Many photographers know the frustration of walking away from a shoot where everything looked right—but something still felt off. The lighting was clean, the model nailed every pose, the gear performed flawlessly—and yet, the images don’t land the way they should. Here's why.
Below are five steps you can take before your next creative shoot to help your ideas land with more impact. These aren’t overly complex—they’re accessible to anyone at any level, and they’ll help you create images that feel more purposeful, layered, and emotionally resonant.
1. Start With Five Ideas, Not One
Creative momentum builds through exploration. Before committing to a shoot concept, challenge yourself to generate five different ideas—even rough ones. The first idea you come up with might be good, but it’s often the later ones that are more refined, unexpected, or layered.
This process isn’t about indecision—it’s about uncovering creative potential. Sometimes the strongest result comes from combining elements across multiple ideas. By giving yourself a small bank of options to draw from, you naturally push past surface-level thinking and start exploring ideas that are more original and nuanced.
2. Visualize the 'Hero' Shot
Before you touch a camera, take the time to visualize one key image—the photo that captures the essence of the entire shoot. Consider the composition, lighting, color, lens choice, pose, and mood. This becomes your anchor.
Once you have a clear vision of your hero shot, other decisions fall into place more easily. Your styling, props, set design, and lighting all begin to serve that central image. And when you finally capture that shot during the session, you can relax and experiment, knowing you’ve nailed the visual core of your concept.
3. Create a Color Strategy
Color is often the first thing people notice in a photo, even before they interpret the subject. That’s why it’s important to plan your color palette intentionally—whether you’re working with a styled set or shooting on location.
Ask yourself: What’s the emotional goal of this shoot, and how can color support that? Incorporate your palette into wardrobe, props, lighting gels, and set elements. This approach strengthens the mood of the image and makes your work more cohesive, even across a series.
4. Use Props With Meaning
Props aren’t just set dressing—they can be narrative tools. A single object can add symbolism, contrast, or emotional weight. Think metaphorically: a disconnected phone can speak to isolation; a cracked mirror might suggest identity or distortion.
Before the shoot, brainstorm objects that support your concept. Even minimal or budget-friendly props can add powerful subtext when chosen with intention.
5. Light for the Story, Not Just the Subject
While it’s tempting to aim for flattering light, some of the most compelling photos prioritize atmosphere over perfection. Consider what the story or mood of the image calls for. Should the light feel warm and nostalgic? Harsh and confrontational? Cool and detached?
Start by imagining where light would come from naturally within the scene, and build from there. Then, push yourself to try a second lighting variation—it’s often the tweaks, modifiers, or slight changes in angle that lead to surprising results.
These five steps aren’t just about technique—they’re about creating space for clarity and intention before you shoot. Whether you’re working on a personal project or a client assignment, taking time to plan will elevate the creative impact of your work.
For real-world examples of how each of these steps comes to life, check out the full video.
In the video, I walk through these concepts with behind-the-scenes images and actual set references to help illustrate how they work in action.
