Streamlining Your Fashion Brand's Studio Shoot: From Concept to Commerce

Jan 3

Getting ready for a studio shoot with your fashion brand is super exciting - it's like the moment your vision starts to bloom! Whether you're just starting out or you're bringing out a fresh new collection, the photos you take are key to telling your brand's story and making those sales. At Bohemia Bay Studio, we've figured out a way to make your photos look awesome while also saving you heaps of time and money, nurturing your brand's growth like a well-tended tree. This guide is all about teaching you how to do a studio shoot like a pro, no matter where you are in the world.

For smaller fashion brands wanting to make a big splash, knowing how to set up, shoot, and use your photos for both cool campaigns and your online shop is super important. We're going to walk you through our step-by-step process, from figuring out what your brand's all about to getting those final stunning images. Our aim is to get you pumped about the whole process, give you the know-how to make it smooth and successful, and help your brand branch out in the fashion world.

Even if you're not from around here in Melbourne or Australia, the stuff we're sharing works everywhere. Plus, by reading this, you'll get a cool freebie - our interactive PDF shot list - that will make your next shoot way easier. Let's get you ready to make your fashion brand stand out and have fun while doing it, laying down strong roots for your future success!

male and female fashion models in studio

Define the Purpose of Your Shoot

Every shoot is like planting a seed for your brand's growth. Knowing why you're doing it helps your brand flourish. Here's how to define the purpose:

Campaign Photography: Think of this as the vibrant leaves that catch everyone's eye. Campaigns are all about telling a story that resonates with your brand's vibe. If your clothes are meant for outdoor adventures, imagine them in breathtaking settings, like atop a snow-covered mountain. This isn't just about showing what your clothes look like; it's about showing what they can do, even if most folks will wear them in the city. These are your 'hero' shots - the ones that make people excited to explore your brand, perfect for your website's homepage or social media banners.

E-commerce Photography: This is where you lay down the roots, providing the solid foundation for sales. Once you've drawn people in with your campaign, e-commerce photos help them make the buying decision. It’s all about clarity - white backdrops, clear lighting, and straightforward images. Here, you want your customers to focus on the details, comparing one jacket against another without the distraction of fancy backgrounds. This way, your customers can see exactly what they're getting, like comparing apples to apples, helping them choose the right piece for their wardrobe.

By understanding these dual purposes, you set the stage for your brand to not only look good but also sell well. It's like knowing when to soak up the sun with a flashy campaign or when to grow deep with the essentials of e-commerce.

Efficiency in Studio Photography

Efficiency in your studio shoot is key to making every minute count. Here's how to ensure your time in the studio is well spent:

The Perils of Unpreparedness: Without a plan, your shoot can easily become chaotic and unproductive. We've seen brands come in without clear direction, leading to wasted time, too many photos, and missed opportunities.

Our Process at Bohemia Bay Studio:
- Brand Discovery: We start by understanding your audience, ensuring your photoshoot targets the right people.
- Mood Board & Shot List: These are your roadmap. A mood board sets the tone, while a detailed shot list ensures every photo serves a purpose.
- Shooting Efficiency:
  - Real-time proofing on an external screen allows for immediate feedback, ensuring every shot is spot-on.
  - We prioritize essential shots for e-commerce to get your products online, then move to creative campaign photography.
  - Using two models can double productivity; one gets photographed while the other prepares, though this increases the budget.
- Models and Makeup: Whether you provide your own or we arrange through our agency, choosing the right models is crucial - they should embody your brand's vision.
- Stylist Inclusion: For campaigns, our stylists bring an extra layer of creativity, ensuring your clothes are showcased in the best light.

By focusing on efficiency, you're not just saving time and money; you're setting your brand up for success. Preparation is the secret to a smooth shoot, allowing your brand to shine without the stress.

Organizing Your Shot List

Interactive PDF Shot List:
- Our downloadable tool includes:
  - Item Details: Space for a simple image and description.
  - Shots Required: Dropdown options for shooting without a model, with a model, or with a hand model.
  - Checkboxes: For tracking completed shots like "Full-length front and back," "Closeup of branding," etc.
  - Description: Examples like "White long sleeve top worn by a female model. Can be worn as midriff or fully tucked. Pair with blue jeans."
  - Lighting and Backdrops: Specifies like "White e-commerce backdrop with 1 key light & 2 fill lights" or creative setups for campaign images.

