My client called me with a challenge: she needed content STAT.

The clock was ticking for both of us, but that wasn’t going to stop us.

 A traditional shoot with all the usual moving parts wasn’t going to cut it. We needed to think differently and move quickly.

The Moment Everything Shifted

I thought about Robert Rodriguez’s filmmaking book, “Rebel Without a Crew” where he proved you could create something incredible with minimal resources and maximum creativity. I resonate with this approach a lot actually, because I know first hand that some of my favourite images and projects I’ve enjoyed making didn’t rely on massive budgets; they relied on flexibility and thinking outside the box. What if we applied that to this shoot?

The Solution: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Here’s what we did:

Minimal Gear: I ditched the unnecessary equipment that would only slow me down. Sometimes less is actually more, it forces you to be more intentional and creative with what you have.

One Intensive Hour: We didn’t need a full day. We needed focus and strategy. One solid hour of concentrated work could deliver more value than multiple hours of unfocused shooting.

Maximum Output: We shot nine different looks. Not by throwing more money or time at it, but by being strategic about locations, planning outfit transitions, and moving with intention.

Multiple Locations: We varied the backdrop without traveling far. Creativity within constraints, remember?

Prioritisation: This is where client collaboration became crucial. We talked about what she actually needed versus what would be nice-to-have. We focused on her priorities, and that became our north star.

The Magic Ingredient: Trust

This approach worked largely because I’ve worked with this client for years. We’ve built trust. She knew I wasn’t going to half-ass this just because we were working lean. I knew she’d be flexible and collaborative rather than resistant.

That trust meant we could communicate openly, pivot quickly, and stay problem-focused instead of blame-focused when things got tight.

The Results

Nine different looks. Multiple locations. Stunning content. All in sixty minutes.

She got everything she needed. I got to do what I genuinely love: improvise while shooting, problem solve in real time, and create something we’re both proud of. We both won.

The Real Lesson Here

The best solutions don’t always come from having unlimited time and resources. They come from actually listening to your client, understanding what matters most, and getting creative within whatever framework you’re working with. Your client needs to be willing to collaborate, and you need to be willing to think differently about what’s possible. I actually like being in the fire sometimes because I genuinely enjoy figuring out solutions together. Sometimes that’s when the best creative work happens… when necessity meets intention.

If This Resonates With You
If you’re sitting on a content challenge or wondering how to make your next project actually work, I’d love to chat. You can book a complimentary call here.

Remember: the best content doesn’t always require mass resources. It requires smart thinking, creative collaboration, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.