how-to · 4 min read · Updated June 2026
How to write a shoot brief (with template)
The 8 things a good brief contains
1) Objective — what is this shoot for? (web, social, print, internal)
2) Audience — who's looking at the result?
3) Deliverables — image count, formats, aspect ratios.
4) Style references — 3–5 example images you love.
5) Logistics — date, time, location, access.
6) Talent / products — what's being shot.
7) Brand assets — colours, fonts, existing imagery to match.
8) Budget range — even a rough number helps Studios scope correctly.
Copy-paste template
Project: [name]. Date: [date]. Location: [address]. Hours needed: [X]. Deliverables: [X] retouched stills + raw selects. Style references: [3 links]. Audience: [who]. Mandatory shots: [bullet list]. Budget: £[range]. Anything else: [notes].
Frequently asked
- Should I share my budget upfront?
- Yes — a rough range helps Studios suggest the right approach instead of over- or under-spec'ing their quote.
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