Now that you’ve nailed down your fashion brand photoshoot prep in part one, it’s time to build the dream team that’ll bring your vision to life. Every person on set plays a critical role in transforming your ideas from mood boards into stunning images that tell your fashion brand's story. Trust me, the magic happens when you’ve got the right crew by your side.
When I hosted iteration's first photoshoot in August, I was beyond nervous. I wanted everything to be perfect—after all, this shoot was our brand’s first impression! But thanks to our all-star team, the day was a huge success. In fact, our crew of 14 women said it was the smoothest photoshoot they’d ever been a part of (cue happy dance).
So, to help you create your own photoshoot magic, I’m breaking down exactly who you need to hire, what each person’s role is, and what to look for when hiring. Because, let’s be real—fashion brand photoshoots can either be a dream come true or a complete nightmare, and the team you hire makes all the difference.
Models: The Faces of Your Brand
Your models are the living, breathing embodiment of your brand, so it’s crucial to be selective. They’re not just wearing your clothes, they’re telling a story. The right model will bring your collection to life and help your audience feel connected to your brand.
The Role of a Model on Shoot Day: On the day of the shoot, your models are doing much more than standing in front of a camera—they’re bringing your brand’s essence to life. They need to move fluidly between poses, showcase the fit and movement of your garments, and convey the emotions or lifestyle your collection represents. A great model can adapt quickly, take direction easily, and add their own flair to each shot. They should transition effortlessly between crisp, product-focused e-commerce shots and expressive, story-driven lifestyle images.
What to Look For:
Values: Start your search just as you began building your brand—with values. If diversity and inclusivity are at the core of your brand’s DNA, choose models who reflect a variety of sizes, ethnicities, and backgrounds. It’s about ensuring that your audience feels seen and represented in your marketing.
Target Audience: Think about who your ideal customer is and what kind of lifestyle they lead. Choose models who reflect that demographic. If you want your brand to feel approachable and everyday-friendly, look for more commercial models who have a warm and relatable presence. If you’re aiming for a luxury or high-fashion brand, opt for a model with a unique or editorial look that makes a bold statement.
Budget: Your budget will significantly impact your choice. Professional models are often a bigger upfront investment, but they bring a level of expertise that makes the day run smoothly. They know how to pose, adjust to different angles, and highlight the best features of your garments with minimal direction. This can save you time and stress on set. On a smaller budget, influencers, friends, or micro-influencers can be a fantastic and more affordable option. They often add an authentic, relatable vibe but may require more coaching to capture the precise look and feel you want. Be prepared to spend extra time guiding them through poses and adjustments.
How to Hire:
Agencies: If you have the budget, agencies can make life much easier. They offer access to a curated pool of professional talent and handle everything from contracts to measurements and portfolios. Many agencies have models specializing in different styles—commercial, editorial, or lifestyle—so you can find the perfect match for your brand’s aesthetic.
Social Media: For brands with leaner budgets, social media can be a goldmine. Platforms like Instagram are excellent for discovering diverse and authentic talent. Use hashtags like #FashionModel, #CurveModel, or niche-specific tags (#SustainableFashion, for example) to find potential candidates. Many micro-influencers are excited to work with brands they believe in, often at a more accessible rate.
Open Casting Calls: If you want to keep your options open, consider hosting a casting call. You can do this in-person in a major city or virtually through platforms like Zoom. This gives you the opportunity to meet potential models, get a sense of their presence, and see how well they align with your brand's values and aesthetics.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
What experience do you have modeling?
Do you have a portfolio or previous work I can review?
What are your measurements/sizes?
What’s your availability for the shoot and any potential fittings?
What’s your rate, and are you open to negotiations or collaborations?
By asking the right questions and understanding what you’re looking for, you’ll find the models who not only look the part but feel like the perfect fit for your brand.
Photographer: Your Visual Storyteller
Your photographer is one of the most crucial players on set. They’re not just snapping pretty pictures. The right photographer can transform your garments into stunning visual stories that connect with your audience, making this hire one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
What to Look For: A photographer’s portfolio should match your brand’s aesthetic, so finding someone with a proven track record in your desired style is a must. Whether your vision is dreamy and editorial or sleek and minimalist, their past work should reflect that vibe. Fashion photography requires a particular skill set. Your photographer needs to be adept at capturing texture, fit, and movement, which is critical to showcasing garments effectively.
