fashion designing

How To Plan Your Fashion Shoots?

It's usual practise to set aside several weeks, if not months, to plan out every detail of a fashion photoshoot. The burden of getting things done is lightened when one has more of it. The following phase, after samples have been prepared and evaluated, is to market and promote the collection. However, you'll need to begin working on the aesthetics immediately. Without these, it will be difficult to communicate with potential buyers, the media, and customers.

Most designers under-estimate how long it takes to arrange a photoshoot. They don't devote enough thought to the necessary visual elements. In that light, how does one go about arranging a fashion magazine photoshoot? How might you profit from having images taken of you?

That is entirely dependant on where the photographs are going. You'll need a wide range of fashion photos and product photos if you plan to use them on your websites, social networks, and in a Lookbook.

This is the book to read if you've ever wanted to know how and when to plan a photo session for a fashion magazine.

Table of Contents

Set Up A Dry Run

how to direct your models in a photoshoot

Make a good amount of them available! You can think of your initial few fashion shoots as dry runs. Taking a trial is a fantastic way to improve your abilities, experiment with new methods or tools, connect with other people who share your aesthetic preferences, and build your resume.

Put Together a Visual Inspiration Board

You can organise and direct your shot much more efficiently with the help of a mood board. Make a mood board using pictures you locate online or in magazines to assist the model and styling team imagine the shoot's outfits, poses, settings, and locations.

Create a Pinterest board full of visual references before each shot.

Just generally speaking, how do you picture the finished result looking? Before a picture shoot, the photographer and stylist will often create what is called a "Mood Board" to portray the desired feel and look. Your future plans will be more organised as a result of doing this. Create a rough sketch of the overall style you want to achieve for your picture shoot, and think about the different stances and perspectives you'd like your subject to adopt. Make a list of your favourite creative photographs right after you finish your Mood Board.

Create a Content Plan to discuss with the photographer, stylist(s), and models as they get ready for the shoot.

When the time for the photoshoot comes around, you can check off each posture as it is photographed on the printed checklist.

At the end of a hard day, realising you neglected to snap photos is a bad feeling.

Illustrations of Products Laid Flat

The bright colours of your apparel and other merchandise really pop off of the white background.

Give an In-Depth Description From All Angles

Remember to zoom in on important features.

E-Business | Product Lineup:

In these pictures, the model is shown either wearing or holding the advertised item. Photos shouldn't include any distractions, just the featured items.

Models must also strike and retain a simple pose in each shot; this creates consistency and prevents viewers from becoming bored when several shots are exhibited in rapid succession.

To give your customers a better sense of the products, show them from every angle if possible. Make sure a white background is available for the photo session.

Fashion Snaps

Images captured in a stylish manner highlight the adaptability of business products and the values of your company.

In contrast to static product images used on e-commerce sites, fashion photographs feature the model(s) in a range of stances meant to evoke excitement when using the featured products.

Depending on your overall vision for the project, you should decide where to take these photos. The shoot(s) will require a model(s), and it can happen anywhere, in a studio or outside.

Pro Tip

Don't just take random pictures without considering their intended use and making a list of the kind of images you'll need to use in your project.

Having both a portrait and a landscape mode is a must.

Make a Casting Call

The process of selecting the best model might be simplified if you have a clear idea of what you're looking for and the way you would like it to appear. What you were looking for, have you discovered? Which of these three beautiful women do you prefer: one with olive skin, one with icy blonde hair, or one with dark, regal African features? The number of prototypes needed is:

The shooting can go more quickly and efficiently if only three models are chosen. What you need to know is whether you want individual photographs of each model or a mix of group and individual images. You can contact a talent agency and look through their books for available models if you have the finances for it. See if they can recommend any up-and-coming models who would be prepared to work for less pay in return for more exposure.

Holding a casting call online, where the part is announced and the ideal model is described, is another option. A flyer is another option for getting the news out. The audition time and place of the picture session, as well as your contact information, should be mentioned.

Unless you have a bottomless pit of cash, your best bet is to hire experienced models who are comfortable in front of the camera.

Someone with no prior work experience can be difficult to collaborate with at first.

Pro Tip:

When advertising for models, be sure to specify your height, weight, chest size, waist size, and shoe size. Before the date of the fashion photoshoot, it is recommended to organise a fitting for the models and the models' wardrobe.

Prepare a Styling Team

Find other creative professionals who may use your support and offer to work with them in exchange for them using your images in their own portfolios.

Professionals in the hair and makeup industries can be found in schools dedicated to such fields. A makeup artist is required (many makeup artists are also proficient at basic hairstyling).

