A photoshoot can spearhead your marketing and sales campaigns. And although exciting and creative, the process of organizing a professional photo session puts most designers under a lot of stress. So how do you plan and manage it all with minimum fuss?

Look & Feel

 

First of all, pick a theme. Your collection has a concept behind it, and your future lookbook or ad campaign should emphasize it. Brainstorm ideas and put together a mood-board to crystallize your creative vision. What message are you trying to get across? Think about your consumers – do you want them to relate to the models in the photos, or rather to step out of their comfort zone? After deciding this you’ll have a much easier time scouting for locations and styling looks.

 

People

 

If the photos in your lookbook are mediocre, your designs will be tainted by association, so assembling a professional team is crucial. However, that does not necessarily mean that you won’t be able to accomplish anything on a tight budget. Many talented photographers, models, hair stylists and makeup artists at the beginning of their career work for free to build their portfolio. And while modelmayhem.com is the definitive resource for placing casting calls, visiting special pages and groups on social networks is also an excellent way to find people.

 

1. Photographer

Make sure the photographer’s style suits your vision. Discuss the shoot details (equipment, props, assistance), editing, deliverables and timelines beforehand.

 

2. Model

Do you need your model to have a certain type or build? Would you like someone with special features or abilities (gymnastics skills, tattoos)?

 

3. Hair stylist & makeup artist

Always look at previous work samples before booking and make sure you’re all on the same page as to what constitutes “grunge makeup” or “retro hair”. Also, discuss whether you makeup and hair people need anything special to set up their work stations on location.

 

Devil’s In The Details

 

    –  Nothing ever goes 100% according to the plan and the shoot will most likely take longer than expected. Consider this when booking studio time or professionals’ services and make allowances.

 

    –   The day before the shoot contact your team to confirm they are all familiar with the logistics.

 

    –   Make sure that your crew knows exactly what you want from the shoot. Plan and assemble each look so you don’t waste time thinking about what to put on a model next. Sure, new ideas might pop into your head on the set and it’s okay to improvise, but less confusion means fewer hiccups in the process.

 

    –   Be prepared – have an iron, scissors, needle and thread, nail polish remover and any other things that might be useful at hand.

 

    –   People will get tired and hungry. So have some snacks and beverages available, but be careful not to get any food on the clothes.

 

    –   Most importantly, have fun! Working on a photoshoot is a creative process and your enthusiasm will definitely be contagious.

 

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