Plan the perfect fashion photo shoot
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Photo shoots are the cornerstone to your fashion boutique content strategy. It’s my favorite part of working in the fashion industry. What’s better than playing dress up with beautiful models? Yet, transforming an idea into reality can turn into a nightmare if you are not organized. After a decade of planning and executing fashion photo shoots, I have experienced so many different scenarios. One bad photo shoot can keep you up all night with worry the night before your next one. That all changed once I got a system in place to prepare. Here is what you need to do:
Planning Stage:
Determine a theme or vibe. What styles are you highlighting? Is it dressy or casual? Are you going for a boho theme or holiday party? This will help you pick a location.
Select a date and time. When do you need the photos to launch? Plan a few weeks in advance so there is plenty of time for editing.
Pick a location that fits your theme or vibe. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Is the space available? You may need to adjust your date and time based on location.
Contact and schedule models. If a certain model(s) is a perfect match for your theme, contact them to determine their availability. If you must have this specific model, you may need to adjust your date and time.
Style outfits and make an inventory checklist. This is the fun part! Start putting together outfits with appropriate sizes for each model. To make this easier, separate outfits by model and label the order they should be photographed. Keeping track of every item in the photo shoot will keep you organized and provide important details for your content calendar. Download our FREE Outfit Inventory List for Photo Shoots to make it easier!
Put small accessories in labeled Ziplock bags. Trust me. This is a lifesaver. Earrings, necklaces, rings, and other small items can be overlooked when packing up and leaving a location.
Buy some snacks and water. Depending on the length of the shoot, your models and team may need a boost. Some snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. Make sure it is easy to hold and will not leave crumbs or stains on the clothing. Also check for any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
The Night Before:
Charge your cell phone and camera batteries. Whether you are the photographer or not, you should take some fun behind-the-scenes photos and video for social media. If you are also the photographer, have full camera batteries ready.
Have a fresh memory card and/or clean up phone storage. If you are shooting with a camera, make sure your memory cards have plenty of space. If you are shooting with your smartphone, you need to make sure there’s enough storage.
Double check the weather if you are shooting outdoors. Check the hourly forecast for any surprises. And you should be checking the weather a ahead of time for last minute adjustments to location or date.
Check in with your models and team members. Send them location details or any last minute notes.
Day of Shoot:
Pack up the outfits. Put them in the appropriate vehicle and double check that all outfits are ready, along with the bags of small accessories.
Bring snacks and water.
Double check equipment. Ensure that you have your cell phone, camera and memory cards, charged batteries, and anything else that you may need.
End of Shoot:
Collect outfits and accessories.
Review inventory checklist. Check outfit items off the inventory list to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind. Download our FREE Outfit Inventory List for Photo Shoots to make it easier!
Pack up camera equipment. Make sure you have your camera, memory cards, batteries, lenses, lens caps, lighting, etc.
Clean up the location. Do not leave a mess behind. This is important for relationship building with venue owners. Also, if your outfit was outdoors this is a given. No littering.
Save images on a backup device. As soon as you get back, save all images on an external hard drive. Make sure your hard work is safe.
Edit images and start planning your content calendar!
Make this process easier with our FREE Photo Shoot Checklist for busy boutiques!
Do you have something to add to this process or checklist? Comment below your tips and tricks! We want to hear them!