There may be more positions added later, such as makeup artists, hairstylists, wardrobe assistants, nail technicians, and assistant photographers.

Find Qualified Stylists and Artists

hair and makeup stylist

The best fashion magazine photo shoots are meticulous about the tiniest details. Makeup and hairstyling for models can have a huge impact on the end result if done correctly.

Asking the photographer you intend to hire if they work with MUAs is an excellent first step in finding such professionals. If you are trying to work together on a small budget, you may choose to contact students at a school of makeup. In exchange for the photos, they might be satisfied. One such place where you might find your target audience is via a Facebook college-focused group. The appropriate contacts for the agency are also included. Take a look at a number of examples of their work before making a final decision.

Send them a tiny Mood Board featuring images of your models and colour samples from your apparel or other merchandise to use as inspiration, and talk to them about the looks you're striving for.

Pro Tip: 

Your hairdresser and beautician should have a solid notion of the desired look at minimum two weeks before the session. There will be plenty of opportunity to get any more supplies and prepare for the event.

Backgrounds and Location

Prepare your base of operations. Remember that shooting in the heat of the day in the summer season will result in strong shadows and squinting models from the glare. It is best to shoot in the early morning or late afternoon.

Any outside scenarios that require unique plant life, such as blossoming trees or bushes, must take the seasons into consideration. A studio should provide a wide range of lighting and backdrop options when filming.

Keep these points in mind while selecting a venue for a shoot:

  • What about a rack or some hooks? Otherwise, you'll have to provide a temporary rail.
  • Are there any restroom on the site or nearby?
  • Where can I go to change my clothes? If your production is on site, you'll have to establish a change area. Due to time limits, the models might not be allowed to use the toilet, therefore providing a canvas tarp that can be utilized as a temporary tent may be beneficial.
  • Shooting a swimwear collection during the dead of winter? Ensure the model is wearing something warm.

Pro Tip: 

As with any other work environment, it's crucial to have a plan in place for dealing with unexpected situations and to ensure that everyone has enough food and water to last the day.

Find Some Models

New faces, also known as development models, are models that have recently signed with an agency and are looking for trial shoots to add to their portfolios.

Any respectable modelling agency worth its salt will require you to submit work samples before they'll consider booking you for a job. It is common practise to request an in-person meeting with a signed model before beginning work with her.

If you want to get signed by a modelling agency, you should put together a portfolio of your best work using photographs from your most attractive friends or models you find on business sites like Model Management.

Make Model Cards

It's a good idea to plan the model's wardrobe ahead of time for every photo shoot. Some helpful reminders are as follows:

  • To get started, take photos of each whole outfit, either with a model or on a flat lay.
  • Make copies of all the pictures and tape them on a bulletin board.
  • Take detailed pictures of every accessory, including shoes and jewellery.
  • Show customers how to wear the jewellery you're selling, such bracelets or rings. Always remember which hand they should go on.
  • In addition to images, please provide a breakdown of what is needed and how to achieve each appearance.
  • Please be as specific as possible to assist the hairstylist, model, or wardrobe get to work as soon as feasible. You will be unable to dress models if you become a successful designer.
  • Once you're done, hang the board in front of each wardrobe change, labelling it with the model's identity and the corresponding order-of-shot number.

Tell the models to bring anything specific to the shoot, including seamless, neutral-colored underwear and both strapless and standard bras.

Any brand-new shoes, set design, jewelry, or apparel purchased specifically for a costume should be kept with the original tags attached. Taping the bottoms of your shoes will prevent scratches from being made on your floors. These items may be borrowed for the length of filming and returned afterwards.

Pro Tip:

In order to pull off a successful fashion photography, it is important to plan ahead of time so that you may contact competing brands for lent props and accessories.

You can save some cash and, based upon the other brands involved, maybe even get some free advertising.

Make a Timetable

Creating a schedule for the picture shoot is crucial. Without a strategy for how to accomplish your goals, you run the risk of failing.

The photographer can arrive first to verify settings and prepare the space, while the rest of the team can arrive whenever they're ready.

If you don't want to waste the photographer's time waiting around while the models primp (hair and make-up may take a little while, particularly if you're aiming for an intricate look), you can also have them come after the models are done. Time per model should be between two and four hours.

When choosing between two potential shooting locations, lighting and temperature should be taken into account.

Once you have everything planned out, you can email everyone a detailed itinerary with arrival times, contact information, and the exact location. Print one off to have as a backup.

Pro Tip:

Planning ahead for meals and rest periods is essential.

Plan Each Look

Everything you wear and accessorise with for an outfit should match the aesthetic of your mood board.

Pulling (borrowing) clothes and accessories for a shoot is possible if you get in contact with local designers and shops and ask if you can use their products in exchange for credits or images.

