Directors PORTAL
Welcome to the Move Mountains Co. Directors Portal, your hub for all the resources you need to successfully lead your next event. Whether you're preparing to direct a full day of shooting or just looking for quick access to essential forms, we’ve got you covered.
The Directors Portal is here to ensure you have everything you need to succeed, all in one place. Let's make every project a success together!
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Mentorship and Final Step in Lead Shooter Training
Director Days are designed to help newer lead shooters transition confidently into their roles while offering a safety net through the guidance of an experienced director. These days serve as a critical learning opportunity, providing real-time feedback and support.
The director’s role extends beyond creative decisions—they will guide the lead shooter through the flow of the day, helping them prioritize key moments and events as the day unfolds. This ensures the shooter knows what to focus on at each chapter, making wise choices about what to capture and when. Directors assist with important decisions, including space, lighting, and scenery selections, while also demonstrating styling and directing techniques for couples, group shots, and family photos.
Directors may also step in and make client-facing adjustments, all with the goal of improving the outcome of the shoot. Throughout the process, the newer shooter will observe and learn from these decisions, building their confidence and skill set.
Each lead shooter is required to participate in 1-2 Director Days, making it the final step in the onboarding process before they are ready to lead independently. This experience ensures that new shooters are well-prepared to direct an event with confidence and competence.
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Do’s and Don’ts of Director Days
Do’s:
Mentor the Lead Shooter:
Walk them through each step of the day, providing real-time feedback. Help them understand the flow, prioritize key moments, and build their confidence.Guide the Day’s Flow:
Ensure the day stays on schedule and help the lead shooter make smart choices about what to capture at each stage of the event.Demonstrate Key Skills:
Show the lead shooter how to make decisions on space, lighting, and scenery. Provide demonstrations for styling, posing couples, and directing group and family photos.Interject When Necessary:
Step in if you notice something that can be improved or if there’s an opportunity to adjust with the client for better outcomes. Explain the reasoning behind these decisions to the lead shooter.Encourage Questions and Feedback:
Create a supportive environment where the lead shooter feels comfortable asking questions and learning in real time.
Don’ts:
Don’t Micromanage:
Give the lead shooter the room to make decisions and gain experience. Only step in when necessary, allowing them to take the lead while offering support from the background.Don’t Take Over the Shoot:
Your role is to mentor, not to take control. Let the lead shooter handle the bulk of the day, while you offer guidance and feedback when appropriate.Don’t Ignore the Client’s Needs:
While you’re focused on mentoring, don’t forget that the client’s experience and vision are still top priorities. Balance mentoring with ensuring the client feels well taken care of.Don’t Rush the Learning Process:
Take the time to explain decisions and offer feedback in a way that helps the lead shooter grow. Be patient as they learn how to direct the day.Don’t Overwhelm with Critique:
Keep feedback constructive and balanced. The goal is to build confidence, so focus on what went well while offering suggestions for improvement.
Director Days are about fostering growth and providing a safety net for newer shooters as they transition into their lead roles. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can help ensure a successful learning experience.
FAQ
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Your role is to mentor and guide the lead shooter throughout the day. You’ll walk them through each step, helping them make key decisions on space, lighting, and styling, while also ensuring the client’s needs are met. Your focus is on building their confidence and skills so they can eventually lead shoots independently.
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Your involvement is primarily to observe and provide guidance as needed. Let the lead shooter take control, but step in if you see an opportunity to improve the shoot or if the client’s needs require attention. You’re there as a safety net to offer real-time feedback and direction without taking over.
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Yes, you can interject if needed to make adjustments that will enhance the shoot. However, always explain your reasoning to the lead shooter so they understand why a change is being made. The goal is to guide them through the decision-making process while ensuring the client gets the best possible results.
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Offer constructive feedback throughout the day in real time. Focus on building the lead shooter’s confidence by highlighting what they’re doing well while providing suggestions for improvement. Be mindful not to overwhelm them with critique, but ensure they understand how to enhance their skills.
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Mentor the lead shooter in key areas like space selection, lighting choices, posing, and directing group or family shots. You’ll also help them understand how to prioritize events throughout the day, guiding them on what to capture at each stage of the event.
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Each lead shooter should complete 1-2 Director Days before they are ready to lead independently. Your role is to ensure they are prepared and confident by the end of these sessions.
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Walk them through the flow of events and help them prioritize what’s most important to capture at each chapter of the day. Guide them in managing time, coordinating with the client, and making smart decisions to keep the shoot on track.
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If the lead shooter makes a mistake or misses something important, step in to correct the situation and explain why it needed to be addressed. Use these moments as learning opportunities, and ensure the lead shooter understands how to avoid similar issues in the future.
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Yes, if necessary, but involve the lead shooter in these conversations to help them learn how to handle client interactions. You may need to make adjustments or explain certain decisions, but always aim to mentor the lead shooter through these moments.
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Review the event details and make sure you understand the client’s vision. Be ready to guide the lead shooter through the process, provide feedback, and step in when needed. Your goal is to help the lead shooter grow while ensuring the shoot runs smoothly for the client.