How Does a Stylist Prepare for a Photoshoot?

Need some advice on how to get ready for your next photo shoot? It takes time to plan a photo shoot; sometimes weeks or months. If you give yourself plenty of lead time, you can relax and get into top physical form before the day of your income shoot. If you want your next photo shoot to go off without a hitch, follow these simple steps.

What Is A Fashion Stylist?

A fashion stylist is an expert who helps clients achieve their desired look by coordinating their clothing, hair, makeup, and accessories.

Stylists work with clients who may be famous or just want to improve their appearance, and they may be employed in a variety of fields.

Some hairstylists have achieved their own level of notoriety. Most of a celebrity stylist’s clients are A-list actors, famous musicians, and other public figures.

How To Prepare For A Photoshoot?

Create The Ultimate Styling Toolbox

While the exact set of tools a stylist uses to do their job will vary from one to the next, you should have no trouble tracking down the bulk of the equipment you’ll need at your neighbourhood arts and crafts store. Your stylist’s toolbox should contain everything from scissors to tape, pens to pins, putty to levels.

Have A Theme

First and foremost, you need to know the photoshoot’s theme before you can begin styling. Before deciding on a look for a photoshoot with a client, it’s a good idea to read over the brief.

It’s important to have a sense of the overall intent of the photo shoot before making any styling decisions. If you want your story to make sense, make sure that all of the pieces in your set fit together well and adhere to the established narrative.

Too many competing elements in a photograph can make it appear chaotic and distract the viewer. Inability to understand the concept behind a photo shoot is a major factor in its failure.

Layer Your Images

You can give your photos more depth and visual appeal by using layers. To achieve this effect, place elements near and far from your subject.

However, these should only serve to enhance the image and not detract from it. To create the illusion of more depth, you can use your camera’s aperture setting to blur the background.

Pay Attention To The Minor Details.

Every last detail matters when it comes to making a good impression. How one dresses can determine whether or not a photograph is memorable.

This is not to say that you should go into debt to achieve your goals. Sometimes you just need to read the client brief, get the general idea, and show up with some choices.

Use Complementary Backdrops

The ideal background would be one that contrasts with the subject sufficiently to make them stand out. But you also don’t want a completely silent background.

A blank white surface, such as a tabletop or foam core board, can sometimes be the most effective setting. Alternately, you could use some of the wooden boards, linens, or scrapbooking paper you already have lying around the house.

Imagine something new! Shooting on a solid background for something modern, for instance, or a wooden backdrop for a more natural scene, would be appropriate.

Avoid Logos At All Costs.

Any recognisable or copyrighted brands, businesses, or logos should be removed from the background prior to styling a photoshoot. Anything from the model’s outfit to a storefront ad in the background can serve this purpose.

If you must shoot in a crowded place, try using a small aperture to blur the background and be ready to remove any distracting brand names in post-production.

Decide On A Colour Palette.

The choice of colours for a shoot is as important as the choice of the subject matter or theme.

When you style a photoshoot, you are bringing together all of the visual elements to convey a particular message or emotion.

You may decide on a monochromatic colour scheme, one with only pastel hues, or one with just three complementary hues.

Make sure the colours complement the subject and the brand you’re aiming for, as well as fit the overall theme of the shoot.

Adjust The Lighting

Changing the light in a photograph can dramatically alter the feeling conveyed. Strong shadows can be created by introducing light from only one side or at an angle for dramatic effect.

Using natural light or a diffuser can help achieve the desired gentler atmosphere. Warm lighting is another technique used to induce a state of relaxation or contentment. The right lighting can do wonders for the impression you want to make.

Style Products, Too

Excellent product photography calls for skill in lighting, styling, and composition. Pictures of products are typically quite basic, with little in the way of extras.

The defining characteristic is one’s sense of fashion. The photographs of products can be styled in many ways, affecting their reflections, compositions, and colour usage. Images of a product that are “generic” don’t have to be boring.

Less Is More

While including supplementary elements in a photograph can enhance its aesthetic value, it’s best to avoid cluttering the frame. Every picture you take should feature a simple subject.

Styling a photoshoot with too many props or accessories can confuse and divert the viewer’s attention. It’s important for the subject to be precise upon first viewing the image, especially if you’re shooting for a client.

Create a Storyboard/Vision Board

Please describe your ideal scenario for the filming. What sort of atmosphere are you hoping to set? When all is said and done, what exactly are these photographs going to be used for? Will they be purchased through your online store? Who needs social media?

