Production Planning and Collaboration

Make plans for a photo shoot that will involve at least three team members (yourself being one of them). For example, you may need someone to do lighting, props, makeup, or set decoration. You may also need an assistant to help you take more complex shots. Your photo project could be a product shoot where you are trying to make an object very appealing, a fashion shoot where you will use models, a portrait with props, or anything else you come up with. Your photo shoot needn't be overly elaborate or intricate, unless this is what you want; it should, however, be well-executed and creative.

Preproduction

During preproduction, get everything ready for your shoot. Write up a production plan. Include what you intend to shoot, what needs to be set up on site, what tasks will need to be completed, and a complete shot list of at least 5 shots. Make sure to outline compositions and production elements including what the set will look like and how you will style the lighting, the specific location of the shoot, and details about the wardrobe and props. Plan for efficiency and smooth flow in production by getting everything organized ahead of time. Delegate tasks to each of your three job titles.

Keep in mind, your location can be as simple as your home and your set as simple as your bedroom. You can feel free to use props that are items you already have and/or have easy access to. While the instructions for this activity may elicit images of a professional fashion photo shoot, you can certainly create a photo shoot that is both simple and creatively original. Your grade will NOT be based on how elaborate your set, props, etc. are but rather on how well you organize and execute your plan.

If you have two friends who can help, give them jobs, and execute your preproduction plan, getting everything ready. If you don't have friends to be your crew, you can perform the jobs of the other "crew" members to get the shoot ready.

Production

Now, execute your production plan, either with the collaboration of team members or figure out a way to change hats and perform all three jobs on set. This may be easier if you choose a patient subject, like a tube of toothpaste or other inanimate object!

Post-production

Compare the shots that you got to your shot list. Write a brief reflection about your experience. How did you and your team do? Did things run smoothly? What lessons did you learn? Did the photos turn out as you had planned? Your reflection should be no longer than one page.