All commercial photography, including fashion photography, is done with the intention of making a profit.

Please exercise caution when selecting and photographing these items. You, the photographer, have creative control over the aesthetic even if you plan to employ a stylist to assist you at some point.

Present Some Samples

Time is running out before the fashion photo shoot, and you still haven't finished prepping your samples. Following a thorough pressing, they can be displayed in cellophane bags.

Then, to avoid any further damage, put items in a cloth bag with a front zipper. Cut loose threads and secure the buttons with a good stitch.

To prevent the hanger loops from spoiling the photo, double-sided tape can be used to secure them inside the garment if the model isn't present during the shoot. This reduces the amount of time a photographer needs to spend in Photoshop.

Pro Tip:

In order to save space, it's best to group similar items together when packing. It will save you time on location by eliminating the need to go searching for missing components.

Connections & Costs

Having multiple people involved in a fashion photography means you'll need signed contracts to ensure everyone does their part. It's important to hammer out the details of payment and collaboration in advance, whether you're partnering up with colleagues or employing pros.

Having a written agreement that is signed by both sides is also very important. This will help everyone involved understand their financial obligations and the associated deadlines.

If you have all the facts you need, you can save money on legal fees by creating your own agreement.

When possible, it's best to spread out your payments rather than pay everything at once. Equally important to both parties is the certainty that they will get the agreed upon payment.

It's acceptable to pay a deposit towards the final price and the remainder once the work is completed and you're happy with the outcomes.

Pro Tip: 

If you're going to use a studio, get the lease and any other agreements set up ahead of time.

Don't take the chance of spending more money than necessary by not following the norm.

Simply Repetition

Evaluate your work seriously and don't be afraid to solicit feedback from your coworkers. When one shot closes up, I immediately start planning for the next one since I like it so much from beginning to end.

Finally, Keep Shooting.

You should schedule as many individual shootings as possible so that you can experiment with different ideas and methods.

Gaining experience will give you the assurance to experiment and create your own style. Meanwhile, keep practising with your family members and by yourself to perfect your talents.

Without the added pressure of a model or crew, you can take the time to get comfortable with your lighting equipment and perfect your setup.

Each photo shoot is an opportunity to improve your skills, even if the final products don't look like high-end fashion photos at first.

Especially when first starting out, it's important to experiment with as many methods as possible to find the ones that work best for you.

Focusing on your existing skills while expanding your knowledge will help you become a better photographer. If you start working on developing your own sense of style right away, you'll be prepared for everything that comes up during a picture shoot.

Conclusion

Typically, designers tend to underestimate the time required to organise a photo shoot. A "Mood Board" is a visual aid created by the photographer and stylist before a photo shoot. The model and the styling crew can use these boards to visualise the looks, poses, and locations for the photo shoot. Professional products and your company's core values will shine in photographs that capture them in a creative light. Models in fashion photographs often strike poses designed to make viewers eager to try out the showcased goods.

It is highly recommended that a white background be used for the photo shoot. Including your height, weight, chest size, waist size, and shoe size in an ad for a modelling job is highly discouraged. It's a good idea to schedule a fitting for the models and their wardrobe before the photoshoot date. If done properly, a model's makeup and hairstyle can have a dramatic effect on the final product. The model's outfits for each shoot should be carefully thought out in advance.

Collect the images, make copies, and display them in a bulletin board. Please have the models bring any props they may need, such as standard bras and underwear that is both seamless and of a neutral colour. Taking photographs is all about making money, so be careful what you choose to photograph. Cooperation and payment terms should be worked out in advance. When working with a large fashion photography team, it's important to get everyone to sign a contract outlining their responsibilities.

Get the lease and other agreements set up early if you plan on using a studio. It's fine to put down a portion of the total cost up front and pay the rest once the work is done. Don't gamble away money by going against conventional wisdom.

