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Lack of preparation is one of the biggest obstacles to improving your photography, regardless of genre. In this article, I am sharing eight very important photography preparation tips to help your streamline your workflow and improve your photography.
Let me be blunt—if you’re not preparing, you’re holding yourself back. Preparation is not just about avoiding disaster; it’s the secret sauce that transforms good photographers into great ones.
Benjamin Franklin said it best: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
The reality is that many photographers skip preparation because it seems boring compared to the adrenaline of spontaneity. But if you want to stand out, preparation isn’t optional—it’s your ticket to better images, happier clients, and a more enjoyable creative process.
In this article, I’ll show you how to prepare like a pro, using my acronym GREAT PREP: Great Photographs Require Excellent Preparation.
I’ll break it down into actionable photography preparation tips that apply to every genre of photography, with a special focus on portrait and model shoots. Let’s dive in.
Why Preparation Matters
Some people are naturally detail-oriented. They thrive on planning and preparation. Others? Not so much. The good news is that preparation is a skill; like photography, it can be learned. Mastering this skill gives you confidence, saves time, and allows you to focus on creativity when it matters most.
Preparation isn’t about stifling creativity but about creating an environment where it can flourish. When you’ve handled the logistics, you can walk into a shoot with confidence, knowing that you’ve set yourself up for success. You’re no longer reactive—you’re proactive.
8 Photography Preparation Tips
Step 1: WHO Is the Client?
There’s always a client. Even if you’re shooting for fun, you are the client! If you’re hired for a job, the client is the person or company paying you. And if you’re shooting on speculation, your client is the art director, stock image buyers, or potential customers who will use your work.
Knowing who the client is keeps you accountable and focused. Every decision you make—lighting, location, wardrobe—should align with the client’s needs and expectations.
Keep this question front and center as you plan your shoot.
Step 2: WHY Are You Doing the Shoot?
If you don’t know WHY, you don’t have a goal. WHY establishes the finish line and guides every decision you make. For instance:
- Is this a headshot for a corporate website?
- A family portrait meant to hang in a living room?
- A modeling portfolio shot to land gigs?
Each of these requires different planning, lighting, and creative choices. Don’t ever say “yes” to a shoot without first asking WHY—it’s your safety net against unnecessary stress and unmet expectations.
Step 3: Contracts and Communication
Contracts aren’t just for pros. They’re essential for anyone who wants clear expectations and accountability. A solid contract defines the scope of work, protects both parties, and prevents misunderstandings. It’s the ultimate CYA (Cover Your A**).
In addition to contracts, I send detailed confirmation emails to all clients. These emails summarize everything:
- Number of outfits.
- Hair and makeup arrangements.
- Payment details.
- Delivery timelines.
And they always end with: “Please confirm that we are on the same page.” This single step has saved me countless headaches.
Step 4: Scheduling Realistically
Rushing is the enemy of creativity. Great photos take time. I won’t even pick up a camera unless I have at least four hours to work with a subject. That time includes hair, makeup, testing, and creating one or two standout images.
Avoid evening shoots whenever possible. Models and clients are more refreshed earlier in the day, and it’s easier for makeup artists to work on clean, rested skin. One more tip for those working with female models: When scheduling, I gently ask, “Is this a good time of the month for you?” It’s a small courtesy that makes a huge difference in how confident and comfortable they feel.
Step 5: Plan Your Ideas
Creativity doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated. Before every shoot, I create a clear concept or idea. Saying, “Let’s shoot some glamour,” is not an idea. It’s lazy.
For inspiration, I use Instagram, Pinterest, and even craft stores. I save images that catch my eye—not to copy them, but to draw elements I can adapt into my own work. Maybe it’s a color scheme, a pose, or a lighting style. Over time, these saved ideas form a mental library I can draw from.
Pro tip: Visit fabric stores regularly. Clearance fabrics make excellent backdrops or wardrobe pieces, and the staff might even start helping you find gems for your shoots!
Step 6: Wardrobe Selection
Portraits are about the subject—not their clothes. Keep it simple. I always instruct clients to bring solid-colored outfits with no patterns, florals, or logos. Sleeveless tops? Nope—tan lines and spaghetti straps are distracting.
Before the shoot, I have clients send mirror selfies of their selected outfits. This ensures the clothing fits well and aligns with my vision. If you’re shooting swimwear or lingerie, advise them to crop the selfies at the shoulders for privacy.
This step demonstrates your professionalism and eliminates surprises on shoot day.
Step 7: Gear and Logistics
Preparation isn’t just creative—it’s technical.
- Are your batteries charged?
- Are your lenses cleaned?
- Do you have backups of essential gear?
Never assume that everything will work perfectly. Double-check your equipment and ensure that contingencies are in place.
Apps like The Photographer’s Ephemeris, PhotoPills, SunSurveyor and Google Maps can be lifesavers for location shoots, helping you plan around lighting and angles.
📸 Did you know?
Ansel Adams meticulously scouted and planned his photographs, often spending days or weeks studying a location to understand its light, weather, and mood. He would hike into remote areas, making detailed notes and waiting patiently for the perfect conditions to capture the interplay of light and shadow. For instance, in Yosemite’s Clearing Winter Storm, Adams waited hours as a storm moved through the valley, camera set and ready, to seize the fleeting moment of dramatic lighting.
Step 8: Flexibility in Execution
Even with the best photography preparation tips , things don’t always go as planned. Weather changes, models arrive late, or props don’t work out. The beauty of preparation is that it gives you a solid foundation, allowing you to adapt when needed without losing your creative edge.
The Last Frame: GREAT PREP in Action
Preparation is the ultimate confidence builder. When you take the time to prepare, you walk into a shoot knowing you’ve created the best possible environment for success. You’ve eliminated distractions and set yourself up to focus entirely on the creative process.
📸 Did you know?
I have a two hour photography presentation called: Shoot PREP: The photographers’ guide to setting up a successful shoot that is an excellent talk about photography preparation tips for camera clubs and photography organizations!
Remember: Great Photographs Require Excellent Preparation. Commit that to memory. Mastering this skill will free you from stress, deliver consistently better results, and make the process so much more enjoyable.
I hope you found these photography preparation tips useful. Now go pick up that camera and shoot something! Because – “Your BEST shot is your NEXT shot!” — Joe Edelman