Additionally, consider the location of your shoot. Find out if your photographer has experience working in environments similar to your chosen venue—whether it's a studio, outdoor setting, or a unique location. Different settings require different skills, and you want to ensure they’re comfortable with the specific challenges your shoot may present. If you’re planning to include flatlay shots, confirm that the photographer has experience with those and has the proper setup for them. Flatlay photography is a specialized skill, with a distinct setup that’s very different from traditional model shots.
Look for someone who not only has experience in fashion but also communicates well, is adaptable on set, and brings a creative eye to the table. A great photographer will elevate your brand’s story and make your products shine.
How to Hire:
Referrals: Referrals from other brands or industry contacts are gold. They can give you insight into a photographer’s working style, reliability, and ability to deliver the results you need.
Online Portfolios: If you don’t have any personal referrals, dive into online portfolios. Platforms like Behance, Instagram, and LinkedIn are excellent for scoping out talent. Use hashtags relevant to your style or niche (#EditorialPhotographer, #CommercialFashion) to find photographers who align with your vision.
Social Media: Many photographers showcase their work and behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Instagram. This can give you a feel for their style, how they engage with their clients, and their overall vibe. Don’t be afraid to reach out through DMs if you see someone whose work catches your eye.
LinkedIn: This platform can be a more formal way to connect with photographers, see their professional history, and view testimonials from previous clients. It’s also a great place to browse creative professionals who might not have a strong Instagram presence.
When you meet with potential photographers, discuss your vision in detail and ask them to show you examples of similar projects they’ve worked on. Look for someone who’s excited about your brand and easy to collaborate with—you’ll be working closely throughout the day, and having good chemistry makes all the difference.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
What experience do you have with fashion photoshoots?
Do you have a portfolio or past projects that align with our brand’s aesthetic?
What are the usage rights for the images, and is there an extra charge for editing?
What’s your availability for the shoot and any pre-shoot planning or fittings?
What are your rates, and are you open to negotiations or collaborations?
Choosing the right photographer is all about finding someone whose skills align with your brand and who can visually bring your vision to life. Take your time with this decision. The right choice will not only capture stunning images but will also make your photoshoot a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Lighting Assistant: The Secret Weapon
Good lighting can make or break your photos, so having a dedicated lighting assistant on set is crucial. This person is your secret weapon, ensuring that every shot is beautifully lit and that your garments look their absolute best. With the right lighting, your images will pop; without it, even the most stunning designs can fall flat.
What to Look For: Look for someone who has experience with a range of lighting setups, from natural light to complex studio environments. Fashion shoots are unique, and lighting garments on models is a different skill set than lighting for portraits or landscapes. You need someone who understands how to highlight textures, fabrics, and movement in a way that enhances the overall look. They should have a keen attention to detail, the ability to troubleshoot issues quickly, and the flexibility to adapt when lighting conditions change mid-shoot.
How to Hire:
Referrals: A great starting point is to ask your photographer for recommendations. Many photographers have lighting assistants they trust and regularly collaborate with, which means you’ll be working with someone who already understands the photographer’s style and expectations.
Freelance Platforms: If you need to look beyond your photographer’s network, explore freelance platforms like Upwork or niche photography groups. These sites are excellent for finding skilled professionals who often showcase their portfolios online, allowing you to get a sense of their expertise and style before reaching out.
When evaluating potential candidates, prioritize hiring someone who’s quick on their feet, proactive, and familiar with the unique demands of fashion lighting. Experience in fashion-specific lighting is key—they need to know how to make garments pop while keeping the models and overall aesthetic looking flawless.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
What experience do you have with lighting for fashion photoshoots?
Are you familiar with different lighting setups, such as natural light and studio lighting?
How do you handle on-the-fly adjustments during a shoot?
What’s your availability for the shoot and any pre-shoot planning?
What are your rates, and are you open to negotiations or collaborations?
Hiring the right lighting assistant can make a massive difference in the quality of your final images. They’ll ensure every shot is perfectly lit, helping to capture the details that make your garments shine and giving your photos the professional polish they deserve.
Social Media Content Creator: The BTS Mastermind
Behind-the-scenes (BTS) content is a goldmine for social media engagement, offering your audience a glimpse into the creative process and making them feel like part of the journey. A talented content creator can capture those candid, authentic moments that give life to your brand and keep your followers hooked.
