10 tips for working with a product photographer remotely

Over the years, I’ve had a few brand photo clients reach out in moments of pure panic, after popping their products in the mail to a new-to-them studio for simple e-commerce shots on white. It always goes something like this, “We sent our products to this studio that seemed legit, for super cheap e-commerce photos, and… they’re all wrong, we launch in five days, HELP.” Then, they dive into rush alternatives with whoever has availability locally (often: crazy expensive), and do it anyway to hit deadlines. I never want anyone to be in this situation again.

I also want you to know, with the right pieces in place, I think remote shoots can be an awesome option for e-commerce shots AND marketing content… so much so, that I opened up my Product Program to new clients in January 2020. Why? After years of shooting remotely behind-the-scenes for brands (between lifestyle shoots), I realized it’s a lower cost solution, supports the quantity needed for digital and saves my clients a ton of time, all without sacrificing quality.

There are numerous things I’ve learned throughout years of shooting remotely, which helps clients know exactly what they can expect and then celebrate, not cringe, when the gallery hits in their inbox. Whether you work with me or another photographer, here are 10 tips for a successful remote shoot.

1 - ASk for work samples

If you’ve already creeped on your photographer enough to know they have a pretty Instagram or stunning website shots, you still want to confirm they are experienced with your industry and the type of images you’re looking for.

If the photographer doesn’t have examples of exactly what you’re seeking within their portfolio, ask for a few samples, ideally of a product similar to yours. Say you’re a clothing brand, they should have textile experience (no wrinkles, no lint, etc.) or if you’re a bottled product, check out images with similar packaging (no crazy reflections, smudges, the list goes on).

If you see the right style of samples with a similar type of product, you should feel awesome about moving forward.

2 - share brand guidelines

If you have existing brand guidelines, share them. If not, ask your photographer about their onboarding process, or if they have a brand questionnaire.

Providing your photographer with clear brand info will ensure you’re happy with the final photos, plus have images that align with all of your existing content, photos and videos.

3 - Communicate priority products

If you send a photographer your full line, specify which products are the priority. Often my clients have a few key products they need to share over and over again, while another product just needs a single shot or to appear in a group photo. Make it really clear!

Another thing to consider is product angles and pairings. If you have different collections within your product line, call this out. A certain angle of your product has a unique touch you like to highlight? Note that too.

4 - highlight upcoming campaigns

Whether it’s seasonal styling, a big launch, upcoming holidays or a special promotion coming up, note this for your photographer.

When you’re building out your content calendar, ideally you have not just one, but numerous options for each occasion.

5 - note where it will be used

This is important for two reasons. First off, composition… I often hear, “Is there anything with more white space? Our designer needs to drop in copy on the right.” If you consider exactly how the photos will be used in advance, your photos will go further.

Second: licensing. This should be crystal clear in your photographer’s contract, but in a digital world lines are too often blurred, for example: social media advertising. Note all place you’d like to use these images, and make sure it’s covered and/or can be added later.

6 - Specify dimensions

I’ve worked on numerous shoots focused on Instagram, Pinterest and vertical photo templates, then later discover an extra wide Facebook cover photo is needed too (and that’s a tricky crop from vertical!) If you share every single spot the photos might be used, you’ll have more options for dimensions.

Even if Instagram content or your e-commerce listings are the primary reason for the shoot, a versatile library of images makes your investment and impact go much further.

7 - share deadlines (or: request specific timeline)

When I work with brands, I always share a large preview gallery with clients, they get pick their favorites and then I dive into edits on final selects. When I build out a timeline, particularly with a looming launch or promo, I always start with the final deadline and work backward to build in due dates for both parties.

From day one get a clear understanding of what you can expect when, especially when you’ll receive the very final edits.

8 - ask about previews

Okay I know I’m biased because it’s my own process (see #7), but I would ask your photographer if you can see a preview gallery with some unedited, photo options to select your final photos.

Options are everything, and when you’re not onsite to provide feedback, this will allow you to be more involved in the process remotely. Plus, it’ll save your photographer editing time and back-and-forth if they build this into the process from the beginning. Win-win.

9 - Figure out frequency of shoots

For something like e-commerce shots, you really only need to book a photographer as needed when a new product rolls out.

If you’re working with a remote photographer on other marketing photos (styled or lifestyle), it’s worthwhile to look into options for shooting together at a regular frequency. I work with many of my brand clients either monthly or quarterly, so they always have a fresh marketing photos. Plus, it helps us work on seasonal needs and upcoming promos too. It’s easy to plan 3 months out, more difficult a year prior.

Bonus: I offer lower rates with an ongoing partnership, so that’s something to ask your photographer about too.

10 - consider other upcoming photo needs

Let’s say you hire a remote photographer for styled social media photos. Once they have your products and understand your brand, figure out if there’s anything else you need that they could knock off the list. Maybe you need one simple product photo on white, or want to try out a gif for social media advertising.

Adding on a couple extra shots will come at a much lower cost than starting a shoot from scratch. Ask what else your remote photographer can do!

As a former full time marketer, I’m all about streamlining the process for my brand founders and marketers. My hope is these 10 tips will help simplify and streamline your own process when working with a remote photographer, plus provide you with the photos that are just right.