How to get your clothing photoshoots done properly

So you've spent months planning, designing and manufacturing clothes for your brand. They look a-mazing. Now it's photoshoot time...

Getting your clothing photographed properly can make or break a brand. Everything is about visual appeal in the fashion industry. The photoshoot is crucial to your success. Luckily for you, our lovely readers, we've put together some tips and tricks to help you get your clothing photoshoots done right!

So here we go...

Clothing brand photoshoots: 7 Tips for a successful shoot

Clothing brand photoshoots can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a lot of work. Here are a few tips to help make your shoot successful.

1. Make a plan. Decide what you want to achieve in the shoot, and plan accordingly.
2. Choose the right location. The location can make or break a shoot. Make sure it's right for the style and look you're going for.
3. Choose the right models. Models can make or break a shoot. Make sure you choose ones that will represent your clothing brand well.
4. Choose the right photographer. Just like models, your photographer can make or break a shoot. Make sure you choose one who knows your brand and style, and who can capture your vision.
5. Make sure you have all of your products available to shoot on the day, along with good props. Making sure you have everything you need to create the look you want is so key.
6. Be prepared to work hard. Photoshoots can be a lot of work, but they're worth it in the end.
7. Have fun. The best shoots are the ones that are fun and enjoyable for everyone involved.

How to plan your brand photoshoot:

A fashion shoot can be a daunting task to plan. You have to worry about the clothes, the models, the hair and makeup, the photographers, and the location.

But with a little bit of organisation and planning (and some help from this handy guide), you can make the process a lot smoother.

The first step is to think about what the purpose of the clothing photoshoot is. Are you trying to get high quality product shots to promote on your website? Or do you need lifestyle images to feature on your Insta (and other socials)? Once you know the purpose of the shoot, you can start planning the details.

So let's think about visuals. You'll need to figure out what you want the shoot to look like. What kind of aesthetic are you going after. Do you want a simple, everyday look? Do you want a grungy, alternative feel? Maybe something more high fashion? Once you have a general idea, you can start to put together a mood board to give your photographer an idea of what you're going for.

Having a moodboard is really useful both for your planning, but also on the day of the shoot. You can refer back to it to make sure that the shoot stays on track for the look you want to achieve.

Back to the planning…you’ll need to decide what kind of shots you want and what kind of setting or backdrop you want. If you're shooting a product, you'll want to consider what kind of lighting and setting will make it look its best. If you're taking lifestyle photos, you can be more creative with your setting, poses and props.

Another crucial step is finding models. No matter what type of model you choose, it's important to make sure that they fit the concept of your shoot, and the general feel of your brand. You also need to contact your ideal models well in advance, as good models are often booked up for months. Choosing the right model can make or break your shoot, so take your time and make sure you find the right fit.

Getting the scene ready for your photoshoot

Once you have a clear idea of the visual direction you want for your clothing photoshoot, you can start scouting locations and gathering props.

If you're shooting indoors, you'll need to find a space that has enough room for your set-up and can be rented or borrowed for the duration of the shoot.

If you're shooting outdoors, you'll need to find a location that fits your vision... and make sure you consider the weather - nothing quite like an afternoon of rain to ruin a photoshoot! I know it seems simple, but thinking about the weather is so often overlooked, so make sure you check the weather forecast in the days running up to the shoot.

For the clothes themselves, it’s well worth planning which outfits you’re going to shoot together, so that everything matches well. You might want to have a couple of different outfits for each model, as well as different looks for different parts of the shoot.

Another often overlooked point - make sure that the clothes aren't too wrinkled by the time the shoot happens...a bit of ironing the night before will pay dividends! 

The hair and makeup are also important, and should be planned out ahead of time. You'll want to make sure that the makeup and hair compliment the clothes and the overall look of the shoot.

The last thing to consider when planning a photoshoot is the crew. If you're shooting by yourself, you'll need to consider who will be styling and directing the shoot. If you’re using a professional photographer, make sure that you’ve given them a good briefing before you start the shoot. If you have a team, you'll need to make sure everyone is on the same page and knows what their role is.

By thinking about these things in advance, you can help make sure that your photoshoot goes smoothly and produces the results you desire (rather than being a horrific stress-filled afternoon where tempers boil over! Trust me, I’ve seen that too many times!).

Tips for product photography:

When it comes to taking product photos, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the best results. Here are some of our top tips:

1. Use natural light whenever possible. If you're shooting indoors, try to use a window as your light source.
2. Use a white backdrop. This will help your clothes stand out against the background and make it look more professional. It will also make the images much easier to use on your website or e-commerce stores. Whilst a white backdrop isn't the only option (e.g. having bright contrasting backgrounds can work well if you want a really vibrant look), in 90% of cases, it will be your best bet.
3. Use props to add interest. You can turn a simple product shot into something more lifelike with inventive use of props. 
4. Use a tripod. This will help ensure that your photos are level and in focus.
5. Experiment! The best way to learn is to experiment and see what works best for you. 

In conclusion:

There are quite a few steps to follow, but with a little bit of planning, you can have a successful fashion shoot that looks great, and doesn’t break the bank.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create amazing photoshoots that will help promote your clothing brand across your website, socials and in print. In such a competitive industry, having really strong visuals to promote the clothes that you’ve spent months designing and manufacturing can make all the difference. It’s well worth investing the time and effort to make sure your photos are done the right way. Hope this was helpful!

Love, Joss H&E xx

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