What to Look For: A great content creator knows how to capture the magic behind the scenes—those spontaneous, off-the-cuff moments that draw people in. Look for someone who has experience shooting BTS content at other fashion events or photoshoots and understands how to tailor content for different platforms, whether it's Instagram Stories, Reels, TikToks, or YouTube Shorts. Bonus points if they can maintain your brand’s voice and aesthetic while still capturing raw, authentic moments that resonate.
How to Hire:
Social Media: Many content creators have active Instagram and TikTok profiles or even YouTube channels where they showcase their work. Search hashtags relevant to your industry (#FashionBTS, #ContentCreator) or explore your favorite brand’s tagged content to discover potential candidates. These platforms can give you a firsthand look at their style and whether it aligns with your brand's aesthetic.
Freelance Platforms: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Behance are filled with creative professionals specializing in content creation. These sites allow you to browse portfolios and read reviews from past clients, which can help you find the right fit for your brand. Be sure to check if they have experience with fashion-specific shoots or any niche that aligns with your brand.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn can be a more formal way to connect with experienced content creators. Many have profiles showcasing their professional history, testimonials, and connections in the industry. This is a great place to verify credentials and get a feel for their experience level.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
What experience do you have working with fashion brands or on BTS content?
Do you have a portfolio or past projects I can review?
How do you approach capturing content for different platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube?
What’s your availability for the shoot and any potential pre-shoot planning or fittings?
What’s your rate, and are you open to negotiations or collaborations?
Hiring the right social media content creator means finding someone who can blend creativity with strategy, capturing the excitement of your shoot while staying true to your brand’s aesthetic. A good content creator doesn’t just document—they amplify your brand’s story in ways that engage and excite your audience across platforms.
Styling Assistant: The Garment Guru
A styling assistant is your behind-the-scenes hero, ensuring every piece looks flawless on camera. From steaming out wrinkles to adjusting outfits for the perfect fit, they play a crucial role in making your garments shine.
What to Look For: Seek someone who has a strong understanding of fashion, fabrics, and textiles. An eye for detail is essential. They need to notice every crease, fit, and accessory placement. Speed is also important since photoshoots move fast, and you need someone who can handle quick changes under pressure. Prior experience on fashion photoshoots is a major plus, as they’ll already understand the pace and know how to troubleshoot wardrobe malfunctions or make last-minute adjustments without missing a beat. Look for someone who is proactive, organized, and has a creative flair.
How to Hire:
Fashion School Interns: Fashion schools are a fantastic resource for finding eager assistants who are looking to build their portfolios. Interns often have a strong foundational knowledge of textiles and styling and are excited to gain real-world experience on set.
Freelance Platforms: Reach out to local stylists or platforms like Fiverr and UpWorks or sites specific to the fashion or creative community.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is another great option, as you can connect with fashion professionals directly.
During interviews, ask about past projects they’ve worked on, how they manage tight schedules, and what strategies they use to handle the high-pressure environment of a shoot.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
What experience do you have with dressing models and styling garments on set?
Do you have a portfolio or examples of previous work I can review?
How do you handle wardrobe malfunctions or unexpected styling challenges on set?
What’s your availability for the shoot and any potential fittings or pre-shoot prep?
What’s your rate, and are you open to negotiations or collaborations?
Choosing the right styling assistant is about finding someone who has both technical skills and a passion for fashion. They’ll ensure that every garment looks its best, handle those inevitable last-minute adjustments, and help maintain a seamless flow throughout the day. A great styling assistant doesn’t just follow directions. They anticipate needs and bring their own creative energy to the set, making them an invaluable part of your photoshoot team.
Hair & Makeup Artists: The Mood Makers
Your hair and makeup team sets the visual tone for the entire shoot. They are responsible for bringing your brand's aesthetic to life, ensuring that each look not only aligns with your collection but also translates beautifully on camera.
What to Look For: Choose artists who have experience specifically in photoshoots. The demands of lighting and photography require different makeup techniques than everyday glam, so your team should be familiar with the nuances of on-camera beauty. Their portfolio should showcase a range of looks that match your brand's style. Whether that’s soft and natural for a more laid-back vibe or bold and edgy for an editorial feel. If you’re working with multiple models, speed is essential, so find a team that can work efficiently without sacrificing quality. Look for someone who is comfortable bringing an assistant if needed, especially for larger shoots where quick touch-ups are crucial. Experience with on-the-spot touch-ups and fast adjustments throughout the day is a must to keep everyone looking fresh.
