How to Plan a Fashion Photography Project

Fashion photography requires extensive planning and coordination to achieve a final product that matches the initial vision.

As a fashion photographer in Philadelphia, our studio prioritizes the planning process to ensure clients that each photograph embodies the integrity of their designs.

Fashion photographers with decades of experience and a definitive style will contribute the most on a project.

Decades of experience shows that the photographer has many previous projects under their belt and knows how to adapt from past situations. Fashion photographers with signature styles will add their flair to each project, while remaining true to the project’s original message.

The best fashion photographers will understand the project planners’ goals and provide insightful creative ideas to convey the main message. Project planners should choose a photographer that they trust with bringing their concepts to life.

The first step in a fashion photography project is understand the goals and generate a storyboard that aligns with the concept.

The storyboard dictates the assets that a fashion photographer will need when assembling a team. Fashion photographers drive the vision, but the collaboration between beauty artists, models, and stylists will bring the full idea to life.

When drafting a storyboard for fashion photography, consider the number of spreads and page orientation in the catalogue or magazine. Fashion projects often require 6-10 consistent outfit changes to deliver a substantial, captivating story. Page orientation will direct the photographer how to photograph the subject. This protects against creases that skew body parts and creates empty space for editors to place text.

Fashion storyboards are a visual roadmap that conserves time on production day because the talent will know their job. The storyboard outlines lighting techniques, model poses, color palettes, and the mood. Preparation generates a seamless project.

Gathering materials and team members for a fashion project can span days, weeks, or months. Fashion photographers and planners must draft storyboards to prepare a suitable team, acquire necessary props, coordinate schedules, and location scout.

The storyboard is a valuable reference sheet during planning consultations. Storyboards help clients, project planners, and fashion designers understand the final product and share their perspective.

The storyboard dictates the time frame because it steers the production team towards its goals. Time management depends on the number of photos that a project requires.

On production day, hair and make-up should begin early as stylists prepare the outfits and accessories. Fashion photographers should begin photos about 2-3 hours afterwards. This approach provides time for last minute adjustments and creates buffer time for possible late arrivals.

Arranging each photograph on the shot list requires time. The team must set up props, transport gear, install lights, change clothes, finish hair and make-up, and drive to the location. A fashion photographer’s experience allows them to determine a reasonable time frame to create each photograph.

Fashion molds identity and culture while inspiring others to develop their personal style. Photographers must consider new ways of thinking about clothes when approaching each fashion project.

Fashion photographers capture portraits that inspire others through clothing. The best fashion photography motivates viewers to consider new styles that boost confidence and improve self-expression.

They achieve this by pushing creative boundaries and setting new trends. Fashion photographs that develop this sense of value generate deep connections with consumers. Fashion is an ever-changing extension of human identity. Designers need photographers who understand their creative energy and know how they want to express themselves.

Fashion photography strictly focuses on clothes. Selecting the best location to photograph the fashion project is the cherry on top.

The storyboard narrows down fashion photography locations because it must fit the concept. When selecting a location, consider a three-dimensional backdrop that surprises the viewer and remains consistent with the clothing styles.

As a production studio, we have experience creating fashion projects at upscale bars in Philadelphia, desert landscapes, and old factories. Fashion projects can operate inside of the photography studio where the team can create a custom set. The studio is a blank canvas that set designers can transform to fit the storyboard.

Devoting time to collaborate and plan a fashion project helps the entire team understand the focus. Fashion photographers excel when they’re able to coordinate a team that knows what to anticipate during the project.

Great fashion photography generates emotion in the viewer by focusing on the storyboard, the intricate details, and the main message.

Click here to browse the fashion photography portfolio of Phil Kramer.