creativity is the answer. What do you think?

[sageone]

I do lots of prep prior to a shoot. I make sure all the equipment is clean, batteries are charged, cards are formatted, etc. I set the camera's up for the conditions I'll be facing, i.e. low light, no flash, etc. Then I do a mental check list of some of the shots I'd like to get. However, I'm always inspired while shooting so the ones I set out to get aren't the ones I necessarily end up with.

I think it's always good to have a plan, but it's also good to be flexible and adjust as need be.

[Kiddo]

I make a check list!!! I go over it a few times and I make sure that I have everything. Then I write down some photos that I might want to take or something "special" depending on what job it is that I'm doing. Also the day before a shoot, I go to where I'm shooting and check things out!! That way I know what I have to work for. As take a few test shots inside so that I can adjust my camera.

[coreypolis]

Pre production is the most important aspect. It will make your shoot go so much easier and faster. Obviously you can't account for everything, but a good game plan will make you look much more polished

[Halliday]

Batteries charged, equipment is working and in place to grab. I like to pre-set my cameras for ISO 400, TV 1/125th, one shot, RAW and a freshly formatted CF card as a standard. Then when I get started I have a standard baseline to start working from.

[Mark_Cohran]

If it's a paying gig, you bet I plan ahead. Cards are formatted, batteries are charged, equipment is set to standard settings, the camera bag is set-up with the spare cables, batteries, wipes, pen, gaffer's tape, etc. If possible, I visit the venue before hand at the same time of day as the event (if outside), and look for potential problems and opportunities.

Mark

[Steiglitz]

Case the joint before you shoot there....go to the church before the wedding and see what the light will be like at the same time the widding will take place....walk around the sanctuary, determine angles, decide on lens focal lengths, flash issues, talk to the church admin and get their rules, TAKE SEVERAL TEST SHOTS, review the histogram, test the bouncability of the flash...bring a model wearing all white...coordinate with the wedding director. Go to the rehearsal, and bring the camera to determine angles...make notes....this is just a few of many things that I do before a wedding gig. Make a list of shots, but don't rule out shots that are not planned for....determine places to stand at different points in the ceremony. Work in flexabilities, contingencies, and make sure you don't get surprised during the real deal. Have business Liability Insurance.