Photography Brief | Guide + Template

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When switching from Google Docs to HolaBrief, I found that our briefs became significantly more in depth
- Terri Williams, Agency Founder

What is a photography creative brief?

Before we begin to explore how to create a photography creative brief, it is first important to understand exactly what one is. The right photography design brief can transform your project and help you to enjoy the very best product photography possible.

While it might sound like a straightforward document to produce, many photography briefs fall short of providing all of the required information photographers need. This often results in underwhelming images or miscommunication that can be very expensive and time-consuming to resolve.

To minimize the risk of this occurring, you want to be as thorough as you can when creating your photography creative brief. That is why you should focus on including:

  • What it is you are hoping to achieve from the project
  • The context behind why you are undertaking the project
  • The vision of what the finished images will look like
  • What the images will be used for
  • The dimensions and format you will need them delivered in
  • The timeframe and overall budget
  • Any examples from previous shoots that you like
  • Your brand guidelines

When you are able to provide your photographer with all of this, they will have a clear understanding of what needs to be achieved.

What are the hidden benefits of implementing a photoshoot brief?

A comprehensive photography project brief might seem like a time-consuming task to complete, but it is incredibly worthwhile. Rather than a sample of what you are looking for, you should consider it a blueprint for yourself and the photographer, giving a clear outline of how the project will be completed.

When everyone working on the project understands exactly what is expected of them, it will give you complete peace of mind that you are going to get the results you desire. This will also ensure a smooth and efficient process, removing the need for continuous back and forth to answer small questions. A photography design brief will also help to minimize the risk of miscommunication leading to the project detouring away from what you were hoping for.

Many individuals find that creating a photography brief is also a great way to get your creative juices flowing. When you are having to detail exactly what it is that you are looking for, you will be able to start thinking critically about the project, allowing you to truly understand what it is you are hoping to achieve.

How do you write a photoshoot brief? A tested outline

A thorough photography brief is a great way to ensure your project remains on time and on budget. However, if you have never created one before, it can be very tough to know where to begin and what information you should include for your photographer.

We know how daunting this process can seem. That is why to help you, we have taken a closer look at the five key areas that you should include when writing yours.

1) Project Description

The first area that you should focus on when completing a photography creative brief is your project description. This is one of the most important steps you take and is effectively your summary of the entire project. This means it needs to include the event, location, start time, and contact details of anyone on site.

However, it should also outline exactly what it is that you are hoping to achieve from the end results, as well as the level of communication you expect between all parties on the project.

2) Objective

The next stage of your photography brief is to then detail your goals and objectives clearly. For example, is there a specific vision or concept that you are hoping to achieve? Being as descriptive and as thorough as you can during this process will help the photographer to understand the brief and exactly what they need to accomplish.

When creating your objectives, you should also consider how you will be using the images and what you are hoping to achieve with the photos.

3) Requirements

Once you have been able to clearly outline your objectives, the next step of your photoshoot brief is to clearly detail the requirements you need the photographer to achieve. This will depend on the platforms and media outlets that you are going to be using the images on, so make sure you have this clear in your mind first.

With that information, you will then be able to detail the specific formats, sizes, and dimensions that you will require the finished photos to be delivered in.

4) Timeline and deliverables

When you understand exactly what your objectives are and the deliverables that you will require, the next step of your photography design brief is to detail the timeline and deliverables.

This is your chance to outline to your photographer exactly when they will need to deliver the final images. However, it is also a chance for you to set dates for deliverables and milestones throughout the project, ensuring you can minimize the likelihood of miscommunication or errors occurring.

5) Look, feel, and direction

Finally, another major aspect of any photography brief is to detail the look, feel, and direction that you are hoping to achieve from these images. The guidance you provide here should help to give the direction for the entire project, so make sure you are as thorough as possible.

This is your chance to showcase your passion and focus for the project, helping the photographer to understand exactly why you are seeking these images.

Moodboards are an excellent tool to use while tackling this phase since they allow you and your client to communicate and collaborate on ideas while also providing the project with a clear path to follow. Try our interactive moodboards for free!

Build and download your photography creative brief samples

There can be no denying the many benefits that come from creating a comprehensive photography brief. However, it can also be a very difficult task to complete, particularly if you have never produced one of these documents before.

Here at HolaBrief, we know how frustrating it can be to be staring at a blank page and not knowing where to begin. That is why we have used our years of experience to create unique software that has been designed to give you the help you need to succeed.

The simple-to-use system will provide you with in-depth photography briefs that you will be able to quickly and easily complete through our step-by-step process. So, if you are looking to create a photography design brief in a matter of minutes and receive the tools and knowledge you need to achieve the very best results, get started today FOR FREE!

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Explore More Templates

Build interactive briefs that your clients will love to fill out

Either pick from our tested templates or create custom briefs using interactive exercises like Moodboard, Customer Persona, or Competitors Map. Once done, send the link to the client so they can respond without the need to have an account.

Ready to create standout work in less time?

Join 1000s of agencies using HolaBrief to set up their projects for success.

Ready to create standout work in less time?

Join 1000s of agencies using HolaBrief to set up their projects for success.