Helping your photographer means essentially that you will benefit from a smoother, more efficient day with them on the photo shoot. Photographers will thrive on having all the information they need at their fingertips, well ahead of time. It’s disconcerting to not receive a brief or description until the day of the shoot, and proper preparation can only be made if your photographer really understands what it is they’re going to photograph. Here’s some tips to help you, help yourself, and help your photographer, if you know what we mean!

• Write a detailed brief outlining exactly what you’d like to get from the photo shoot - ie: unusual angles of exterior of building, or 150 products on white background, or as many creative shots of models wearing new seasons clothing etc.
• If you’re meeting your photographer at an arranged location, make sure you’ve given them (in writing) the full address including postcode for where they need to be, and by when. (Presume they will hit some traffic, and ask them to turn up half an hour before you need them.)
• Whether you’ve booked a half or full day with your photographer, plan the day strategically. It will help you immensely if you know exactly what order you want things photographed, so if it helps you, write down a shot list, and describe what you want briefly by each time. If it’s a busy day where you and the photographer need to be in 7 or 8 different places, think carefully about timings, leaving yourself some leeway for travel, as it’s dreadful to be behind schedule all day.