You’ve done the prep work, assembled the dream team, and now the big day has finally arrived—photoshoot day! This is where all your planning comes to life. Photoshoot day is fast-paced, thrilling, and, yes, a little chaotic, but also the most rewarding part of the entire process. Here’s how to ensure your photoshoot runs smoothly, so you leave with a camera roll full of shots you can’t wait to share.
Let's dive into my day-of fashion photoshoot plan and itinerary!
Pack the Car the Night Before
Trust me—packing the night before is non-negotiable. Create a checklist of everything you’ll need: garments, accessories, props, snacks, a first aid kit, and your emergency bag (with essentials like safety pins, a steamer, and lint rollers). Double-check everything on the list before calling it a night. There’s nothing worse than realizing a key item was left behind once you’re already on set. Doing this prep work the night before lets you start the morning feeling calm, organized, and ready to conquer the day ahead.
Arrive Early
Plan to be on set before the rest of the crew arrives. This extra time allows you to organize, address any last-minute details, and tackle unexpected hiccups (because, believe me, they’ll happen). It’s your chance to set the stage and establish a calm, focused environment that will set the tone for everyone else. Greet each team member as they arrive, let them know where they can find everything they need, and take a moment to run through the game plan with the core crew.
Bring a Binder: Your Photoshoot Playbook
Your binder is your MVP on shoot day. It should contain the day’s itinerary, a detailed shot list, outfit plans, and a brand book to keep everyone on the same page. Let your models browse the brand book during any downtime to get acquainted with the look and feel you’re going for—this helps them embody the vibe of the collection in every shot. Having this information readily accessible keeps the day flowing smoothly and ensures no one misses a beat.
Steam & Style
Once you’re on set, it’s time to make sure every garment looks flawless. Steam out any wrinkles, check for lint, and organize each look on a rolling rack with the assigned model’s name labeled. Prepping outfits this way minimizes any confusion and allows models to change quickly and efficiently. Make sure each piece is styled just as you envisioned, with accessories laid out and ready to go. These small details ensure every look is camera-ready and set for a seamless wardrobe transition.
Stagger Hair/Makeup and Styling
To keep things moving, stagger hair and makeup sessions with styling. While one model is in hair and makeup, another can be getting dressed or prepped. This ensures there’s always someone ready to step in front of the camera, and you’re not waiting on one part of the process to start shooting. This small but strategic adjustment will save time and keep the momentum high throughout the day.
Capture BTS Content
Behind-the-scenes (BTS) content is a social media goldmine. Your audience loves getting a glimpse into the creative process, so capturing this content is a great way to engage them. Assign someone to document those candid moments, or grab some quick clips yourself when you have a minute. Show off the setup, introduce your team, or give followers a sneak peek of what’s to come. Schedule specific times for BTS content, but keep it flexible—the day is busy, and your top priority is nailing those main campaign shots.
Stay on Schedule
Keep your printed shot list visible at all times, and make it your guiding star. Check off each shot as you go to stay on track, and consider printing out poster-sized versions to hang in the studio. It’s a great way to keep the entire team aligned and serves as a constant reminder of what’s next. Build in a little buffer time for unexpected delays, too—because, let’s face it, things rarely go perfectly according to plan. Having a clear timeline will keep everyone focused and ensure you capture every look you envision.
Feed Your Team: Happy Crew = Productive Crew
No one works well when they’re hangry. Keep everyone fueled with snacks throughout the day—granola bars, fruit, nuts, and plenty of water are great options. Schedule a lunch break to keep spirits high and allow everyone a chance to recharge. A well-fed crew is a happy and productive one, so make sure food is accessible and plentiful. A small snack table can also act as a nice gathering point where team members can take a breather.
Break the Ice
If your models don’t know each other, take a few minutes to break the ice. A quick round of introductions or a fun game can work wonders in creating a relaxed atmosphere. When models are comfortable, their energy translates into more natural, vibrant photos. A bit of laughter and light-heartedness sets a positive, collaborative vibe and helps everyone settle in, making it easier to capture those genuine, connected moments.
Wrap It Up: Capture Any Last-Minute Magic
Always leave some buffer time at the end of the shoot to capture anything you may have missed or to experiment with a few creative shots. The best moments often happen when the pressure is off, and everyone’s relaxed. Use this extra time to revisit any shots that need adjustments or try something new—you might end up with some of your favorite images.
Gifts for Your Team
If you’re able, consider offering a small token of appreciation to your team at the end of the shoot. Letting them take home a garment or two from the collection is a thoughtful way to thank them. Plus, it gives them firsthand experience with your designs, making them more likely to recommend and talk up your brand to others. It’s a win-win that shows gratitude and builds goodwill.
Day-Of Photoshoot Itinerary
7:00-7:15 AM | Arrive and Unpack |
7:15-7:45 AM | Set Up, Arrange the Studio, Steam Garments |
7:45-8:00 AM | Photographer, Lighting Assistant, Makeup Artists, and Models Arrive |
8:00-8:30 AM | Model 1 Starts Hair & Makeup |
8:30 AM | Model 2 Starts Makeup, Model 1 Gets Dressed |
8:35 AM | Model 1 E-Commerce Shots |
9:00 AM | Model 3 Starts Makeup, Model 2 Gets Dressed |
9:05 AM | Model 2 E-Commerce Shots |
9:30 AM | Model 4 Starts Makeup, Model 3 Gets Dressed |
9:35 AM | Model 3 E-Commerce Shots |
10:00 AM | Model 5 Starts Makeup, Model 4 Gets Dressed |
10:05 AM | Model 4 E-Commerce Shots |
10:30 AM | Model 5 Gets Dressed |
10:35 AM | Model 5 E-Commerce Shots |
11:00-12:30 PM | Group Branding Shots |
12:30-1:15 PM | Lunch, Ice Breaker, Social Media BTS |
1:15-2:30 PM | Group Branding Shots |
2:30-4:00 PM | Solo Branding Shots |
4:00-5:15 PM | Missed & Miscellaneous Shots |
5:15-6:00 PM | Clean Up, Gift Models, Pack |
And that’s a wrap! Photoshoot day is always a whirlwind, but with the right preparation and flexibility, you’ll walk away with a gallery of stunning images that truly bring your collection to life. Stay organized, roll with the punches, and most importantly—enjoy every moment. This is where all your hard work as a designer comes together, and you get to see your vision transform into something tangible and beautiful. Happy shooting!
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