Storyboard sketches

Storyboard sketches are sequential drawings used in planning commercial photography to visualize angles, lighting, and composition before production.

About this subject

Storyboard sketches are essential tools in pre-production for audiovisual and photographic projects. Originating from cinema, these sequential drawings allow art directors and photographers to anticipate the visual flow of a campaign. In commercial product photography, storyboards help define the product's position, lighting, and set elements, reducing rework and costs. Major advertising agencies use storyboards to align creative vision with the client before production.

The process of creating a storyboard typically begins with a creative brief outlining the concept, target audience, and campaign tone. The artist draws sequential panels in comic-strip format, including notes on camera movements, framing, and transitions. For still photography, storyboards focus on the composition of each scene, indicating the direction of natural or artificial light and desired depth of field.

Interestingly, the modern storyboard was popularized by Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s, but its application in commercial photography grew with the demand for efficient production. Today, software like Storyboarder and Procreate streamline the process, but many professionals still prefer hand-drawn sketches for quick idea communication. In high-budget campaigns, detailed storyboards may include color and texture references, serving as a guide for the entire production team.

The technique is also widely used in fashion photography and product catalogs, where the sequence of images must tell a coherent story. A well-crafted storyboard can save hours of lighting and resources, ensuring the final result meets client expectations. In Brazil, agencies like Ogilvy and DM9 have used storyboards in iconic campaigns for global brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of storyboards?

Storyboards were popularized by Walt Disney Studios in the 1930s for planning animations, but the technique dates back to early silent films.

How do storyboards help in commercial photography?

They allow visualizing angles, lighting, and composition before production, reducing errors and costs, and aligning the creative team with the client.

Are storyboards only used in films?

No, they are widely used in advertising photography, music videos, games, and even architecture to plan visual sequences.