Getting the most out of your content creation days
When working with an agency, one of the first things they’ll likely ask is, “When can we book a shoot?” Nowadays, a video shoot might be top of the list. And while the idea of being in front of the camera can feel intimidating, content days are a brilliant opportunity to showcase your brand authentically. With the right strategy, you can ensure these days are effective—and cut down on the need for monthly shoots. Here’s how to make the most of every one.
Below you'll find:
Some pointers for planning and maximising your next shoot
A bonus list of non essential points, but some may be of use to you!
An example of the planning pointers in action for the following industries - Professional Services and Hospitality
How to plan and maximise your next shoot:
Put a strategy in place
Define objectives - specify whether you need lifestyle, product, or interview content.
Create a shot list - organise each shot for smooth transitions.
Coordinate with your team - align with your social media manager, photographer, and other key members to keep the day on track.
Plan for diversity
Outfits & locations - use varied looks and settings to reach different audiences.
Angles & styles - capture portraits, wide shots, and action angles to build a versatile visual library.
Mix content types - get both lifestyle and product shots to keep your feed dynamic and cohesive.
Tailor content to each platform
Platform edits - craft professional content for LinkedIn and high-energy visuals for Instagram.
Format consideration - adapt content for photos, videos, carousels, and infographics suited to each platform.
Repurpose thoughtfully - divide long-form videos into short clips for multiple uses.
Add behind-the-scenes (BTS) content
Show setup - give followers a “sneak peek” to humanise your brand.
Capture candid moments - share relaxed shots that add warmth.
Highlight your team - showcase the people behind the brand to build community.
Evaluate & optimise
Review engagement - assess which content resonated to guide future shoots.
Gather team feedback - Refine workflows and note successes.
Update your shot list - Adjust based on insights to align with evolving brand goals.
Bonus list of non-essential pointers:
Shoot ‘happy accidents’ — unplanned moments can be gold
Record ambient sounds or background noises for authentic audio
Capture micro-details and play with textures - for example, the close up textures of an ingredient rather than the full dish
Include pets (easy engagement win)
Pack a mini polaroid camera to capture behind-the-scenes memories
Use a mood board to communicate visual style with the team (Pinterest is a weapon for this)
Prepare a playlist to set the vibe or energise the team
Industry examples:
Professional Services content day plan
Goal: Capture a mix of formal and approachable content to showcase expertise, build trust, and engage across platforms.
Put a Strategy in Place
Objectives: Client meeting shots, team headshots, workplace culture.
Quickfire shot list: Boardroom shots, desk work, client interactions, behind-the-scenes in the office.
Coordination: Align with marketing and management teams for an authentic, professional vibe.
Extra tips:
Create a mood board with brand colours and tones for visual consistency.
Capture some soft-focus or wide-angle shots to highlight the overall office environment.
Plan for Diversity
Outfits & locations: Formal attire for LinkedIn, smart-casual for Instagram, varied office spaces.
Angles & styles: Get headshots, collaborative shots, and candid moments with clients.
Content mix: Capture both solo and group shots, behind-the-scenes moments.
Extra tips:
Experiment with different focal points: try close-up shots of hands, paperwork, or tech devices to capture smaller moments that highlight workflow.
Capture small details like notebooks, coffee cups, or workspace essentials for filler shots that can add context on social feeds.
Tailor to each platform
LinkedIn: Professional team intros, client success stories.
Instagram: Candid team moments, day-in-the-life stories.
Repurpose: Break down longer client testimonial videos into quick tips or insights.
Extra tips:
Use shots with intentional framing—such as a team member working behind a clear glass wall or a reflection off a laptop screen for visual variety.
Capture photos with “breathing space” (negative space) for easy resizing and text overlays tailored for different platforms.
Add BTS content
Setup & workspace: Showcase a “day in the office” feel.
Candid moments: Shots of team discussions, casual breaks, authentic teamwork.
Team highlight: Feature each team member with a short intro.
Extra tips:
Capture light-hearted moments naturally without staged elements to keep the content authentic and relatable.
Take behind-the-scenes “process” shots showing work setups, adjusting lighting, or prepping for a client meeting.
Evaluate & optimise
Engagement check: See what resonated best with the audience.
Team feedback: Discuss any missed shots or new ideas.
Shot list updates: Add client feedback and new content types for future shoots.
Extra tips:
Create a short recap of top-performing shots or content ideas that were a hit, and apply similar approaches for the next shoot.
Hospitality content day plan
Goal: Capture the atmosphere, service quality, and unique experiences to showcase this to a new audience through content.
Put a strategy in place
Objectives: Showcase guest experience, food/drink offerings, ambiance.
Shot list: Dining room setup, food plating, staff interactions, happy guests.
Coordination: Align with kitchen, waitstaff, and marketing to ensure all highlights are captured.
Extra Tips:
Set up a mood board with different colour tones to fit the ambiance of various dining areas.
Capture subtle, in-between moments like setting a plate on a table or arranging a flower on a table for authentic touches.
Plan for diversity
Outfits & locations: Casual and formal staff attire, multiple guest areas (lounge, dining, outdoor seating).
Angles & styles: Overhead shots of dishes, close-ups of interactions, wide shots of the venue.
Content mix: Include food/drink highlights, ambiance shots, candid moments of staff serving guests.
Extra tips:
Capture the natural flow of service from prep to presentation, creating a story arc of the dining experience.
Incorporate texture: think wood, fabric, glass, or tableware close-ups to add warmth and depth to the visuals.
Tailor to each platform
Instagram: High-energy food photos, guest experiences, stories of events.
Facebook: Feature special offers, upcoming events.
Repurpose: Use guest testimonials in short videos, highlight daily specials with quick Reels.
Extra tips:
Include simple “portrait” style shots of signature dishes or cocktails against clean, neutral backgrounds for visual versatility.
Capture content with both wide and narrow framing for flexible cropping, giving your team options for various platform formats.
Add BTS content
Setup process: Show food prep, table settings.
Candid shots: Staff interactions, bartenders in action.
Guest experience: Capture genuine reactions, quick interviews with happy guests.
Extra tips:
Capture ambient lighting, candles, or softly-lit areas to highlight evening ambiance for warmer shots.
Take shots of the staff engaging naturally with guests to subtly reinforce brand hospitality.
Evaluate & optimise
Engagement metrics: Review which images and moments were most popular.
Team feedback: Gain insights from staff on shoot flow and ideas for next time.
Shot list refinement: Plan to feature more seasonal menu items or new venue updates.
Extra tips:
Note which angles and focal points best resonated with your audience for future reference.
Make a list of any spontaneous, high-impact moments from the day that can serve as inspiration for future shoots.
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