5 ways to get more from photoshoots

At Revel Horizon, we know that a successful photoshoot doesn’t just happen by chance — it’s the result of clear planning, thoughtful oversight, and smart decision-making. Whether you’re shooting a single hero image or building an entire content library, these five tips will help you get more impact (and fewer headaches) from every shoot.

1. Start with a Better Creative Brief

A strong creative brief is your North Star. It keeps everyone — from photographers and stylists to talent and post-production — aligned on the vision and goals. A great brief should include:

• The objective of the shoot (What are you trying to communicate?)

• Key brand messaging and tone

• Must-have shots and deliverables

• Moodboards and reference images

• Target audience

• Your brand guidelines (ensure that this is read!)

• Deadlines and contact info
  
  

The more context you give, the more empowered your team is to deliver images that truly serve your brand. Invest the time upfront, and you’ll save rounds of reshoots later.

2. Always Have a Brand Representative On Set

Your brand’s DNA can get diluted fast when there’s no one guarding it in real time. Having a representative — whether it’s a creative director, brand manager, or founder — on set ensures that styling choices, compositions, and talent direction stay true to your brand identity.

When a representative isn’t available to answer questions we often see that products are misused or misrepresented. Someone with set experience and in-depth product knowledge is the perfect choice for this role.

Your on-set rep doesn’t need to micromanage, but they should be empowered to make quick calls, resolve questions, and keep the team moving in the right direction. It’s your best insurance policy for avoiding costly missteps.

3. Pick Locations That Maximize Content Opportunities

Where you shoot can dramatically affect how much usable content you come away with. Choosing a versatile location — think spaces with multiple backdrops, interesting textures, or indoor/outdoor options — helps you capture a wider range of looks without needing extra shoot days.

A great location gives you flexibility: one corner could be perfect for a lifestyle hero shot, while another nook might serve for product detail close-ups or social snippets. More variety in one place means more content for your dollar — and less need to recreate the wheel next month.

4. Plan for Multiple Deliverables, Not Just One

Don’t limit your shoot to a single output. The smartest brands treat every shoot as a chance to build an entire content ecosystem: hero images, social cutdowns, behind-the-scenes snippets, GIFs, short-form video, and more.

Discuss with your team ahead of time what formats and platforms you need to serve — web, paid ads, organic social, email, print. By planning for multiple deliverables, you’ll maximize the value of your production day and ensure your content works harder, for longer.

5. Get Your Usage Rights and Licensing Right

One of the biggest pitfalls brands face is underestimating how licensing can limit content use later. Always clarify usage rights — for photography, video, talent, and music — before the shoot happens.

Think beyond your immediate needs: will you want to run these images in paid ads? Will you expand into new markets? Will you want to reuse assets next year? Securing broad, long-term usage rights up front often costs less than renegotiating later (or reshooting altogether).

When in doubt, get it in writing — and partner with legal and production teams who understand how to negotiate terms that protect your brand’s future.

Ready to elevate your next shoot — and make it future-proof? Let’s make it happen together. Contact Revel Horizon to get started.