"Somehow"
"Somewhere"
"Approximately"
"To your taste"
"About"
- all these words are "Taboo" when drawing up a technical assignment, because they create the possibility for a free interpretation of the task, and therefore for its poor quality execution.

The correct approach would be if you are well prepared for communication with the photographer, clearly know the task and understand all the technical nuances. And this article will help you figure it all out. You can take all the points in order directly from the article, enter the details of your specific shoot into them and pass the technical specifications to the photographer.

You can immediately download the file with the technical task and fill it out using the example provided in this article:
Technical assignment for the photographer.docx

1. What do you need - photos or videos?

Decide on the main thing. Taking photos and videos requires different skills and different equipment. It is unlikely that you will be able to combine one with the other.

2. Why, goals, features

All this needs to be written down. For example, like this:
1. Photo shoot of women's outerwear for Wildberries
2. The goal is to sell 10 products through the marketplace
3. Photos of clothes on a model are required, in a studio with a white background
4. There is no model, help is needed in choosing, height is such and such, size is such and such. Fitting is required before shooting
5. Each item needs to be shot from 9 angles (see examples in point 7)

3. What kind of specialist, with what skills and equipment?

Continuing with the example with Wildberries, you need a photographer with experience in catalog shooting for marketplaces. There are cases when you need not a photographer, but a videographer: if we are filming an interview, then we will need high-quality sound, i.e. a microphone; if this is a dynamic advertisement, then you need a specialist with a stabilizer to get a smooth picture. It is clear that you yourself may not know all the nuances, but you need to try to convey all your ideas so that the performer understands whether he can complete the project for you or not.

4. What format do you want the result in: aspect ratio, resolution, orientation

Aspect ratio - 3:2, 4:3, 1:1
Resolution - 3000x2000, 6000x4000 or at least 24 megapixels
Orientation - portrait or landscape

5. Photo processing

Clearly discuss the details of post-processing of the material. There may be different options here, depending on your goals:
1. Color correction
2. Retouching
3. Combining color correction and retouching
4. Removing the background
5. Removing moire (it can appear on things with a small check or stripe)
6. Other wishes

Once I was even asked to remove hair from the model's hands. All this should be discussed before the shoot. Because after processing, all additional edits will require additional payment.

If you do not know the difference between retouching and color correction, you can look at a detailed comparison of these processing techniques using the example of a photo:

6. Location, time of day, location scouting

If it is a studio, then in most cases it will be enough to look at the interior photos on the photo studio website and find out what light sources are available. If we are working outdoors, then other factors come into play, such as - weather, time of day, location availability. It would not be a bad idea to go to the location in advance and see if everything is in order - this is location scouting. Even if you have already been to this site, it could have changed or even been closed down. In an unfavorable situation, you will lose your time and money paid for the time of the relevant participants in the shoot.

7. People: model, makeup artist, stylist, equipment/props rental

Oddly enough, one photographer may not be enough for you. Again, even for Wildberries, in addition to a photographer and a studio, you will need:
1. A model on whom we will dress the clothes
2. A makeup artist who will do the hair and makeup of this model
3. A stylist who will give recommendations on the selection of clothes and accessories for your products. You will not photograph a model in a coat directly on the body))

In addition, sometimes you need to rent transport, photographic equipment, lighting and other equipment.

8. References: ideas, color scheme, similar examples, style, script/plot

Describe your ideas in detail. If, for example, you need photos for Instagram, and there you have some special color style, then tell the photographer about it and send a link. A video requires a detailed action plan, script and plot - if you are poorly prepared in this regard, then you will spend more expensive paid time on solving these problems during the shooting. Be sure to look for examples of your style on the Internet and share them with the performer.

For example, for Wildberries this could be a storyboard by angles:

9. Terms: working hours, number of photos, cost, deadlines (with reserve)

This is the most important part of the work. It is necessary to clearly discuss all the details so that you know:
1. Date, time, location of the photo shoot
2. How long will the photo shoot take
3. How long will it take to process the photos
4. How much money will you pay and when (prepayment + payment)
5. What will happen if the conditions are not met
6. To be on the safe side, sign a contract

10. Regularity

If you plan to conduct photo shoots periodically, then tell the performer about it. He will know that you are a regular client and will treat you more responsibly.

11. Find several specialists and work with them in parallel

This point does not directly relate to the technical task, it is rather for you personally. It is more profitable for you to find several specialists so that in the event of the absence of one, you do not miss your deadlines and can turn to another. In short, it is always more reliable to have a backup option.

12. Ask to see a portfolio

This point is also for you and it could even be put in first place. Before writing to a specialist, familiarize yourself with his portfolio - see if he has completed similar projects and whether you personally like his style. Why waste time on negotiations if the person simply cannot complete the project the way you expect from him.

You can download the file with the technical task and fill it out using the example provided in this article:
Technical assignment for the photographer.docx