Your Guide to A Successful Shoot
At Cultre Agency, we take pride in connecting professional, reliable talent with local businesses. Whether it’s your first booking or your hundredth, how you present yourself on set can make or break the project—and your reputation. Here’s a guide to help you bring your best to every photoshoot and video session.
1. Be on Time
Showing up on time—or early—is the simplest way to demonstrate professionalism. Time is valuable on set, and arriving late can cause unnecessary delays and stress for the entire team. Make sure you know where you’re going, how long it will take to get there, and arrive with enough time to settle in and prepare.
2. Communicate Clearly
Great communication starts before the shoot. Confirm the details of the booking well in advance—location, time, duration, wardrobe, and any special requirements. On set, if you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Keeping an open line of communication with the business ensures that everyone is on the same page and leads to a smoother experience for all.
3. Ask the Right Questions
The more informed you are, the better you can perform. Ask questions like:
What is the overall vision for the shoot?
Are there any specific poses, angles, or looks the client wants?
What is the desired tone or feel of the images or video?
Understanding the client’s goals helps you be a creative proponent, not just a participant. The more you know, the better you can tailor your performance to match the client’s needs.
4. Be a Team Player
You’re not just there to follow instructions—you’re part of a creative collaboration. Approach each project with a problem-solving mindset. Suggest poses or ideas if it fits the project’s vibe, and don’t be afraid to offer creative input. However, always remain adaptable and willing to follow direction.
5. Help the Client Get What They Need
Your role is to help the business achieve their goals. Whether it’s nailing a specific look, capturing the right moment, or helping with logistics on set, being flexible and aware of the client’s needs is key. Stay focused, engaged, and ready to adjust to their requests.
6. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Set environments can be fast-paced and sometimes stressful. Bring a positive attitude and stay professional, even in challenging situations. A calm, focused presence on set makes a lasting impression and can lead to future bookings.
7. Understand Scheduling & Booking
Respect the time commitment you've made. Once a booking is confirmed, it’s your responsibility to honor it. If there’s any issue with your availability, notify the client immediately. Flawless scheduling and follow-through show that you’re dependable, which is one of the most important qualities in this industry.
If you’re booked for multiple projects, manage your time effectively. Double-check all your bookings to avoid conflicts and maintain a clean, professional calendar. Remember: communication is key to ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
8. Be Prepared
Know what’s expected of you before arriving on set. Bring the necessary wardrobe or items if asked, and make sure you're camera-ready. If makeup or styling is part of the shoot, arrive with a clean base and be cooperative with the stylist or makeup artist.
9. Leave a Strong Lasting Impression
Once the shoot wraps, thank the business or client for the opportunity. It’s the little things, like a follow-up email or a friendly goodbye, that help solidify your professional relationships and keep you top of mind for future work.
Booking Process
At Cultre Agency, we keep the booking process straightforward and transparent. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how bookings work from start to finish:
1. Business Finds You
Businesses will browse our talent search page and contact you directly if they’re interested in booking you for a shoot. Expect inquiries about availability, the length of the shoot, and the location.
2. Discuss the Details
Once contacted, you and the business will discuss the project details. Confirm the date, location, duration, and any special requirements before moving forward. Be sure to ask any necessary questions to fully understand their vision and expectations.
3. Agree to Terms
After discussing the shoot details, you and the business will agree to the terms, including your rate, time commitment, and any other specific requests from the client.
4. Send the Contract
Once the terms are settled, send the business the Cultre Agency-provided contract. Both parties must sign the contract to confirm the booking. The signed contract should be returned to you before the shoot date.
5. Show Up & Shine
On the day of the shoot, arrive on time, prepared, and ready to deliver your best. Maintain professionalism and follow the guidelines outlined in our professionalism section to ensure a successful collaboration.
6. Payment
After the shoot, the business will pay you directly via check within 5-7 business days. Ensure you’ve provided the correct payment details and keep communication open in case there are any issues with processing.
7. Review Each Other
Once the project is complete, both you and the business will have the opportunity to review each other on the Cultre Agency website. These reviews help build trust and reputation for future bookings.
8. Future Opportunities
Businesses are encouraged to reach out to you directly if they want to work with you again for another project. Building strong relationships can lead to more opportunities in the future!