Content Summary

  • Create a rough sketch of the overall style you want to achieve for your picture shoot, and think about the different stances and perspectives you'd like your subject to adopt.
  • Make sure a white background is available for the photo session.
  • In contrast to static product images used on e-commerce sites, fashion photographs feature the model(s) in a range of stances meant to evoke excitement when using the featured products.
  • Depending on your overall vision for the project, you should decide where to take these photos.
  • Don't just take random pictures without considering their intended use and making a list of the kind of images you'll need to use in your project.
  • You can contact a talent agency and look through their books for available models if you have the finances for it.
  • Before the date of the fashion photoshoot, it is recommended to organise a fitting for the models and the models' wardrobe.
  • Keep these points in mind while selecting a venue for a shoot:What about a rack or some hooks?
  • If you want to get signed by a modelling agency, you should put together a portfolio of your best work using photographs from your most attractive friends or models you find on business sites like Model Management.
  • It's a good idea to plan the model's wardrobe ahead of time for every photo shoot.
  • Creating a schedule for the picture shoot is crucial.
  • Time is running out before the fashion photo shoot, and you still haven't finished prepping your samples.
  • It's acceptable to pay a deposit towards the final price and the remainder once the work is completed and you're happy with the outcomes.
  • Pro Tip: If you're going to use a studio, get the lease and any other agreements set up ahead of time.
  • Gaining experience will give you the assurance to experiment and create your own style.
  • Without the added pressure of a model or crew, you can take the time to get comfortable with your lighting equipment and perfect your setup.
  • Each photo shoot is an opportunity to improve your skills, even if the final products don't look like high-end fashion photos at first.
  • If you start working on developing your own sense of style right away, you'll be prepared for everything that comes up during a picture shoot.

CONCLUSION

Most designers under-estimate how long it takes to arrange a photoshoot. Before a picture shoot, the photographer and stylist will often create what is called a "Mood Board" to portray the desired feel and look of the shoot. Your future plans will be more organised as a result of doing this. When advertising for models, be sure to specify your height, weight, chest size, waist size, and shoe size. Before the date of the photoshoot, it is recommended to organise a fitting for the models.

Makeup and hairstyling for models can have a huge impact on the end result if done correctly. Shooting a shoot in the summer will result in strong shadows and squinting models from the glare. A studio should provide a wide range of lighting and backdrop options when filming. It's crucial to have a plan in place for dealing with unexpected situations, such as food and water shortages. Plan ahead so that you can contact competing brands for lent props and accessories.

Photography is all about making a profit. Having multiple people involved in a fashion photo shoot means you'll need signed contracts to ensure everyone does their part. It's important to hammer out the details of payment and collaboration in advance, whether partnering up with colleagues or employing pros. If you're renting a studio, get the lease and other agreements set up ahead of time. It's acceptable to pay a deposit towards the final price.

Experiment with as many methods as possible to find the ones that work best for you. Each photo shoot is an opportunity to improve your skills.

FAQs About Fashion Photography

If the shoot is for a fashion brand, the brand will often provide its stylist. The stylist and their assistants are also responsible for making sure the clothes are steamed and look great before being shot and dressing the models.

A stylist will conceptualize outfits for the shoot from brands that fit the brief. They will go out and borrow these items for the shoot, dress the models in an organized and creative fashion, and ensure that all items are accounted for at the end of the day and returned.

Shoot from all angles and sides to understand how the light falls on the model and how that affects the overall image. For example, if you want even light without shadows, turn the model to face the window and stand with your back. This light is good but not very interesting because it has no volume.

It's a fast-paced work environment. At the high end, it involves working at major fashion shows and travel. Magazine and advertising photographers travel to exotic locations almost regularly. On the local end, fashion could perhaps be considered a modified form of portraiture.

Photographers in the fashion industry are in charge of showcasing items of clothing in promotional materials, catalogues, and periodicals. They collaborate closely alongside designers and fashion businesses to present the correct brand image. They may work in a studio setting or on location for their shoots.

CONTENT SUMMARY

  • Depending on your overall vision for the project, you should decide where to take these photos.
  • Don't just take random pictures without considering their intended use and making a list of the kind of images you'll need to use in your project.
  • Before the date of the fashion photoshoot, it is recommended to organise a fitting for the models and the models' wardrobe.
  • Asking the photographer you intend to hire if they work with MUAs is an excellent first step in finding such professionals.
  • There will be plenty of opportunity to get any more supplies and prepare for the event.
  • Keep these points in mind while selecting a venue for a shoot:
  • If you want to get signed by a modelling agency, you should put together a portfolio of your best work using photographs from your most attractive friends or models you find on business sites like Model Management.
  • Without a strategy for how to accomplish your goals, you run the risk of failing.
  • Time is running out before the fashion photo shoot, and you still haven't finished preparing your samples.
  • Having a written agreement that is signed by both sides is also very important.
  • It's acceptable to pay a deposit towards the final price and the remainder once the work is completed and you're happy with the outcomes.
  • Without the added pressure of a model or crew, you can take the time to get comfortable with your lighting equipment and perfect your setup.
  • Each photo shoot is an opportunity to improve your skills, even if the final products don't look like high-end fashion photos at first.
  • Focusing on your existing skills while expanding your knowledge will help you become a better photographer.
  • If you start working on developing your own sense of style right away, you'll be prepared for everything that comes up during a picture shoot.
Scroll to Top