One of the most important things to do before a photo shoot is to consider where the final images will be displayed, as this will have a huge impact on the style and composition of the photographs you need. There are three main types of shots you’ll want to take:

• Laid-Flat Specification: Clothes on a White Background (with close up shots of important details)
• Online store standards call for primarily unaccessorized garment displays. Getting a full 360-degree panorama could be useful for a number of purposes.
• Styled/Glamour shots: Work well in a park or other outdoor setting, especially if the model is free to move around more. The point is to demonstrate the practicality and comfort of these items in everyday life.

From here, you can compile a “Shot list” of your prefered shot styles. Make a Pinterest board dedicated to the shoot and show it to your photographer, stylist, and models in advance.

If you need it for the next day or so, please have it printed. You and your stylist can use it to keep track of the tasks at hand, checking them off as you finish them. So doing will aid in not leaving anything out.

The worst part is finishing a long day of shooting and realising you forgot to get some crucial shots.

Select A Photographer

Choose your photographer wisely. Just what does that entail, anyway? They should be well-versed in fashion photography and open to your ideas and instructions.

Too many people attempting to make decisions at once is a recipe for disaster. It will be difficult to achieve the desired aesthetic if your ideas conflict with theirs.

Check their previous work to see if it represents the aesthetic you’re going for. What sort of photos (posed, candid, etc.) do you prefer?

Furthermore, can you explain the pricing structure? Within the hour? Is complete photoshop editing included? These are crucial concerns to have answered, as they may have far-reaching consequences.

Host A Model Call

Knowing the overall aesthetic direction will help you choose the best models. Do you want a redhead with freckles? Or a petite, edgy blonde, for that matter.

Think about how many prototypes you’ll need, too. In order to shoot as many different looks as possible in a reasonable amount of time, you may need more than one model.

Evaluate whether you’d like group shots, shots of the models dancing or walking down the street, and so on. Create flyers advertising your model casting, making sure to include important details such as measurements, the desired look, the location, contact information, etc.

Is it difficult for you to locate suitable models? Search for fresh models who are open to working for prints only if you are strapped for cash. And don’t be shy about contacting major modelling agencies; they may have fresh faces on the market who are looking for work.

Select Hair And Makeup Artists

Choosing a hair and makeup artist is just as challenging as choosing a photographer, especially in the age of youtube tutorials where everyone believes they are a beauty expert.

Again, you’ll want someone who is willing to work with you to realise your vision for hair and makeup. Again, before you hire them, make sure you see examples of their previous work.

They ought to have a wealth of experience. If you don’t do this, you’re taking a huge risk. I was hoping you could discuss your desired style with them in advance of your scheduled appointment (and no, I don’t mean the night before) once you’ve booked them.

You need to give them at least two weeks’ notice to prepare by showing them photos of your models and inspiration photos so they can decide what equipment to bring and whether or not to buy anything specifically for the project.

Is there any way around this if you don’t have any contacts in the field of hair and makeup? If you need a recommendation, your photographer is a great person to ask.

Discuss Location/Backgrounds

The final look of your shots will be greatly influenced by the location you choose, so it’s important to scout it out in advance.

You should check that the park you choose has cherry blossom trees and that they will be in bloom on the day you choose to shoot if that is a must if you want to use one in your photos.

So, before you start shooting, go on a scouting mission to figure out where you want to put up your cameras.

The position of the sun is crucial, so plan your trip for when you anticipate shooting. A professional photographer will tell you that shooting in bright sunlight is a bad idea because it causes subjects to squint.

Always look for a spot with some overhead shade. Planning your schedule, which I will get to in a moment, should take into account the fact that most outdoor shots are best taken either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon/sunset.

It’s also important to think about the following when choosing a location:

• Is there a closet or other storage space where you can hang your clothes to avoid wrinkles? If you don’t have one, you should probably bring your own.
• Is there a restroom nearby, please?
• Do you have revolving doors/monitors? Where will the model change clothes if we are shooting on location? Bringing a large sheet that two people can hold up around her while she changes might be a good idea. Sometimes she will need to use the restroom, but you won’t have time to send her off every time.
• Temperature? Is December the month for your bikini shoot? If that’s the case, make sure to give your model a warm coat or blanket to use while she waits in between shots.

Plan Looks (I.E. Model Cards)

Outfits, shoes, and other accessories for the models must be planned for each look. Again, you should start planning for this well in advance. Follow these steps to get ready for your next photo shoot.

The standard method for doing this is to make “Model Cards.” Get started with a large poster board sheet by taking full-length, close-up photos of the outfits (either on a model or laid flat on the ground).