How to Hire:
Referrals: Start by asking for recommendations from your photographer or modeling agency contacts. They often have trusted hair and makeup artists they’ve collaborated with on previous projects, which can streamline the hiring process.
Social Media: Platforms like Instagram are excellent for discovering talent. Many artists showcase their work through curated portfolios and highlight reels, giving you a clear sense of their style and expertise. Search using hashtags like #FashionMakeupArtist or #EditorialHairStylist to find professionals who align with your vision.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a more formal way to connect with experienced hair and makeup artists. You can explore their professional background, check endorsements, and read client testimonials, helping you verify their skills and reliability.
Freelance Platforms: Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Thumbtack are great places to find freelance hair and makeup artists. These platforms often feature detailed portfolios, client reviews, and ratings that can help you assess their suitability for your shoot. Be sure to filter searches by those who have experience in fashion or editorial work for the best results.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, have a detailed conversation about your brand’s aesthetic and the specific looks you’re aiming for. Ensure they have the right experience and are aligned with your vision. Don’t forget to ask for references or examples from previous fashion shoots to ensure they’re the right fit.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
What experience do you have working on fashion photoshoots?
Do you have a portfolio or examples of past work that match our brand's aesthetic?
How do you adapt makeup and hair for different lighting setups and photography conditions?
Are you comfortable working with multiple models and doing quick touch-ups between shots?
How many models can you handle per MUA, and when would we need to bring in an additional artist?
Are you able to bring an assistant if necessary?
What’s your availability for the shoot, including any potential pre-shoot consultations?
What’s your rate, and are you open to negotiations or collaborations?
Hiring the right hair and makeup team is about finding artists who understand both beauty and the technical aspects of on-camera work. A skilled team will not only make your models look incredible but also help convey the mood and tone of your collection, making them an indispensable part of a successful photoshoot.
Errand Runner: Your Photoshoot Hero
You might not realize it until the day of, but an errand runner will be your unsung hero—the behind-the-scenes lifesaver who keeps everything running smoothly. Whether it's grabbing last-minute snacks, fetching a forgotten pair of shoes, or making that crucial coffee run, an errand runner can make all the difference in keeping the momentum going.
What to Look For: Choose someone who is reliable, quick on their feet, and familiar with the area where your shoot is taking place. They should be detail-oriented, able to follow instructions without constant oversight, and good at thinking on their toes. Bonus points if they have previous set experience—they’ll already understand the typical “mini-crises” that can pop up during a photoshoot and handle them without a hitch.
How to Hire:
Friends & Family: This role can be filled by a trusted friend, family member, or intern looking to get a taste of the industry. Make sure it's someone who can handle the pace and pressure without getting flustered.
Job Boards: Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, or even your local job board are great for finding part-time assistants or day hires.
Word of Mouth: Word of mouth within your team can also help you find someone trustworthy. Make sure they are available for the entire day, as you never know when an emergency supply run might be needed.
Keep your errand runner on standby throughout the shoot—they’ll likely be your go-to for unexpected tasks, from fetching lunch to handling last-minute shopping for forgotten props.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring:
Are you organized and able to manage multiple tasks at once?
Do you have any experience assisting on set or working as a personal assistant?
Are you familiar with the area and comfortable navigating quickly?
What’s your availability for the shoot day, including any potential pre-shoot errands?
What’s your rate, and are you open to negotiations or collaborations?
Hiring the right errand runner means choosing someone who’s adaptable and can take care of all the little things that make a big difference on shoot day. They’re your safety net—the one who steps in when things don’t go according to plan and keeps the day running like clockwork.
Designer-on-Set: The Vision Keeper
Finally, as the designer or CEO, your presence on set is essential. You know your collection better than anyone, and your input will be key to making sure the shoot reflects your vision.
Your role on the day: You’ll be working closely with the photographer, stylist, and models to make sure the garments are styled correctly, the lighting is capturing the details of your designs, and everything aligns with your brand’s aesthetics. You’ll be the one to make last-minute decisions, approve shots, and ensure the collection looks just right in every frame.
With this dream team in place, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth, successful photoshoot. Each role is essential to making your vision a reality, and with the right people by your side, you’ll capture your collection in the best possible light. Next up, in Part 3, we’ll dive into what to expect on the day of the shoot and how to keep everything on track. Stay tuned!
Comments