A guide to preparing for a lookbook shoot for your upcoming FW lookbook

Aug 02, 2024

Contents

Guide to preparing for a lookbook shoot 1. planning and reference creation 2. Get a model 3. Find a shooting space 4. book a photographer or videographer

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While summer is still in full swing, many brands are busy preparing for the next season. If you're planning a lookbook to promote your brand for the upcoming F/W season, this article is for you. In this article, we're going to give you a guide to shooting a lookbook that will effectively communicate your brand's image to consumers.

Guide to preparing for a lookbook shoot

If you're an account manager or owner of a small brand who doesn't know where to start and how to prepare for a lookbook shoot, you're in luck! Preparation is always essential for a successful shoot. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps from planning to the final shoot and show you what you need to do and what to keep in mind.

What if you like this model? Learn more about Zarina

1. planning and reference creation

First, get a clear idea of how you want the product you're shooting to look to consumers. Based on this, you'll set the overall concept for the shoot. Factors to consider include

Model poses and moods: Consider and decide on a model pose and mood that will make your product look appealing.
Shooting space and props: Choose a space and the right props to showcase your product.
Makeup look: Decide on the model's makeup and hairstyle to match the image of your product.

Create a reference based on your plan. We recommend creating it as a PDF so it's easily accessible on mobile devices. Share it with your photographer, model, hair and makeup artist, and other staff before the shoot. It's also useful to print out and refer to on the day of the shoot.

Tip:

Take a look at Pinterest, where you can find tons of images of shoots, and study the results to see how similar products were photographed. This will help you come up with an overall concept for your shoot.

There are a lot of great generative AI tools these days! Try generative AI apps like Wimsicalto help you ideation map andGamma to visualize your thoughts . Your plans will be richer for it!

For more detailed brand storytelling success strategies, check out this article.

2. Get a model

Once you've finalized your concept, the next step is to find a good model to showcase your product in a lookbook shoot. This is also a step that many people struggle with. There are many beautiful models out there, but it's hard to find the right one that fits our brand and lookbook, and it's a complicated process. Here's how I usually go about finding a model.

Agency search: Get a large list of models, snapshots, and videos from various agencies. If possible, set up an in-person meeting. If the terms are right, a contract is finalized. The final cost may differ from the initial quote.
Direct search: Sometimes brand representatives are in charge of finding models themselves. They often find models on Instagram or through talent market platforms. Because it's a direct deal between the model and the brand, there is often friction between the contract and the actual shoot.
Platform search: View a list of experienced and highly professional models fromall over the world (1200+) registered on professional modeling platformswith quotes. Contact your favorite models directly in real-time, no phone calls, no emails.

Tip:

Casting models through a platform can dramatically reduce the time and cost of your search. Whereas a direct search with an agency can take afew days, weeks, or even a month or more, a platform can be completed in minutes or even a day. And because there are no hidden costs in the middle and the models quote themselves, you can expect transparent and reasonable costs.

How to book a lookbook model in a day

3. Find a shooting space

If you're in the process of scouting models, or have done so, it's time to find the right space for your shoot. Consider the following to make your shoot perfect.

Different concepts of studios and offsite locations: With so many different styles of rental studios, it's not hard to find the space you're looking for.
Pre-visit: Studio photos are taken with a wide lens and may appear larger than they are. They're also often taken when the light is at its most abundant, so a pre-visit is recommended. If you're shooting outside, you'll want to check the light from sunrise to sunset.

What if you like this model? Learn more about model Jakub

4. book a photographer or videographer

Choosing a photographer can make or break your shoot. Make sure to keep the following in mind

Check out the portfolio and experience: Peruse the portfolio and experience of the photographer to make sure they can deliver the images you want. It's also a good idea to check out the photographer's personal social media to get a feel for their work style.
Ability to control the scene: It's also important to be able to control the situation on location.

TIP: Compare the portfolios of several photographers. Make sure that their style and work align with your brand.

5. book a hair and makeup artist

It's okay to get a recommendation from your photographer for a hair and makeup artist. Often, photographers have worked with several hair and makeup artists and can easily recommend the right one. Alternatively, you can get a recommendation from someone at your studio

TIP: Choose an artist who has good chemistry with your photographer, and your shoot will go much more smoothly.

6. Reconcile and finalize your schedule

Is everyone booked? Now it's time to confirm the schedule and set a final shoot date.

Coordinate schedules: Coordinate everyone's schedules and finalize the shoot schedule. Be sure to share this in text so there's no confusion.
Finalize your shoot: The day before your shoot, double-check all your preparations.

TIP: It's a good idea to give yourself some leeway on the day of the shoot so that you don't have a tight schedule.

Preparing for a shoot takes more time and effort than you might think. Lookbook shoots, in particular, require a lot of hands on deck and a willingness to work collaboratively, even on the day of the shoot. If you're leading a lookbook project, you'll need to prepare and check each step of the way to ensure a successful outcome.