Take detailed pictures of all of the extras (preferably showing how they are worn on the model, which hand, etc.)

You should include a list of the items needed to achieve this look and any detailed instructions for doing so next to the accompanying images.

If you want your stylist, dresser, or model to be able to quickly and accurately execute your vision, the model cards you provide them with must be as detailed as possible.

You, the designer, will not have time to personally dress the models.

After writing in the name of the model and the order number at the top, you can use a pant hanger to display the card in front of the appropriate garment on a clothing rack.

Additionally, you should think about the following:

• Do the models need to supply their own props? Makeup? Shoes? Having trouble fitting into your new wardrobe? Bras (strapless, nude, etc.). Additionally, have them put on a nude seamless thong. There is nothing more unsightly than a glimpse of lacy underwear.
• In order to complete your outfits, you might need to pick up some additional jewellery, scarves, hats, shoes, or props. Simply tape the shoes’ soles shut and keep the tags attached for easy return.
• If you’re using more than one model, you’ll want to schedule out WHO will be wearing WHAT and WHEN. Model cards, where the model’s name can be prominently displayed, are a great solution for this problem.
• Keep in mind the number of times you’ll need to change clothes as you’re putting together the outfits. Shooting time can be cut down by time zone changes, so avoiding them whenever possible is ideal. Consider wearing the same top with different bottoms, adding a jacket over one outfit, etc.
• Don’t anticipate needing to switch footwear frequently; doing so can add additional time. The model should try to reuse her shoes as much as possible to speed up the outfit changes.

If you want people to be able to quickly move from one model card to the next, you should number them in the order in which they were shot (without your supervision)

Set A Schedule For The Day

MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS! Make a plan for the day so that you can get everything done that needs to be done. Consider the time frame in which everyone must show up.

Photographers frequently require additional time for preparations such as setting up equipment. Don’t forget to factor in plenty of time for elaborate hair and makeup. Hair and makeup for each model can take up to two hours.

It is important to consider factors like sunlight and temperature when deciding the order in which indoor and outdoor photoshoots will occur. Your models will require a good 30-45 minute lunch break, so plan accordingly.

Afterward, once you have everything planned out, make sure to give everyone a heads up about when they need to be there. The day before, give them a call to remind them; you can’t afford to have anyone forget or oversleep.

Prep Samples

Ahead of the shoot, you should double-check that all of your samples have been properly prepared.

All tags and stickers should be hidden or removed from view, and the garment should have no stray threads and securely sewn-on buttons.

A helpful trick for hanging clothes with loops is to press a piece of double-sided tape onto the inside of the garment’s underarm.

It will stay in place better this way as the model is moved around. You’ll get more compliments from your photographer, too, because they won’t have to spend extra time editing out those annoying straps.

Because of the inevitable wrinkles that will occur while transporting your clothing to the event, you should press or steam all of your garments the day before, as well as the morning of.

They must be spotless for the photo shoot. To prevent them from getting snagged or damaged, place them in plastic bags inside of garment bags. Make sure to have a full cover letter if you’re going to be lending out your clothes for an editorial shoot.

Essential Tips To Succeed As A Fashion Stylist

Working as a professional stylist is demanding. You need to work on developing an as a stylist.

• Get good at making connections. Stylists need to build a clientele, make connections with other stylists and designers, and participate in numerous industry events.
• The fashion industry is notoriously competitive, making it difficult to make up lost ground.
• Create strong bonds with people in your professional and personal life. Maintaining and developing personal connections is crucial to attracting new customers.
• Although some stylists may see an increase in business after a client’s appearance on a red carpet or in a high-profile fashion magazine, the majority of a stylist’s clientele will come from the referrals of their current clients’ friends and acquaintances.
• Be bold. Self-promotion is essential to getting ahead in life. As you start your own company, network as much as possible by attending events and asking people you know for introductions.
• Acquired skills are more valuable than academic credentials. Many people in the fashion industry are self-taught, but some have earned advanced degrees.
• However, the topic of higher education might never come up during an interview for a stylist position. When applying for jobs, experience in the field is more valuable than a specific degree.
• Keep yourself current. A career as a fashion stylist may be ideal if you have a keen eye for style, are always aware of what’s new in the world of fashion, are comfortable expressing your own personal preferences, are excellent at communicating with others, and are willing to put in long hours at sometimes unappreciative jobs.

