Why Preproduction is Essential for Photography: My Process and Lessons Learned
I take preproduction very seriously. Today, I am working on a few briefs, talking with talent, organising FaceTimes, and ensuring we are all on the same page, so I felt it was a good time to talk about it!
Without it, photoshoots often lack consistency and fail to tell the cohesive stories they could otherwise achieve. Clear communication and preparation are critical because relying only on words in a visual medium like photography can lead to misunderstandings. Everyone interprets things differently, but showing reference photos and creating detailed briefs ensures everyone is on the same page, minimising mistakes.
This focus on preproduction became my priority after hearing a story from a model I worked with. To be clear, this is not a shoot I had any part in, but I feel is a great example of why we need to empathise with talent. A model told me about a lingerie shoot she’d done, organised by a reputable agency. The shoot involved lingerie, leather masks, paddles, whips and handcuffs. The pay was good, and she had a good idea of what to expect and had agreed with a few stipulations, including asking who was on set and checking whether they could opt out of certain shots. Unfortunately, one of the models, with less of a profile, hadn’t been given the same opportunity and not only arrived late but hadn’t seen the brief—her agent had forgotten to send it. She walked in blind, seeing three other girls in leather masks pretending to spank each other. She was immediately overwhelmed by what she saw; while everyone else on set was comfortable and in sync, she was blindsided and walked out of the room crying. Everyone else had been given the time to mentally prepare, had sat together for make-up and psyched themselves up for it. Our final cast member hadn't been given such an opportunity, and it would have been jarring.
This is an extreme example but highlights how crucial it is to prepare models for what to expect. While my work sits nowhere near this—typically, swimwear shoots, especially on crowded beaches, require a degree of vulnerability that may take some mental gymnastics to feel comfortable with, or equally as important if someone isn't comfortable, I need to find another location. Asking someone to pose for photos in public is no small thing; creating a safe, comfortable environment is essential. I want the people I work with to feel good about what we’re making and to know they have control over their boundaries. It’s not about being told what to do by “some weird old white dude”—it’s about collaboration and trust. You want photos that feel authentic; you’re going to need genuine with every intention in order to achieve these.
The Power of Clear Communication
Meeting someone for the first time on a shoot can be daunting. Everyone communicates, emotes, and sees themselves differently. If you want to elevate someone in your work, you must understand how they see themselves and what makes them feel beautiful. It’s not enough to show up and hope for the best.
This is especially true when it comes to facial expressions in photography. You can’t hide discomfort in a portrait. Someone might be smiling, but if they’re uncomfortable, it will come through in the photo—it’s a vibe you can’t edit out. While an “off-guard” expression can sometimes work, discussing that with the model in advance rather than accidentally capturing discomfort in every shot is important.
I can understand some models prefer not to focus too much on preproduction and would rather just turn up and shoot, and that’s totally fine. But you'll find people benefit from preparation. Everyone has different ways of seeing themselves, and understanding these differences elevates the final work. I’ve found that taking the time to talk to talent and learn their perspectives has dramatically improved the quality and consistency of my images.
The Role of Briefs and Consent
My preproduction process usually involves creating a 3-4 page brief informed by my conversations with the model. I ask for mood boards—whether using my work or someone else’s—and I ask the model to explain what they love about the images they’ve selected. This is crucial because how they feel about the photos might be very different from how I see them. As a male photographer shooting women, I acknowledge that men and women often view things through different lenses.
For example, a common misconception I’ve encountered is how “nude” imagery is perceived. Many women see it as freeing and beautiful, while men often view it as provocative. This is something I explore in my work—I aim for beauty, fun, and authenticity rather than anything overly sexualised or provocative. One of the things I realised early on is that many of my favourite photographs weren't one-offs; they were built on great relationships, understanding, respect and trust. Knowing this means I strive for it with every shoot.
I also include two important documents in my briefs:
1. An Image Consent Form gives the model control over which images are shared or used. It’s vital that no photo ends up online, as that could negatively impact the model later. It takes away some of my own autonomy from my work, but it ensures a model never loses theirs; there are consequences for women that there never will be for me.
2. A Duty of Care Form: This ensures the model’s comfort and safety is prioritised throughout the shoot. Respect and boundaries are non-negotiable, and this formalises that commitment.
Why Preproduction Matters
Preproduction is about more than logistics—it’s about understanding and collaboration. The time spent preparing with the model ensures we’re working toward the same goal and allows the shoot to run smoothly. This preparation informs our stories and ensures the final images feel authentic and align with the model’s comfort and vision.
To photographers: Take preproduction seriously. It’s not just about creating better images—it’s about creating better working environments. Models, if you aren't getting enough information, don't do the shoot.