HOW TO PLAN A STYLED SHOOT
Setting up a styled photoshoot involves meticulous planning and coordination to create a cohesive and visually appealing final product. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organise a successful styled photoshoot:
WHAT IS A STYLED SHOOT?
A styled shoot is a carefully planned and executed photoshoot designed to create a specific look, theme, or concept. It often involves collaboration among various professionals such as photographers, stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, models, and sometimes florists and designers. Styled shoots are typically used to showcase creative ideas, new trends, and professional skills. They are common in industries like fashion, weddings, and lifestyle.
Define Your Concept and Theme
Inspiration: Gather inspiration from various sources such as Pinterest, magazines, and social media. Create a mood board to visualise the concept.
Theme: Choose a theme that aligns with your vision. This could be anything from vintage, boho, modern, gothic, aliens, gothic maximalist wedding, penguins or seasonal. It can literally be anything.
Create a Shot List
Outline: List the specific shots you want to capture, including details about poses, angles, and compositions. This helps when you have a venue for a certain length of time or others on set to focus and look at your notes on what you originally wanted to achieve. It’s a great place to start and launching pad to success.
Storyboard: Sketch or describe the sequence of shots to ensure you cover all desired aspects of the shoot. Sometimes this helps the others involved get your creative vision.
Assemble Your Team
Photographer: Choose a skilled photographer whose style matches your vision.
Stylist: Have a stylist to coordinate outfits, accessories, and props.
Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist: Select professionals to enhance the models’ looks according to the theme.
Models: Choose models who can embody the concept and bring your vision to life.
Assistants: Have an assistant to help with setup, lighting, and behind-the-scenes tasks.
Florist: Do you need flowers for your vision to come to life?
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!
Venue: Choose a location that complements your theme. Consider outdoor settings, studios, or unique indoor spaces. If you need more than one make sure you plan timings and stick to them
Permits: Ensure you have any necessary permits or permissions to shoot at your chosen location or risk getting kicked out before you even start.
Photographer/concept/retoucher @amydaviesphotography / Models @elporter @daahliablack / HMUA @elporter / Florals @flowers4worthing / Venue @castle_goring_events / Dress @rosieredcorsetry / Tiara @thelucky6pence / Black jacket @niamhdesigns
Gather Props and Wardrobe
Props: Collect or rent props that enhance the theme and add depth to your photos.
Wardrobe: Curate outfits and accessories that align with your concept. Coordinate with the stylist to ensure everything fits the theme. Can you collaborate with a brand
Plan the Logistics
Schedule: Create a detailed schedule for the day of the shoot, including setup, makeup, hair, shooting, and breaks. Speak to the team and make sure there are no further things to take into consideration regarding peoples mobility needs or if extra help is needed.
Equipment: Ensure all photography equipment, lighting, and props are ready and packed for the shoot. Have you charged everything? Do you have all your gear?
Backup Plan: Have a contingency plan in case of unexpected changes like weather issues or location problems.
Visiting the Venue: If you haven’t been to the venue before go and have a look around first and see where would be good to shoot, are their loos, is there the right access? Where is the parking?
Set Up the Scene
Early Arrival: Arrive at the location early to set up the scene and arrange props. Check in with your team the night before to make sure everyone knows where to go and at one time
Lighting: Adjust lighting to match the desired mood and ensure proper exposure.
Test Shots: Take test shots to confirm everything looks as planned and make any necessary adjustments.
Feed Your Team: If you are leading the shoot make sure you have snacks available that are suitable for everyone to eat as you don’t want hungry people on set.
Photographer @amydaviesphotography
Model @shannon_page
Florals @flowers4worthing
how long does a styled shoot take?
The duration of a styled shoot can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the concept, the number of outfits or setups, the size of the team, and the efficiency of the workflow. Generally, a styled shoot can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day. Here are some considerations to help you estimate the time needed:
Simple Styled Shoot:
Time Frame: 2-4 hours
Details: One location, one outfit, minimal props, and a small team.
Moderate Styled Shoot:
Time Frame: 4-6 hours
Details: One or two locations, multiple outfits, moderate props, and a slightly larger team including a photographer, stylist, makeup artist, and assistants.
Complex Styled Shoot:
Time Frame: 6-10 hours or more
Details: Multiple locations, numerous outfits, extensive props, and a large team. This might include detailed setups, more elaborate lighting, and frequent changes.
Direct the Photoshoot
Guidance: Provide clear instructions to the models and team to achieve the desired poses and expressions. Be firm but don’t be bossy. Keep your shot list to hand.
Review: Continuously review the shots and give feedback to ensure the concept is being captured effectively.
Flexibility: Be open to spontaneous ideas and adjustments that can enhance the shoot.
Review and Edit Photos
Selection and Editing: After the shoot, review all the photos and select the best ones that align with your vision. If you aren’t the photographer but liked their style TRUST THEM! They will select the best images from the shoot. Keep consistent colours and lighting throughout to maintain your theme.
Share and Publish
Portfolio: Add the final images to your portfolio or website.
Social Media: Share the photos on social media platforms and make sure you tag everyone involved. Do it as a shared post if you can.
Credits: Give proper credit to the entire team, including the photographer, stylist, makeup artist, hair stylist, and models.
Submit to publications: if you want to see your hardwork shared show it to magazines like us, blogs or other social media accounts that share work. Make sure to mention everyone involved.