Ready To Make an Impact?
Commercial shoots are fast-paced, high-stakes, and full of moving parts. Whether you’re photographing a real estate listing, capturing a product launch, or directing a branded campaign, being prepared is the most creative thing you can do. This guide breaks down the essential prep steps to help you show up confident, professional, and ready to create.
1. Pre-Shoot Checklist
Client Goals & Deliverables
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What is the shoot for? (Website, ad, social, internal use?)
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What exact shots or assets do they need?
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Is there a mood board, sample gallery, or brand guide?
Logistics & Timing
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Confirm date, time, and location access
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Share arrival/setup time, shoot start, and estimated wrap
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Identify load-in/load-out paths and parking
Team Communication
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Who is the point of contact on set?
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Are there assistants, talent, or clients attending?
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Does anyone have safety, privacy, or accessibility needs?
Approvals & Licensing
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Signed contract in place
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Model/property releases prepared (if needed)
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Licensing terms agreed upon (commercial, editorial, internal use, etc.)
2. Gear Prep
Camera & Lenses
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Clean sensors and glass
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Fully charged batteries + backups
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Memory cards formatted and organized
Lighting & Power
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Flash or continuous lighting tested
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Extra bulbs, batteries, power cords, and extension cables
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Light modifiers (softbox, reflectors, gels) packed
Accessories
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Tripod or monopod
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Tether cable or wireless transmitters
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Cleaning cloth, tape, clamps, zip ties
Backup Systems
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On-site external SSD
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Cloud upload or redundant backup plan
3. Creative Reference Materials
Shot List
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Build in collaboration with client
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Include wide, medium, detail, vertical, and horizontal compositions
Brand Style Guidelines
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Fonts, color treatments, logo use
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Example campaigns or prior photo usage
Inspiration Folder
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Reference poses, lighting, framing
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Helps keep everyone aligned visually on shoot day
4. Shoot Day Essentials
Emergency Kit
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Gaffer tape
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Safety pins
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Stain remover wipes
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Mini toolkit and scissors
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Pain reliever, allergy meds, water, snacks
Client Care
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Print copies of shot list + visual references
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Offer seating and water if they’re staying on set
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Check in after major milestones (“Are we hitting what you imagined?”)
Creative Mindset
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Stay flexible: lighting changes, clients pivot, ideas evolve
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Be assertive but collaborative with direction
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Manage timeline without rushing or losing rapport
5. Post-Shoot Workflow
File Handling
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Rename files and store in organized folder structure
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Backup to both external drive and cloud
Client Delivery
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Send preview gallery or proofing link within agreed timeframe
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Provide download instructions and usage rights documentation
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Follow up with a thank-you note or recap email
Internal Review
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Assess what went well and what could improve
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Organize selects for portfolio, blog, or case study
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Save presets or notes for future similar shoots
KC Media Team Tip: Preparedness doesn’t kill creativity—it unlocks it. By handling logistics and gear in advance, your brain is free to explore angles, lighting, and moments that elevate the work. Great creativity is built on great systems.
Need help organizing your next commercial shoot? Let’s collaborate.