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This came up during a portfolio consultation I did, where the photographer had a background in journalism and documentation, and so was in need of a tool to help with pre-planning. This is something any commercial photographer should be familiar with, including part-time microstock contributors.

I recommend a simple scripting method. Even without any actual planning, you probably already have a basic concept in mind, such as, say, “A Writer at Work”. Next step is making an outline of how a writer’s day might look. At this point, don’t worry about individual shots or end results. Just have fun with it.

An outline might look like this:

1. Writer has coffee and reads through yesterday’s material.
2. Writer edits bits and pieces of what he wrote last, taking notes for larger edits.
3. The actual writing begins. Writer is happy and full of energy.
4. Lunch with editor. Notes are jotted down on the side.
5. More writing. Now the writer is getting tired.
6. Exhaustion and self-critisism sets in.
7. Writer quits for the day. Drinks alone.

On its own this is pretty thin, but it should be enough to get a simple story going in your head. Take each point on the list and turn it into specific shots. If you can only think of one or two shots per point, that’s okay. If a point on your list doesn’t fit with the rest of the shoot (such as the “lunch scene” above), scrap it or use it to base an entirely new shoot on. Stock photography is all about conveying easily interpreted messages, so if you have to struggle to come up with a relevant shot, it’s probably not going to be a good one.

Try it now. How many different shots can you list representing point 3 on the outline above (even if you only do it in your head)?

The simple outline and the associated shots should give you a clearer idea of what you’re working on. As you come up with individual shots, more ideas will present themselves. Did the outlining present new props to add? Did it give you ideas on lighting the images, to help you create mood? What about wardrobe and location?

If you want to take it one step further, get yourself a sketchbook and draw little frames in it. Sketch out the shots. It doesn’t have to be pretty. Placing stick men and a few representations of other important elements is enough. The result is a better idea of the compositions you want, plus it gives you a chance to plan for things like copy space, specific poses and use of location.

Finally, I recommend sharing your outline/plan with the person(s) representing the characters involved. Ahead of time if possible. Just like an actor benefits from a script, your model can use your outline to help get in character or at least understand, what you’ve envisioned. They might even have further ideas for you to use in the shoot. In turn helping you create the pictures you want and then some.

Photo credit: Me!

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