Planning a brand photoshoot can feel like a game of Tetris. You’re juggling shot lists, locations, props, wardrobe, timelines, client goals, and oh yeah, actually delivering beautiful shots to your client! Sound familiar? That’s exactly why I created the Brand Photoshoot Planner Template.

This Canva-based tool is designed to streamline your entire shoot planning process. It’s simple to customize for every client and shoot, comprehensive enough to cover all the logistical details. But this isn’t just about organization. It’s about creating a smoother experience for you and your clients.

With this template, you’ll feel confident walking into every shoot knowing you have a clear plan. Your clients will feel taken care of, and the results will speak for themselves: strategic, on-brand photos that deliver exactly what your clients need.

Ready to upgrade your shoot planning process? Let’s get into the details of the Brand Photoshoot Planner template and why you should add one to your workflow!

What Is the Brand Photoshoot Template?

My Brand Photoshoot Planner Template is a simple, plug-and-play tool you can customize for every client and shoot. It includes sections for:

• Client-specific goals and brand info
• The shoot day timeline
• A detailed shot list
• Location details
• Prop list and inspiration photos
• Wardrobe and beauty inspiration{
• Notes & Important Links

It’s designed in Canva so you can easily edit it to match your or your client’s branding, add client details, and customize it for every shoot.

This template is more than a tool. It’s a system! It’s at the center of my planning process, and it should be in yours, too! It eliminates the guesswork on shoot day and ensures that every detail, from your client’s goals to must-have shots, is captured and ready to execute. It makes sure everyone is on the same page so you can execute a clear plan and deliver exactly what your clients want.

Why You Need a Brand Photoshoot Planner

01. Create a Signature Client Experience

Imagine this: before shoot day, you present your client with a clear, tailored plan that captures everything they want out of their shoot and more. It includes the ideas and goals they’ve presented to you, as well as the strategic shots and logistical details you have planned for them.

The planner is customized in their brand colors and style, so they feel seen and understood.

And when they show up on shoot day feeling a tad nervous about how the day will go, they know you have everything under control because you’ve developed a plan for every aspect of their shoot.

Sound goal-worthy? Thought so!

Your clients will feel taken care of, and their trust in your process will grow as you approach their shoot day. The result? Photos your clients love and that they will use on repeat. All because you took the time to carefully craft a plan around your client’s brand, goals, and vision for their shoot.

02. Collaborate Easily with Clients

Collaboration is a huge part of creating an amazing client experience, and the Brand Shoot Planner makes it so easy! After I create a customized planner for a client, I share it with them via a Canva link or QR code, printed version, screen share, or even a quick recorded walkthrough video. They can give feedback and comments right away, and since the planner is a living document, we can tweak it together as we fine-tune the details.

This process helps my clients feel more involved and confident about their shoot. Plus, it avoids those last-minute changes or miscommunications because everyone knows exactly what to expect weeks ahead of time.

I also make sure to send the planner to everyone involved, whether it’s the client’s team, hair and makeup artists, marketing folks, or wardrobe stylists. It’s such an easy way to keep everyone on the same page. Wins all around!

Keeping your clients in the loop with the photoshoot template not only enhances their experience but also helps you deliver the best photo possible.

03. Get Organized

Your days of juggling Post-its, random emails, and scattered notes are over! The shoot planner pulls everything into one central place, giving you a clear, organized overview of everything you need.

For me, this system has been a game-changer. It’s saved me so much time and kept shoot days from turning into chaotic free-for-alls. With everything organized and easy to access, I never have to worry about missing a crucial shot or running into confusion on shoot day.

Plus, having all the logistics in one place makes it simple to stay focused and work through the shoot day. The planner lets you focus on what matters most: creating amazing images for your client!

04. Confidently Handle the Unexpected

I’ll be real: shoots rarely go exactly as planned. But the shoot planner template reduces the chances of derailment big time. Here are some common scenarios you may have been in on a shoot that could’ve been avoided with a solid plan:

• You blank on shot ideas during the shoot
• Your client suddenly has a million and one ideas they want to add to the shot list
• It’s raining and you don’t have a backup location
• Your client shows up with outfits you haven’t seen, and they’re not on-brand
• You’re halfway through your session time, and you haven’t hit your client’s must-have shots yet

Sound familiar?

Having a solid foundational plan in place gives you the confidence to adapt on shoot day while staying anchored to your client’s top goals and needs. Shoot days can get chaotic, but the shoot planner helps you stay organized, focused, and on track!

P.S. Need a little extra help developing shot lists for your clients? Check out my Client Questionnaire! It includes 20 targeted questions to ask every client before their session, helping you uncover exactly what they need from their photos.

Starting Using a Brand Photoshoot Template

Ready to improve your client experience, finally get organized, and take control of your shoot days? The Brand Photoshoot Planner Template is for you! Whether you’re an established brand photographer or just starting out, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without it. I do!

To jump right in and get planning, grab the Canva Brand Photoshoot Planner Template for just $79! You’ll get it as an instant link to copy it into your Canva account (it’s free!) and start customizing.