What to Prepare Before a First Consultation

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Before the first meeting, it helps to have a clear idea of the scope. For a documentary exterior session, that means knowing the location, the time of year, and the kind of light you expect. A coastal shoot in autumn, for example, gives you low-angle sun and longer shadows. That changes how you plan the route and the equipment list.

Bring reference images if you have them. They don't need to be professional — a phone snapshot of a texture, a colour, or a landscape detail is enough. The goal is to align expectations about the visual direction. If the project involves portraits, think about the setting and the clothing. Natural tones work well against rural backgrounds. Avoid patterns that distract in medium format.

Technical preparation matters too. If we are shooting on film, the film stock is chosen based on the light conditions and the final use. For a printed portfolio, a fine-grain negative like Kodak Portra 400 gives latitude and colour accuracy. For web or editorial use, a scan at 2400 dpi is usually sufficient. The scanning and colour correction are handled in the studio, but knowing the output format beforehand avoids rework.

Finally, set a realistic timeline. A single location with good light may need two to three hours. Multiple locations require travel time and a weather backup. The consultation is the moment to define these constraints so the session runs smoothly.