Planning out your shoot

For beginners, creating a shoot brief to understand your schedule is something that I find very crucial to understanding which locations are suitable for the shoot that you are about to perform. I often lose track of time to the point that I over-plan shoots. Yes, they may seem more aesthetic, and I can get the perfect shot that I was envisioning. However, it can prove to be time-consuming.

It is essential to be careful of your choices when planning out your shoot. Go onto Google Maps, and map out your route before your shoot to have an idea of your shooting schedule. For example, if I have a day when I want to capture two scenes- the urban city and sunset by the beach, I will know that I should start with the urban setting first, as it is not time-sensitive. Afterwards, I’ll ensure that I have adequate time to move to the second location to recce the place and plant myself where I feel is the best scene for a sunset.

When you have mapped out the locations you intend to shoot at, it makes it very easy for you to select your choice of suitable equipment for the scenes you want to capture. I tend to use a versatile wide zoom (FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM) lens and a prime lens (FE 24mm F1.4 GM) to pull shots that require a wider depth of field.

Find a location that’ll allow you to film a variety of scenes well, such as a location that’s easily accessible or one with options you can explore if the site you’re set on turns out to be less attractive than you thought it’d be.