5 Bite-Sized Lessons That Will Instantly Improve Your Photoshoots (That No One Talks About)

Written By Stephanie Kingery

By Steph Kingery | The Detailed Project



There are so many resources out there teaching photographers how to take better photos—and of course, that’s something we can always continue to improve. But as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve realized something crucial: everything outside of the photo itself is just as important, if not more, when it comes to running a successful photography business.

And honestly? No one’s talking about it enough.

That’s exactly what I’m here to change with The Detailed Project—where I dive into the small, powerful details that help photographers intentionally tell their stories, build sustainable businesses, and deliver standout client experiences.

So when I got the opportunity to lead my very first mentorship workshop (first of many, I promise), I knew exactly what I wanted to focus on: the overlooked details that help create smooth, successful photoshoots—every single time.

During the workshop, I talked for over an hour and a half straight (classic me), but in this blog, I’m distilling it down into 5 bite-sized lessons you can apply right away.

Lesson 1: Details & Communication Are Everything

There are two core pillars I run my entire photography business on: details and communication.

Sounds obvious, right? But hear me out—literally everything you do in your process will tie back to one (or both) of these principles. From onboarding to final delivery, your success depends on how well you handle the small details and how clearly you communicate with your clients.

Want more successful shoots? Happier clients? More referrals (and $$)? Mastering these two things will get you there—guaranteed.



Lesson 2: Do the Research

Before you even think about pressing that shutter, you need to understand your client. Who are they as a brand? What story are they trying to tell? Most importantly: what problem did they hire you to solve?

This is where research comes in—and no, I don’t mean stalking their Instagram for five minutes. I’m talking about strategic, intentional prep using a customized preproduction questionnaire. This tool helps you:

  • Eliminate endless email threads

  • Get all the info in the client’s own words

  • Uncover potential roadblocks before the shoot

  • Set the tone for a smooth collaboration

It’s all about asking the right questions upfront. (P.S. I’ve got a free template for you at the end of this blog—you’re welcome.)



Lesson 3: Use a Shoot Guide

Want to instantly level up your professionalism and protect yourself from client miscommunications? Create a shoot guide.

A shoot guide is a one-stop document that includes everything from mood boards, shot lists, call sheets, and talent info to wardrobe options, prop lists, and more. It clearly outlines what’s been agreed upon and gives you something to reference if things get hectic on set.

Not only does this make your life easier, but it also:

  • Shows your client you’re organized and professional

  • Keeps your entire team on the same page

  • Prevents the dreaded “Well, I thought we were doing…”

And the best part? You can literally follow it like a blueprint on shoot day. (Again, link to my shoot guide template below.)



Lesson 4: Print It Out

Digital is great—but physical copies still win on set.

Print out key parts of your shoot guide for yourself, your client, assistants, crew, and talent. Not only does this make you look like you’ve got your sh*t together, but it also:

  • Sets the tone for a smooth shoot

  • Ensures no one’s scrambling for info

  • Keeps everyone aligned (even when chaos strikes)

Pro tip: Put everything in a folder or clipboard for quick reference. Future you will thank you.



Lesson 5: Final Prep & Automation

You’ve got the plan—now it’s time to execute.

Doing a quick test shoot can help you troubleshoot lighting, compositions, or props before the real shoot begins. If something feels off, you’ll know in advance—and have a backup ready.

Beyond that, automation is your best friend. Templates, systems, and checklists make sure no detail is forgotten, no communication is missed, and you walk into every project feeling confident and prepared.

At the end of the day, studying the plan and truly understanding what the end goal is helps you stay grounded, even when things don’t go exactly as expected.

These 5 lessons are just a small glimpse of what we cover in our workshops and mentorships—but they’re a powerful place to start.

Missed the workshop?

Good news: we host a free online workshop every month, and we also offer 1:1 mentorship to dig into your specific questions and roadblocks. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale with intention, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what to do next:

At The Detailed Project, we’re all about helping photographers tell better stories—intentionally.

Let’s build something worth showing off.

Stephanie Kingery