How To Prepare For A Styled Fashion Photoshoot

We will explore the concept of inspiration boards, covering their content, significance, and initial steps. When collaborating with clients, models, or brands, it is essential to convey ideas clearly and precisely.

Furthermore, you will have access to all the successful concepts I have developed and the inspiration boards that guided them. Also some I still desire to achieve.

Lets get into it!

How do you get started?

Canva.com is the most user-friendly platform for designing boards. It offers a free plan with access to all tools, while a subscription of $14.99 per month grants access to all designs. I frequently utilize this tool to craft boards, pricing guides, logos, and more, finding it extremely beneficial in developing my brand.

When coming across a concept I ask myself three main questions: is it achievable?, do I have the resources? and is the photo photoshopped? The last question is so important because I have tried to execute concepts before and miserably failed because the photo was heavily photoshopped. If you have the skills to photoshop an image then go for it but if not then it will be very difficult to achieve abstract and eleborate concepts.

For intricate concepts requiring numerous props, a photo assistant might be essential. Having someone to assist in setting up the shoot can be very beneficial in saving time, especially when utilizing a rented studio. Consider granting the assistant 15 minutes of the shoot for their personal use, allowing them to capture any photos they desire as compensation if you are working within a tight budget.

Just a Friendly Reminder

Starting with an inspiration board is just the beginning; be prepared for the idea to transform into something entirely new. Effective coordination among all parties involved is crucial. It's essential to ask the model if they have similar items in their wardrobe as what's on the board. Always ensure your model sends you photos of possible outfits and be prepared to offer suggestions, as not everyone has a wide variety of clothing options.

The pressure that I felt when starting out portrait photography is that I need an original idea for my work to stand out. But I started to realize that this is not a healthy way of thinking. Not every idea is original, so many concepts have been executed by many other creatives. But think of a concept and how you can add your own flair to it. Some resources that have provided me concepts have been Pinterest, Kavyar.com, and following well established photographers.

7 Key Points

1.Clarifies Vision:

Inspiration boards clarify the vision and concept for the shoot. They allow the team to have a clear understanding of the look and feel that is being aimed for.

2. Sets Tone and Mood:

By curating images that evoke specific emotions or atmospheres, inspiration boards establish the tone and mood of the shoot. Whether its a romantic, whimsical, edgy or vintage vibe, the board proves a visual reference point for everyone involved. Including some desired poses will also communicate the mood, whether the poses are natural, dynamic, structured etc.

3. Ensures Coherence:

Consistency is key in photography projects. Inspiration boards ensure coherence by ensuring that all elements- from wardrobe and props to lighting and composition- align with the over arching concept. Incorporating a color scheme is an excellent method to maintain the desired atmosphere.

4. Facilitates Communication:

It serves as a communication tool, allowing the team to effectively convey ideas and preferences. Instead of relying solely on verbal descriptions, the boards provides a concrete visual reference that can be easily understood by all team members. It is also important to include day of details such as: location, time, duration of shoot, if theres an entry cost, model details, your contact info, etc.

5. Encourages Collaboration:

Collaboration is at the heart of successful photoshoots. Inspiration boards encourage brainstorming and collaboration among team members, sparking creative ideas and fostering a sense of unity in working towards a common goal. Any creative would like to know beforehand what they are signing up for. When reaching out to brands in hopes of using products for the shoot, sending a board is a must. They want to know how their products will be represented.

6. Helps with Planning and Preparation:

When planning a photoshoot, it's crucial to think about every detail to ensure a successful outcome. Taking into account who will be responsible for providing the wardrobe and props is key in setting the tone for the shoot. Additionally, discussing studio fees and budget considerations early on can help manage expectations and avoid any surprises down the line. By addressing these aspects in the initial stages, you can lay a solid foundation for a smooth and productive photoshoot that brings your creative vision to life.

7. Flexibility and Adaptability:

While inspiration boards provide a roadmap, they also allow for flexibility and adaptability during the shoot. They serves as a starting point for creativity to flourish, rather than rigid guidelines that must be strictly adhered to. Looking back at any inspirational photos can kick off the photo shoot. If there's a particular image you aim to capture, prioritize it to avoid overlooking it. During the shoot, ideas might fade amid stress or distractions.

Now, let's dive into the exciting part.

Here are the concepts I've curated for myself, and now I'm thrilled to share them with you. These ideas can help you diversify your portfolio and spark your creativity. I trust you will find them beneficial and great examples of how to put the boards together. You can access all of them for download in PDF format at the beginning of the newsletter. * I have removed model and personal details due to privacy reasons*