- 01 FOUNDATION
Define your brand's Audience
Before briefing a photographer or approving a single shot, articulate who you're speaking to. Your audience dictates every visual choice that follows.
Luxury Seekers
Premium positioning demands sophisticated lighting, refined compositions, and elevated aesthetics that communicate exclusivity.
Practical Minimalists
Function-focused audiences appreciate clean, straightforward imagery that highlights utility and clear product benefits.
Vibrant Creatives
Bold expression through saturated colors, dynamic compositions, and unconventional styling that captures attention.
- 02 CREATIVE
Establish Your Visual Style
Visual references are invaluable for communicating style preferences. A mood board allows you to collect inspiration and share a cohesive vision.
Colour Palette
Define your color scheme to ensure final images align with your brand.
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Bright palettes communicate innovation
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Muted neutrals suggest sophistication
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Earth tones ground sustainable brands
Lighting Style
Lighting sets the mood and enhances your product's best features.
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Soft, diffused for natural products
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Dramatic shadows for tech/artisanal
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Stark contrast for futuristic feel
Composition
Choose the approach that best serves your goals.
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Clean e-commerce (white background)
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Creative flat lays
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Environmental lifestyle shots
PRO TIP
Don't be afraid to share what you don't like! Showing the photographer examples of styles to avoid is just as helpful as showing what you love—it ensures you're both on the same page from the start.
- 03 TECHNICAL
Determine Image Requirements
Define where photos will live—website banners require landscape, while Instagram stories need portrait 9:16. Each platform has specific requirements.
Website Banners
Landscape orientation with negative space for text overlay. Ideal for desktop hero sections.
Instagram Stories
9:16 vertical (portrait) aspect ratio to fill mobile screens completely.
Instagram Feed
1:1 square or 4:5 vertical format for grid consistency and maximum visibility.
PRO TIP
Always ask the photographer to leave plenty of background space around your product so you can insert text at a later date. This flexibility is crucial for marketing materials.
- 04 PLANNING
Create Your Shot List
Identify and list every image you'll need for a seamless rollout across all social platforms, your main site, and PR kits.
Core White Background
Essential clean images for e-commerce platforms:
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Hero Shot: Eye-level on pure white
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3/4 Angle: Shows depth
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Back/Reverse: Technical details
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Detail Macro: Close-up textures
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Group Shots: Product ranges
Lifestyle & Marketing
Focus on storytelling for high engagement:
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Website Hero Banner (16:9)
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Product-in-Use (4:5 Vertical)
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Social Story (9:16 Portrait)
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Flat Lay (1:1 Square)
E-Commerce
Clean, white-background shots with product occupying 85% of frame for Amazon, Shopify.
- 05 STYLING
Props & Ingredients
Carefully chosen props help set the mood and tell a story, while fresh, well-styled ingredients add authenticity and visual interest.
Backgrounds
In my studio, I offer a variety of backgrounds including vibrant coloured papers, textured tiles, natural wooden surfaces, and unique hand-painted boards. Please let me know in advance what you'd like to use.
Props
I keep a curated selection of props including drinking glasses, bathroom accessories, mirrors, test tubes, and more. Availability varies, so please get in touch before planning.
Ingredients
Product ingredients can add valuable context. I'm happy to source many commonly available ingredients, though specialized items may need to be provided.
PRO TIP
Props and ingredients play a crucial role in bringing a product shoot to life. Keep props to a minimum in each shot, using them only to accent and support the composition. The main focus should always remain on the product you are selling.
-06 LOGISTICS
Timeline & Business Terms
Define a clear timeline to manage expectations and ensure on-time delivery of your photography assets.
Time Milestones
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Product Handling: Shipping instructions
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Shoot & First Review: Approve hero shots
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Draft Delivery: Initial proofs (1–7 days)
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Final Delivery: High-res files deadline
Retouching Scope
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Basic: Blemish removal, color correction
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Advanced: Background replacement, complex edits
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One re-shoot round included per image
Quick Checklist:
Everything to Tell Your Photographer
Shot List & Details
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Create a comprehensive list including cut-out on white and lifestyle shots. Define specific product details that must be highlighted.
Mood Board & References
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Examples of images you like (and dislike) to establish the desired vibe, lighting, and atmosphere.
Brand Guidelines
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Information on brand colours, target audience, and specific composition dos and don'ts.
Props & Backgrounds
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Who sources props, and what specific items are needed. List background textures or colors required.
Intended Use
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Where images will live (Amazon, Instagram, print catalogs, website banners) dictates composition and lighting.
File Requirements
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Specific aspect ratios (1:1, 4:5, 16:9), file formats (JPEG, PNG, PSD), and resolution needs.
Timeline & Milestones
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Firm deadline for final delivery and any intermediate milestones for image approval.
Retouching Scope
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Clarify if budget covers basic cleaning or advanced manipulation, and number of allowed revision rounds.
PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES - BRIGHTON & SUSSEX
Looking for a product photographer Sussex or product photographer Brighton? Need a drinks photographer Sussex or drinks photographer Brighton for your next campaign? Stuart Price Photography is your trusted food photographer Brighton and food photographer Sussex, and the go-to commercial photographer Brighton and commercial photographer Sussex for brands that need imagery that truly performs.