Editorial cover illustration — Southlake Vision.
Start with where the images will appear
A useful brief begins with the destination: your online store, a marketplace listing, social media or an advertising campaign. Tell your photographer where each image will be used, the required orientation and any crop or text-safe areas. A wide website banner and a vertical social post usually need different compositions.
Build a shot list for each product
List your products, colour variants and the images each one needs. Separate product-only views, close-ups, scale references and lifestyle scenes. Identify details that must be accurate, such as texture, controls, packaging text or included accessories. If several variants share a scene, explain which parts may be reused and which require a separate photograph.
Share references with a reason
Send a small selection of references and explain what you like: lighting, camera angle, background, styling or mood. Include your brand colours and existing visual guidelines. References help establish direction; they should not be treated as a request to copy another brand’s imagery.
Prepare samples and confirm the plan
Check that samples are clean, complete and representative of what customers receive. Include assembly or operating instructions and identify any fragile parts. Confirm the recipient and delivery details before shipping. Agree on deliverables, model and prop requirements, revision scope and the intended launch date before production starts.
Review for accuracy as well as appearance
When reviewing images, check colour, proportions, labels and accessories against the product. Send consolidated feedback with image names and specific changes. A clear brief and one organised review list help the studio produce a consistent final set.