How to Plan a Content Shoot for Your Business

A content shoot can give your business months of photos and video in a single day. Or it can leave you with a nice gallery you never quite use.

The difference is almost always the planning. The good news is you don't have to do it alone. Here's how I work through each step with you.

Start with where the content will live

Before we start anything, we need to map out where every photo and video is going. Your website, LinkedIn, Instagram, EDMs, ads, proposals.

Each one needs something slightly different. Website banners need wide shots with space for text. Instagram wants vertical. Ads need a strong hook in the first two seconds. I'll make sure everything is shot in the right format from the start, so nothing goes to waste.

Set clear goals

"We need new content" is a start, but it's not a goal. Think about what you actually need. Are you replacing stock or AI images on your website? Building three months of reels? Launching a new service?

Together we'll land on one or two clear goals. Everything else in the plan is built around them.

The shot list is the bible for the shoot

This is the most useful document in the whole process, and I'll help you put it together. Every shot you need, grouped by location or setup so the day flows without backtracking.

For a typical service business, that might include headshots and team photos, people working with clients, detail shots of your space, talking-to-camera clips for reels, testimonials, and wide website banner images.

We mark the must-haves, and if the day runs tight, we both know exactly what can't be skipped.

Pick your locations (and check the light)

Your office or workspace is usually the best backdrop because it's real. Have a walk through beforehand and note which rooms get good natural light and when. If you're not sure, send me a few phone photos and I'll help you pick the best spots.

In Perth, midday sun is harsh and flat outside, so I'll plan any outdoor shots for early morning or late afternoon. Indoors, big windows are your best friend.

Tidy up in advance. Clear desks, hide cables, remove anything with sensitive client info on it.

Prep your people

Most people don't love being on camera, and that's completely normal. A few things help a lot:

• Tell the team the date early and what's expected of them
• Give simple wardrobe guidance: solid colours, nothing with big logos or busy patterns, and bring a second option
• Share rough talking points for anyone speaking on camera, but don't script them word for word

On the day, I'll keep things relaxed and schedule anyone nervous later, once everyone's warmed up. A relaxed team looks better on camera than a perfectly dressed, stressed one.

I put together the run sheet

I'll map the whole day in blocks: setup, headshots, team shots, candid work shots, video, detail shots, wrap up. I build in buffer time because video especially always takes a little longer.

You get the run sheet ahead of time to share with your team, so everyone knows when they're needed and can get on with their day otherwise.

Plan the video early

Video needs more planning than photos. Have a think about who's comfortable speaking on camera and the key messages you want to get across. I'll help you shape those into the right formats, whether that's reels, testimonials or a brand video.

On the day, I'll batch the filming. If someone's already mic'd up and comfortable, we'll film three or four short clips back to back rather than one.

I'll catch the moments that weren't planned

Some of the best content comes from moments that weren't on the list. A laugh between colleagues, a genuine client interaction, a quiet detail you walk past every day. A good plan gives me the structure to catch those moments instead of scrambling.

Ready to plan yours?

Fresh Perspectives Media works with Perth businesses to plan and shoot content that actually gets used.

Get in touch at Jude@freshperspectives.au or 0419 855 508.