Shot list template to organise your shoot day

From Campaign to E-commerce

Navigating from campaign to e-commerce photography is like transitioning from the vibrant summer bloom to the practical roots of autumn - both are essential for your brand's lifecycle:
- Campaign Use:
  - Think of your campaign images as the flowers that attract bees - they're what draw people in. They're all about showcasing the lifestyle, the narrative, the 'why' behind your brand. If you're selling swimwear, imagine scenes of sunlit beaches or serene poolside moments. These images are your brand's introduction, the first impression that makes someone want to dive deeper into what you offer. They should be bold, eye-catching, and tell a story that resonates with the lifestyle your customers aspire to.
- E-commerce Execution:
  - Once you've captured someone's interest with your campaign, it's time to ground them with the reality of your products. E-commerce photography is where the focus shifts from allure to assurance. Here, you're not just selling a dream; you're selling a product. Clean, clear, and straightforward images on a white backdrop allow customers to see exactly what they're buying. This is where they compare details like fabric texture, fit, and color variations. It's about giving them the confidence to make a purchase, knowing exactly what they'll receive.
The dance between campaign and e-commerce photography is crucial. Campaigns ignite desire, while e-commerce images fulfill it. By understanding this transition, you ensure your brand not only looks good but also sells well, nurturing both the dream and the practical side of your fashion business.

Preparation Tips for a Smooth Shoot

A successful studio shoot starts with thorough preparation. Here’s how to ensure everything goes off without a hitch:

Gear Readiness: Check all your photography equipment - cameras, lenses, lights, and any special gear. Having everything in working order avoids last-minute problems.
Clothing Prep: Make sure all clothes are ironed or steamed. Bringing a steamer or iron can be a lifesaver for touch-ups. Clean, crisp clothing looks better on camera and saves time.
Comfort and Sustenance: Keep your team energized with food and drinks. A well-fed and hydrated crew is more productive, and breaks can be used to review progress.
Model and Makeup Prep: Clear communication about the look is key. Whether models do their own makeup or it's done professionally, everyone should know the expectations to avoid last-minute changes.
Props and Accessories: If your shoot involves extras, organize them in advance. Having everything at hand means more time for creativity, less time searching.
Mental Preparation: Get your mindset right. Visualize the shoot's success; confidence in your plan leads to a smoother, more enjoyable process.

Preparation ensures your shoot runs smoothly, allowing your creativity to shine without the distractions of disorganization. Remember, the better prepared you are, the more you can focus on capturing the essence of your brand.

Time Management on Shoot Day

Effective time management on the day of your shoot is crucial to ensuring every moment is used productively to capture the essence of your brand. Here’s how to keep everything on schedule:

Prioritise Essentials: Start with the shots that are non-negotiable, especially for e-commerce. Getting these essentials first means you can list your products even if time runs short. It's like making sure the foundation is set before you build the house.
Work in Blocks: Separate your time into blocks for e-commerce and campaign photography. Switching between the two can lead to confusion and inefficiency. Focus on one type before moving to the next to maintain consistency and quality.
Set Clear Timelines: Allocate specific times for each segment of the shoot. For instance, if you have 30 minutes for each outfit, stick to it. This discipline helps keep the shoot moving forward, much like a well-managed project timeline.
Quick Reviews: Use short breaks for quick reviews of the photos taken. This helps catch any issues early, reducing the need for reshoots. Think of it as quality control on the fly.
Efficient Transitions: Plan how models will change outfits or how sets will be rearranged. Efficiency here can save significant time. Have all next outfits ready, and if possible, use team members to help with quick changes or set adjustments.
Stay Flexible: Sometimes, creativity or unforeseen circumstances might require adjustments. Be prepared to adapt your schedule while keeping an eye on the overall plan to ensure you meet your primary objectives.
Delegate Responsibilities: If you have a team, delegate roles clearly. One person for lighting, another for styling, etc. This division of labour can speed up the process, ensuring everyone knows what they're responsible for.

By managing your time wisely, you're not just completing a shoot; you're crafting a narrative for your brand in the most efficient way possible. Good time management on shoot day ensures that you leave with all the images you need, ready to tell your brand's story to the world.

Reaping the Rewards of Your Shoot

In conclusion, preparing and executing a studio shoot for your fashion brand can be a rewarding experience. By clearly defining your shoot's purpose, prioritizing efficiency, transitioning effectively from campaign to e-commerce photography, preparing meticulously, and managing time wisely, you set the stage for success.

Remember, your campaign images are what draw people in, capturing their imagination, while your e-commerce shots provide the practical details that lead to sales. Preparation and organization are key, ensuring that every moment in the studio is used to grow your brand's narrative and visibility.

Even if you're not working directly with Bohemia Bay Studio, these principles are universal, applicable, no matter where you are. We encourage you to download our interactive PDF shot list to further streamline your process. With each shoot, you're not just taking photos; you're building your brand's story, leveraging every image for success.

Let this be the beginning of your brand's next chapter, where efficiency meets creativity, and every photo contributes to the flourishing of your brand's presence in the market.