Conclusion

A fashion stylist is a professional who works with clients to create their ideal appearance by recommending and implementing coordinated wardrobe, hair, makeup, and accessory choices. Famous actors, musicians, and other public figures are a celebrity stylist’s typical clientele. The way one dresses can make or break a photograph’s impact. The goal of any well-styled photo shoot is to evoke a certain feeling or mood in the viewer. If you want your subject to stand out, choose a background with a lot of contrast.

The colour scheme of a photo shoot is just as crucial as the story’s central concept. Adding too many props or accessories to a photoshoot can make things chaotic and take the focus away from the subject. Lay-flat specifications, clothing against a white background (including close-ups of key details), and fashion/glamour shots are the three primary types of photographs you should take. Choosing the best models is much easier once you have a sense of the overall aesthetic direction. You might need more than one model if you want to capture a wide range of looks in your shoot.

Spread the word about your model search by printing flyers and including all relevant information, such as measurements, the desired look, the location, contact information, etc. It is crucial to scout the location in advance as it will have a major impact on the final look of your shots. Outdoor photographs are typically taken either very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon/sunset. Snap some close-ups of all the optional extras (preferably showing how they are worn on the model, which hand, etc.). The items required to complete this style should be listed.

Plan out your day so that you can accomplish everything that needs doing. It’s common for photographers to need extra time for things like setting up equipment. Each model may need up to two hours to get their hair and makeup done. The order in which indoor and outdoor photoshoots take place should be determined taking into account factors such as sunlight and temperature. If you’re going to be loaning out your wardrobe, make sure you have a thorough cover letter ready.

If you have a good sense of style and don’t mind letting people know what you like, a career as a fashion stylist might be right up your alley. Not everyone in the fashion industry needs a formal education to succeed; some have learned everything they know on the job.

Content Summary

• First and foremost, you need to know the photoshoot’s theme before you can begin styling.
• The choice of colours for a shoot is as important as the choice of the subject matter or theme.
• Make sure the colours complement the subject and the brand you’re aiming for, as well as fit the overall theme of the shoot.
• Who needs social media?One of the most important things to do before a photo shoot is to consider where the final images will be displayed, as this will have a huge impact on the style and composition of the photographs you need.
• Make a Pinterest board dedicated to the shoot and show it to your photographer, stylist, and models in advance.
• Check their previous work to see if it represents the aesthetic you’re going for.
• Knowing the overall aesthetic direction will help you choose the best models.
• Choosing a hair and makeup artist is just as challenging as choosing a photographer, especially in the age of youtube tutorials where everyone believes they are a beauty expert.
• Again, you’ll want someone who is willing to work with you to realise your vision for hair and makeup.
• Discuss Location/BackgroundsThe final look of your shots will be greatly influenced by the location you choose, so it’s important to scout it out in advance.
• So, before you start shooting, go on a scouting mission to figure out where you want to put up your cameras.
• Keep in mind the number of times you’ll need to change clothes as you’re putting together the outfits.
• Don’t forget to factor in plenty of time for elaborate hair and makeup.
• Prep SamplesAhead of the shoot, you should double-check that all of your samples have been properly prepared.
• Because of the inevitable wrinkles that will occur while transporting your clothing to the event, you should press or steam all of your garments the day before, as well as the morning of.
• They must be spotless for the photo shoot.
• Get good at making connections.
• Create strong bonds with people in your professional and personal life.
• Be bold.

FAQs About Photoshoot

What do stylists do in photoshoots?

Creating unique looks from head to toe. Picking fashionable outfits, shoes and accessories. Coordinating with photographers, models and hair and makeup artists for specific projects.

What does a stylist’s portfolio look like?

Your styling portfolio should contain a selection of work demonstrating your ideas and how you develop them through to finished work. It should include examples of your visual research, including notebooks and sketchbooks.

Where do stylists get inspiration?

The stylist’s ideas can come from the street, from the different international popular cultures. The world is a source of inspiration, from nature to urban reality. In everything that surrounds him, the designer is looking for new styles, shapes, materials and colours to design new lines of fashion products.

What makes a successful stylist?

What makes a great stylist, specifically with celebrity clientele, is someone who’s overly organized, has an extreme sense of style, is adaptable and has an understanding of their lifestyle. Being kind and respectful to everyone on your client’s team is also extremely important.

What skills should a fashion stylist have?

Skills

• an eye for visual composition and proportion.
• commercial awareness including a good knowledge of designers, brands and trends.
• the ability to meet deadlines.
• an excellent work ethic and can-do attitude.
• an exceptional eye for detail.
• a positive, proactive and assertive approach.