Planning for the photo shoot
January 13th, 2010
We have new designs, so I’m starting to plan the photo shoot. We haven’t done a formal photo shoot since we launched (yes, that’s the truth). When we launched we did a photo shoot with a friend who is a professional product photographer. We were completely unprepared, we went in with our product and no clear definition of the scene we wanted to set, or the mood we wanted to convey.
So, as I’m planning for a photo shoot for our organics collection, I know I have a lot more to think about than just the product being ready:
- Models - need to locate and confirm models
- Scheduling for the day - the setup takes up most of the shoot time. If you haven’t been on a shoot, it’s almost unimaginable how long it can take to get the lighting setup.
- What types of photos we need - we need model shots more than isolated product shots. If you need isolated product shots, you should create a photo shot list that lists every product you need to shoot. For a model shoot - the photo shot list includes all the products /scenes you want shot. Send this list to the photographer; the list will help you group your shots in a logical order and plan for a realistic amount of time.
- What is the mood / atmosphere - this is where I still need to do the most thinking. I learned a lot about “hero” shots from the photographer. You need props - think if your product is candles, you might want to set a dining table scene for your “hero” shot. The candles would be the main focul point and glasses, centerpieces, etc. would be background items. The hero shot helps your customer envision the product in use, it should make the customer WANT that scene in their life.
- The setting - indoor or outdoor? If outdoor, where?
- Costs - of course, there is always the cost to consider!
I’m excited to get to our next shoot and feel happy that I will be much more prepared than the first time. Oh, one more tip - if you are using models (especially babies), don’t have them arrive until the time you anticipate being finished with setup. It will keep them from burning out before it’s their time to shine.
Have fun - it’s one of those aspects of our jobs that is creative and fun!
Entry Filed under: Planning beyond the collection, Sales & Marketing
6 Comments Add your own
1. Kathleen Fasanella | January 14th, 2010 at 6:46 am
If anyone is interested in planning their photo shoot, I published a guest entry from a long time photographer on my site.
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/preparing-for-your-fashion-photoshoot/
There’s checklists and guidance for things you might not have thought of and also storyboard templates for download (free).
2. Maria | January 14th, 2010 at 7:05 am
This post could not have come at a better time. I am going to meet with the photographer today for our lookbook shoot and have been working on layouts and theme ideas for a couple of weeks!
3. Raj Thandhi | January 20th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Thanks for the thoughts Amber! I am planning a photo shoot for our latest product, pouch slings - this is very useful and timely!
Raj
4. Latrese | January 25th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
I just signed on to your blog and the information is great! My comment isn’t actually about the entry of discussion but more so on some much needed help. I too would love to start my own clothing line but I wanted to start off with unique and inspiring tee shirts that I created the slogans and designs for myself. I need to know what is the best way to get started? Should I trademark my ideas or patent them? I which I could work with someone who has actually went through these processes and could teach me what to do. I eventually want to expand the T-Shirts and take them to trade shows and have display them at celebrity events. But shouldn’t I protect my name first? So any information that you have I would gladly and greatly appreciate! Thank you
5. amber | February 5th, 2010 at 7:12 am
You should first decide on your brand name and trademark that. If you want to put your designs on t-shirts, you’ll need to locate blank T-shirt suppliers. Always test, you’d be surprised how some things fall apart, and how well some hold up. You also need to decide your price point - your target customer, as this will determine the price you can pay for your supplies. You will need someone who can set up the graphics properly in layers (Jason at CIAgraphics.com can help you) for the screen printers. And you’ll need to find someone to do the screen printing.
Feel free to ask me anything you’d like as you progress…but definitely start with your brand name. Good luck!
6. amber | February 5th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Maria - would love to hear how the photo shoot went?
Hi Raj!!! How’s it going? Do you have pics of your new products?
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