When working on a photoshoot, it’s crucial to set a strong foundation from the start. A clear, inspiring and informative brief provides the structure and direction for photographers to their best work.
Photography briefs typically include background information, goals, deliverables, references imagery, creative direction and a style guide.
This template is part of our guide on How to plan a photoshoot.
Whether you’re a photographer or client, follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of writing a photography brief in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.
The Photography Brief template is filled with questions, thought starters and image placeholders to help you write your brief in minutes.
Create a new board for your brief.
Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.
Choose the Photography Brief template
Each new board gives you the options to start with a beautiful template.
Start by providing some background on the client for your photographer. Include details like brand values, a link to their website and some history about them. Then add contact details for the key people involved in the project to make communication easy.
Add a note to describe the client.
Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.
Are you shooting a new product, an interior, food or portraits? Each of these requires unique preparation, equipment and talent so try to give the photographer as much background information as possible.
Upload an image of the subject you're shooting.
Click the "Upload file" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio and much more.
What do you want to communicate with through these photos? Is there a specific concept or vision you have for the shoot?
Alongside your goals, list the shots you require. How many final images do you need? Where will they be used—in print, online or social media? This will help the photographer organize their shot-list, equipment, props and talent before for the day of the shoot.
Create a new to-do list for the specific deliverables.
Start typing then press "Enter" to create a new item. Add a title to your to-do list using the left hand toolbar.
This is where you describe a specific type of audience and detail what’s important to them. What do they care about? What inspires them? Include any relevant research or stats you have. All this helps the photographer choose a mood or direction that speaks to your audience.
Choose a photo to represent your audience from image search.
Search over 500,000 beautiful photos powered by Unsplash then drag images straight onto your board.
Add inspiring images to communicate the mood or style you want from the shoot. These could be photos from a previous campaign or inspiration you've found on the web. They'll ensure that you and the photographer are aligned on the style and visual direction from the start.
Browse the built-in image library.
Search over 500,000 beautiful photos powered by Unsplash then drag images straight onto your board.
Install the Milanote Web Clipper
Save images from other websites straight to your board.
Roll over an image (or highlight text), click Save, then choose the destination in Milanote. Return to your board and find the content in the "Unsorted" column on the right.
Once you’ve made any final tweaks, it’s time to share the completed brief with the your team, organize a kickoff meeting and start preparing for the shoot.
Publish and share the brief with your team.
Write a welcome message under the "Publish & share" menu. This will display the first time someone views your board.
Milanote is where creative professionals organize their most important work.
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