From Nervous to Natural: Your Go-To Guide for Your Next Photo & Video Shoot
At Sunny Side Up Studio, we’re big believers that your shoot day should feel like a celebration—not a scramble. Whether it’s your first time on camera or your fiftieth, walking into a photo and video shoot prepared makes all the difference in how you show up and how your final visuals reflect your brand. This guide breaks it down so you’re not second-guessing what to wear, bring, or expect. Let’s get you ready to shine.
🎯 Define Your Vision
Before we talk outfits, lighting, or camera angles, we need to start with the why. Getting clear on your purpose helps the entire creative team rally around one shared goal.
Ask yourself:
What’s the purpose of this shoot?
Where will the content live—your website, Instagram, YouTube, a pitch deck?
What vibe do you want to communicate: polished and professional, warm and friendly, bold and experimental?
Who are you trying to connect with?
We often tell our clients that your shoot is an opportunity to show what your brand stands for—without having to explain it. When we’re aligned on your vision upfront, everything else becomes a whole lot easier to plan.
📝 Plan the Details
The magic is in the pre-production. (Trust us: the most effortless-looking shoots are the most organized ones.)
Start with:
A shot list: Even a loose outline helps us stay efficient on the day. If you know you need headshots, product b-roll, and a few behind-the-scenes lifestyle moments, we’ll build a schedule around it.
A mood board: We love when clients bring a Pinterest board or a few inspo shots so we can get a glimpse into their mind. It gets us speaking the same visual language right away.
A day-of schedule: From call time to wrap, having a timeline helps everyone show up on time, with clear expectations. We'll guide this part—but feel free to add things like snack breaks, outfit change windows, or dog walk time if your furry coworker is joining us.
Prepping the details means fewer surprises and more space for creativity when we’re actually shooting. Anything can happen on a shoot day so we want to control what we can and let the magic flow organically.
🎬 Prepare for On-Camera Success
Let’s be real: being in front of the camera can feel… awkward. But it doesn’t have to be! Prepping mentally and physically helps you show up feeling calm, confident, and connected.
Here’s what works:
R&R: The night before your shoot make sure you get a full night’s sleep, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for inflammation. We do not want hangover eyes on your big day!
Pick the right outfits: Choose 2–3 options that reflect your brand (and feel like you). We suggest solids, minimal patterns, and pieces that make you feel powerful. Bonus points if they’re steamed and ready to go.
Grooming + styling: Plan ahead for haircuts, color touch-ups, or any skin prep. The goal is to look like your best self, not a version of you that feels unfamiliar.
Bonus: If you want to book a stylist, makeup artist, or hair stylist just ask! We have a list of trusted vendors we work with.
Still nervous? That’s normal. Most of our clients end up saying the shoot was way more fun than they expected—and we’re not just saying that.
🤝 Collaborate with Your Creative Team
One of the best parts of working with a team like ours is that we’ve got your back. You're not doing this alone.
To get the most out of your shoot:
Keep the communication flowing: Send us your ideas, inspiration, and any materials you want included. The more we know, the more we can tailor everything to you.
Ask questions: Not sure what kind of content you need? Wondering if you should include a voiceover? Ask away—we’re here to help you figure it out.
Trust the process: Once we’re aligned on vision and logistics, give yourself permission to be present and let go a little. We’ll guide you through every frame.
Creative collaboration is our sweet spot. When you come prepped and open-minded, the shoot becomes a co-creation—not just a service.
✅ Your Pre-Shoot Checklist
Last but not least, here’s a quick-hit checklist you can use in the days leading up to your shoot:
Confirm your outfits ahead of time
Bring anything that will make you feel your best: music list, steamer for clothes, snacks!
Gather props, products, or tools you want featured
Share your mood board and any reference links with us
Hydrate, sleep well, and plan something relaxing for the night before
Double-check the address, call time, and parking situation
Let’s Make Some Magic
Your brand deserves visuals that feel as intentional as everything else you’ve built. Prepping thoughtfully lets you show up with clarity, confidence, and maybe even a little swagger. We’ll take care of the lighting, gear, and creative direction—so you can focus on being you.
Have a shoot coming up? Let’s talk through your vision. We’re ready when you are.