Essential Tips in Managing a Photo or Video Shoot.

For any young AD the pinnacle in measuring ones success early on is to direct a photo or video shoot. I remember when my creative director pull me into his office, sat me down and told me that I will be directing my very own shoot for the first time. Charged with excitement, I had no idea about the amount of preparation needed to manage, run and complete a successful shoot.

Since then I have directed dozens of video, fashion and aerial shoots. As great as these shoots are to be a part of, preparation is key to a smooth day on the set. Here are FIVE points to follow when your assembling and directing your next shoot.

1. Plan for the day. Yes this seems like a no brainer but this is the most important step in the process. How many shots or scenes do we need? What is the first, second and last shot? What model(s) are in the shot? What kind of props are we going to use? What wardrobe will the models need? What lighting style will we use? Questions like these are crucial to have mapped out before anyone steps on the set. Please be flexible during this process as this document will be revised many times right up until the shoot.

2. Communicate. This point rings true with all things in life, but it is extremely important in preparing for a shoot. Make sure your account service team, photographer, stylist, make up artist, producers and THE CLIENT knows and understands the plan and at what step of the plan everyone is at during the planning phase. It is important to touch base at least once a day and even more so the closer you get to the shoot date. The goal here is to have everyone arrive on the set confident and ready to go.

3. Work as a team. Have a few meetings with the photographer and producer and anyone else involved with creating the shots. The purpose of these meeting are to iron out every detail and to discuss any issues the team sees in the shot list document. During this time, the team will discuss the schedule, props and all things surrounding the shoot.

4. Let the team work. Yes you are the all mighty AD with more awards than you can count on two hands. But guess who else has awards? The photographer, producer, stylist, make up artists, models and all the other folks working on set that day. My point here is yes the AD directs the shot but you must trust and listen to everyone throughout the day. Good things happen when you allow for additional input. This does not mean you compromise the creative direction, it simply means you must be open to the creative nuances that pop up throughout the day. They can and have lead to many great shots.

5. Champion Happiness. Before, during and after each shot, look to the client to gauge how things are going. Ask them if they like what they are seeing. Simply put, it maybe your idea they are allowing you to execute, but they are also paying for it and expect to see results from it. The goal is have everyone smiling when they leave for the day. The client should be just as excited as you about these shots.

These steps are just an overview of the fun day (and sometimes days) know as photo or video shoot. Please share your thoughts or experiences below.