Steps we take to capture that perfect photo

Photographer Nicole Baxter from Coretext

Shooting that “ideal” image in the world of communications can be the difference between being ignored and being remembered. 

Smartphones can make it easy to think a quick snap is good enough, but there is a significant difference between casual and professional. At Coretext, each photo shoot is planned down to the last detail, ensuring every image is sharp, intentional, and impactful. 

But it all starts with a solid brief and step-by-step planning. The clearer and more inspiring the brief, the better photographers can bring a story or brand to life. 

Below is our approach to confidently capturing the perfect shot—whether it is a scenic landscape or a close-up portrait. 

One week out from the photo shoot: 

• Revisit the brief to make sure it includes background information, image goals, reference visuals, creative direction, and a style guide. 

• Lock in the timeline and confirm who is needed and what photographic and prop gear is essential. 

• Align with the client on tone: professional or casual? Will hair and makeup be needed if people are being photographed? 

• Clarify image specifications: quantity, format, and how they will be used - social media, print, campaign, online articles?  

• Touch base with any people being photographed to confirm availability and ensure they understand the shoot’s purpose. 

• Address timing: how long will the shoot take, and what works best for everyone? 

At Coretext, when people are being photographed, we suggest a casual pre-shoot chat. Making that small connection with the person before the shoot can work wonders when the camera appears. During that chat, some tweaking of ideas may occur for specific shots.  

• Scout the location early: Being aware of the light, noise, and logistics ahead of time saves stress on the day. Are permits needed for shooting in a public place? What props?  

• Picking the perfect hour to shoot helps creates the perfect shot: Morning or late afternoon gives the softest light. If this cannot happen get creative with shade, reflectors, or use a controlled flash to keep a person’s face well-lit. 

• Prep a prop kit: Making the shot work is vital, creating a unique angle often needs assistance from ladders, umbrellas, Perspex, even a groundsheet. Our Coretext team has used them all. 

• Prepare a running sheet and get client sign-off: Then share it with everyone involved to keep the day flowing. 

The day before: 

• Confirm the time and location with the person being photographed and all the team involved. 

• Charge up all gear. 

• Pack spare batteries for flashes. 

• Clean camera sensors, lenses, and filters. 

• Format memory cards and pack spares. 

• Adjust camera settings - aperture, shutter speed, file type. 

At Coretext we always shoot RAW. It gives maximum flexibility when processing later. Every image goes through editing to meet client specifications, and RAW files give the best foundation to work from. 

On the day: 

• Arrive early! 

• If the person to be interviewed has not been interviewed yet, do it straight away - preferably over a relaxed drink to build trust. 

• Review planned shots with the person. Clear communication helps get natural, authentic expressions. 

• Make sure the person(s) to be photographed sign a release form. 

• Set up required off-camera flashes or light reflectors. 

• Shoot a few test shots and then start working with the person being photographed to create a relaxed, but professional working environment.  

Most people feel a bit awkward in front of a lens. At Coretext, we gently guide them into poses, encouraging them to relax their posture. A bit of humour goes a long way - it eases nerves and helps capture genuine moments. 

• Once the light and subject are coordinated, bring back some humour or a shared story to catch that perfect shot.  

• If the shoot does not involve people, photographers craft their own ideal working environment - perfectly tuned for that signature “scenic” shot the client requires. 

After the shoot: 

• Download all files to editing software. Some photographers use Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop or Topaz - it is all about what works best for you and the client. 

• Convert images from RAW to JPG, fine-tuning light, sharpness, colour, and clarity as you go. 

• Today most photographers add metadata: captions, copyright, keywords, and location tags. It takes time, but it helps clients organise and retrieve their best shots in their own image library. 

• Send the final images through to the client using secure transfer tools, this ensures everything arrives safely and intact.

And… once the job’s done, always gather client feedback - it could make the next shoot even more effective.