Whether you’re working alone, with a crew, for yourself or for a client, you need to know the answers to a few basic questions. It can help to write these down. I’m talking about the basic building blocks and central motivation for the shoot. These things should always stay top of mind.

It’s helpful to do this as if you were introducing yourself to a stranger at a dinner party, or explaining what your newest project is to a friend. The goal is to be clear and concise. Keep these answers to two sentences or less when you can. For budget and schedule questions be as thorough as possible.