How to Prepare for Your Photo Shoot

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR PHOTO SHOOT (print this out if you’d like!)

Preparing in advance helps us make the most of your shoot and create images that represent your business at its best.

Use the sections that apply to your project. Please complete cleaning, styling, and setup before the scheduled shoot.

PLAN THE SHOOT

☐ Share your priorities, must-have images, and any specific features or details you want photographed.
☐ Let me know how the images will be used, including any requirements for horizontal or vertical compositions.
☐ Share relevant brand guidelines and visual references in advance.
☐ Confirm which spaces, products, and people will be featured.
☐ Designate a main contact who can answer questions and approve adjustments during the shoot.

CLEAN & DECLUTTER

☐ Clean windows, mirrors, floors, and other visible surfaces. Pay particular attention to fingerprints, dust, and streaks.
☐ Clear unnecessary paperwork, delivery boxes, cleaning supplies, and everyday clutter from areas being photographed.
☐ Tidy reception desks, workstations, counters, shelving, and displays.
☐ Conceal loose cords and chargers where practical without disconnecting essential equipment.
☐ Remove confidential documents and sensitive information from visible desks, whiteboards, and screens.
☐ Store items in an area that will not be photographed, keeping hallways and exits clear.

STYLE YOUR SPACE

☐ Arrange furniture, chairs, tables, and displays neatly.
☐ Straighten artwork, rugs, cushions, linens, and decorative items.
☐ Keep styling consistent with your brand and avoid overcrowding surfaces.
☐ Check that visible signage, logos, menus, and promotional materials are clean and current.
☐ Prepare any flowers, greenery, table settings, or other styling elements before arrival.
☐ Complete visible repairs and touch-ups in advance. Let me know about unfinished areas that could affect the photographs.

LIGHTING & SCREENS

☐ Check for burned-out or flickering bulbs. Replace them with bulbs that match the intended brightness and color of the surrounding lighting.
☐ Make sure someone is available to operate lighting controls, dimmers, shades, and automated systems.
☐ Straighten curtains and blinds. We can adjust their positions for individual photographs.
☐ Have appropriate content ready for any screens included in the images, and make sure they can be switched off if needed.
☐ Have ceiling fan controls accessible so fans can be stopped for still photographs.

PREPARE FEATURED SPACES & DETAILS

☐ Hotels and hospitality: Prepare guest rooms, lobbies, and amenities to your usual guest presentation standards. Smooth bedding, arrange towels, and store housekeeping supplies out of view. Pools should have umbrellas open and lounge chairs lined up.
☐ Restaurants and bars: Polish glassware and silverware, arrange place settings, and tidy service areas. Coordinate food and drink preparation with the shoot schedule so items look fresh when photographed.
☐ Offices and workplaces: Tidy meeting rooms and workstations while keeping relevant tools and materials that help show what your business does.
☐ Retail and products: Organize displays, face labels toward the camera where appropriate, and have clean, undamaged products and packaging ready.
☐ Architecture and interiors: Complete installation and styling, and identify important design features, materials, and details to photograph.
☐ Commercial facilities: Clean featured equipment and arrange for an authorized team member to position or operate it if required.

PEOPLE & DAILY OPERATIONS

☐ Notify staff of the shoot schedule and the areas being photographed.
☐ Coordinate around meetings, deliveries, cleaning, and service hours.
☐ Arrange quieter periods or temporary access to spaces that need to be photographed without people.
☐ Confirm who will appear in the images and discuss any necessary permissions with me in advance.
☐ Have participating staff ready at their scheduled time in clean, appropriate clothing or uniforms.

EXTERIORS & OUTDOOR AREAS

☐ Complete landscaping, pressure washing, and exterior maintenance before the shoot, allowing time for surfaces to dry and equipment to be cleared.
☐ Sweep entrances, walkways, terraces, and other areas being photographed.
☐ Where permitted, relocate vehicles, bins, hoses, and service equipment that are not part of the planned images.
☐ Clean and arrange outdoor furniture, cushions, and umbrellas.
☐ Clean pools and prepare any other featured amenities.
☐ Confirm that exterior signage and architectural lighting are working.

ACCESS & FINAL CHECK

☐ Provide the address, parking instructions, loading access, gate codes, and check-in requirements.
☐ Arrange keys, escorts, and access to all scheduled areas.
☐ Share any safety requirements, restricted areas, or operating limitations before the shoot.
☐ For sunrise or twilight photography, confirm the setup schedule with me in advance. These photographs depend on a short window of light.
☐ Discuss weather-dependent photographs and scheduling options ahead of time.
☐ Complete a final walkthrough to check cleaning, styling, lighting, and access.

Questions or special requests?
Please share them before the shoot so we can plan accordingly.

ADAM J TANNER PHOTOGRAPHY
Commercial | Hospitality | Architecture | Interiors
954-263-2094 · hello@adamjtannerphotography.com