Planning photography and film

Practical guides
for a better brief.

Specific, production-led guidance on commercial photography, video, conferences, business headshots and location work. Each guide leads to relevant commissioned examples and the right enquiry route.

H&M St James Quarter photographed in Edinburgh
Commercial photography guide

How to brief a commercial photographer

A useful brief does not need to prescribe every frame. It needs to explain what the photographs must achieve, where they will appear and what could affect the production day.

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Alex Brooker and Scarlett Moffatt photographed for Channel 4’s Hobby Man
Video production guide

How to plan a video production brief

A strong video brief makes one clear communication job easier. It connects the audience and message to the people, locations, footage and versions needed to tell the story.

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Mastercard hospitality event photographed at The Open in St Andrews
Conference videography guide

Conference video production checklist

Conference filming works best when the camera plan follows the running order, the audio is agreed with the technical team and every final edit has a defined purpose.

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Aerial landscape photographed for National Trust for Scotland
Location production guide

Planning filming and photoshoot locations in Scotland

The best location is not only visually strong. It must also support the people, sound, light, access, permissions and schedule required to make the finished work.

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Business portrait of Guy McGlashan, CEO of W1M
Business headshots guide

How to plan business headshots for a team

Team headshots should feel consistent without making every person look identical. The plan needs to balance brand, available space, staff schedules and a comfortable experience in front of the camera.

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Plan your project

What are you planning?

Answer a few relevant questions and arrive at a useful first brief. It usually takes about two minutes.

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