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Photographers / Client practice

What to agree with a portrait client before the shoot

Agree the purpose, people, location, scope and delivery before the shoot. A short written brief can prevent a mismatch between what the client imagined and what the booked service includes.

Begin with image use

Ask whether the images are for personal portraits, a professional profile, a website or another purpose. Discuss the intended use and permissions explicitly in the appropriate agreement. Do not assume a casual booking message settles licensing.

Confirm the shoot plan

List the people, location, time, access details and weather alternative where relevant. Request a small set of references and clarify the parts you can reasonably reproduce. Confirm wardrobe or preparation guidance within your own expertise.

Define selection and delivery

State the number or type of final images, expected editing scope, selection process and delivery timing. Explain whether raw files, extra edits or prints are included. Keep technical file needs separate from the creative brief.

Keep the next step clear

Send a recap, collect missing information and confirm the appointment. After the shoot, follow the agreed feedback and delivery process. Tell the client how long their download access lasts and where they should keep their own copy.

A worked example

A portrait client wants both a vertical profile image and a wide website banner. Capturing that requirement in the brief makes it possible to plan both compositions before arriving.

YOUR NEXT STEP

A checklist you can use

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Questions & answers

What should I collect before confirming the booking?

Start with image use, people attending, location, requested style, final formats and delivery expectations. Ask only for information needed for the work, and clarify anything that changes scope or scheduling.

How can I use this checklist in EZ Customers?

Create a service and attach an intake form for the preparation questions. Keep the client details and booking together, then use payment requests or file delivery where they fit the service.

Sources & editorial method

Prepared by EZ Customers from official provider pages and public question research. Provider descriptions are a dated selection, not a ranking, endorsement or first-hand review. Planning checklists and worked examples are original editorial material; they are not treatment instructions, legal templates or proof of professional qualification. Confirm current intake, pricing, campus, stock and eligibility directly. No affiliate links or paid placements are included.

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Supplies

Portrait photography equipment: a first-client kit plan

Choose equipment around the shoot you have agreed to deliver. Start with a camera and lens you can use reliably, a lighting plan, power and storage backups, then test the complete capture-to-delivery workflow before the appointment.