Creative Process: Brand Photography for Sipland
Here’s a sneak peak at a recent project I wrapped up…
Sipland is getting ready to launch on Thursday 6/13 (!)
In honor of the launch, I thought I’d take you back through the creative process of the shoot, and see how we arrived at our final images.
A very special thank you to prop stylist, Allison Azurmendi, who styled the food + props on this shoot. Her thoughtfulness and insight into each detail led to these images being so successful. Thank you Allison!
To the process… CHEERS!
THE SCOPE:
Before we get started on a project, the scope is plainly laid out between the artist(s) and the client.
This part of the process always starts with a signed contract that states the scope, budget, how the images will be used, and timeline for deliverables.
The scope for this project was: Creative direction, pre-production, production crew, set design, casting, art direction, and post-production for 15 final images.
THE CREW:
To pull off this shoot, required the following people:
1 Photographer/Director (Lizzy)
1 Gaffer (lighting)
1 Digi Tech (for on-site file handling)
1 Prop Stylist
1 Wardrobe Stylist
1 Hair Artist
1 Make-up Artist
1 Talent
Note: We executed this shoot in 1 day, in a studio. No pre-light. Set up took about 2 hours.
THE CREATIVE BRIEF:
To set everyone up for success, I deliver a creative brief detailing the overall look + feel of the photoshoot, as well as each team member’s specific tasks.
Creating this detailed brief meant that everyone went into the day with the same expectations, and no time was wasted in getting the first shot set up. Here are a few slides from the creative brief.
THE CREATIVE DIRECTION: The creative brief will aim to lay out all the details anyone working on this project needs to know to nail the assignment.
But as an addition to the brief, I like to layer in additional visual aids that suggest “how we got here.”
This part isn’t necessary, but I find it helpful for my own creative process. When I’m photographing, it’s helpful to have these visual reference points in the back of my mind.
When I send out the call sheet ahead of the shoot day, I include these references as links so it serves as a way to get everyone hyped and dialed in on the same goal… it might sound goofy, but it’s how I like to work.
Shown here are clips from the films Chocolat, and Pirates of the Caribbean, and a music video by The Last Dinner Party.
Chocolat, 2000
Pirates of The Caribbean, The Curse of the Black Pearl, 2003
The Last Dinner Party - Caesar on a TV Screen, 2024
See?!?
Can you imagine what the photos are going to feel/smell/taste like?!
THE PLAYLIST: Again, not required, but for this project I sent a playlist along with the reference videos above. The goal being “watch these, listen to this, and you’ll know what we’re trying to do here".”
And come the day-of the shoot, we kicked off with this playlist, which set the tone, and made the whole day an experience. Like Carling French says in this podcast, “production is a hospitality industry.”
I find this statement to be SO TRUE! If a client can feel taken care of, from the professionals in the room, the playlist, the attention to detail… then we’ve done a good job.
A SNEAK PEAK: Is it giving “Hero Image?”
If yes, then you’re correct.
