custom-photography-direction

name	custom-photography-direction
description	Use when hiring a photographer or directing shoots. Specifying the brand aesthetic upfront prevents inconsistent results.

Custom Photography Direction

Direct photographers via creative brief: subject, mood, lighting, color, composition, post-treatment. Pre-define the brand aesthetic.

Creative brief contents

1. Subject(s) — what to photograph (specific list)
2. Mood — emotion/feel (calm, energetic, contemplative)
3. Lighting — natural, studio, golden hour, etc.
4. Color — warm cream cast, cool steel, etc.
5. Composition — rule of thirds, asymmetric, etc.
6. Reference images — 5-10 examples of desired look
7. Usage rights — exclusive, non-exclusive, royalty
8. Post-treatment — color grading required

Common direction mistakes

1. Too vague ('I want it to look professional')
2. Reference too many styles (no clarity)
3. Skip color grading direction (photos look unedited)
4. Don't specify usage (rights issues later)
5. Don't sign off on test shots before full shoot

Sign-off process

1. Brief sent to photographer
2. Pre-shoot reference review (10-15 sample treatments)
3. Test shoot (1-2 frames in target style)
4. Photographer sign-off on direction
5. Full shoot
6. Post-processing
7. Final approval

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Used when commissioning custom photography for CardPrepAI campaigns.