5 things you need to know to organize a productive photoshoot

A photoshoot can be a super fun event, but requires a lot of preparation to ensure it runs smoothly. Here are 5 key things to get you started with organizing the best photoshoot ever, advised from my own experiences inside fashion brands.

Concept

Firstly, what’s the purpose of this photoshoot? Is it ecom or editorial? How are you going to reach your customers/clients/partners with the content? Online or via physical lookbook? Get in as much detail as you can on what you need the visuals for so that you can inform all your other choices in terms of models, location, poses, mood, styling, ect.

Set the vision

Get on pinterest and pull up boards for every aspect of the imagery you want to achieve. What does the makeup and hair look like? What does the styling look like? Does the model sit somewhere? On what? What’s the decor like?

Outfits

It is quite obvious that you need to prepare the products you are shooting in a specific order. Do not forget, however, to go in greater detail. I am talking here glasses, earrings, airpods, hats, socks, bandanas, anything that supports the vision. Organize a fitting in advance and take photos of how each look should be assembled on the day.

Schedule

By the minute if possible. Of course on photoshoots you need to be flexible as changes often occur, however, having a pre-done schedule makes a great difference. Also brings in a bit of calmness that you know what you are doing. Make sure you allow time for the obvious hair, make-up and styling, but also for re-touches, lunch and coffee breaks throughout the day. Allow plenty of time to run over as you don't want to be rushing through at the end and not be 100% happy with the result.

The day before

If you have a long photoshoot upcoming it's better to get to the location the day before and prep as many things as possible. Set up the models' chairs, get the rails ready, steam any clothes if needed. Print out a few copies of the schedule. Go through the day in your head in advance and see if there is anything you will need. Scissors, tape, pins, clips, paper. The more prepared you are, the smoothest experience you will have.

And don’t forget to have fun and enjoy it.

Sincerely Yours, Elena