How to Work with a Fashion Photographer: Tips for Brands and Influencers
Whether you’re a fashion brand wanting to showcase your latest collection or an influencer looking to up your visual game, working with a professional fashion photographer can make a world of difference. But if you’re new to the process, it can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some easy tips to help you get the most out of your collaboration with a fashion photographer.
1. Know What You Want
Before you start searching for a photographer, it’s super important to have a clear idea of what you’re aiming for. Are you after high-fashion editorial vibes, a lifestyle shoot that captures your brand’s personality, or simple product shots for your online store? Having a solid vision will help you find a photographer who gets what you’re going for.
For Brands: Think about the message you want to send. Is it all about luxury, sustainability, or something else? Your brand’s vibe should guide the style and feel of the shoot.
For Influencers: Consider how these photos will fit into your overall content strategy. Are you highlighting specific outfits, promoting a brand collab, or telling a story that speaks to your followers?
2. Find the Right Photographer
Not all photographers are the same, so finding the right one for your project is key. Take some time to look through portfolios and see if their style matches what you’re after. Do they have experience shooting the kind of images you want? Are they familiar with working with brands or influencers like you?
For Brands: If you’re all about luxury, look for a photographer who has a strong track record in high-end fashion. If sustainability is your thing, find someone who has worked on eco-friendly campaigns.
For Influencers: Look for photographers who know how to shoot content that pops on social media—they’ll understand how to create images that engage your audience.
3. Communicate Clearly
Once you’ve picked your photographer, clear communication is everything. Share your ideas, goals, and any specific shots you have in mind. Mood boards, references, or even a quick chat about what you’re looking for can go a long way in making sure you’re both on the same page.
Talk About the Details: Be upfront about how many looks, locations, and final images you’re expecting. If there are must-have shots, like close-ups, full-body images, or product flat lays, let them know.
Budget and Timeline: Make sure to discuss your budget and timeline early on. Knowing what you can spend and how quickly you need the images will help avoid any surprises later.
4. Trust Their Expertise
You’ve hired a photographer because they’re good at what they do, so trust them to do their thing. While your input is important, remember that they know how to get the best shots, whether it’s about finding the right lighting, angles, or composition.
Be Open to Ideas: A good photographer will bring creative ideas to the table. Be open to their suggestions—they might think of something amazing that you hadn’t considered.
Go with the Flow: Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Weather, lighting, or other surprises might mean adjusting the plan on the fly. Trust your photographer to handle it.
5. Prepare Like a Pro
Preparation is everything when it comes to a smooth photoshoot. Make sure everything is organized and ready to go before the big day.
For Brands: Have all the clothing and accessories ready, steamed or pressed, and styled as needed. If you’re shooting on location, make sure you’ve got the permits and a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
For Influencers: Plan your outfits, makeup, and hair in advance. Bring along any props or accessories that’ll help tell your story. And if you’re shooting outdoors, think about practical stuff like where you’ll change outfits and how you’ll manage your time.
6. Collaborate and Give Feedback
During the shoot, collaboration is key. While the photographer is in charge of capturing the images, your input is super valuable. Don’t hesitate to give feedback during the shoot if something doesn’t feel right or if you have a new idea.
For Brands: If there’s a team involved (stylists, makeup artists, etc.), make sure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal. A quick check-in during the shoot can help keep things on track.
For Influencers: Try to review the shots as they’re taken (if possible) to make sure they match your vision. If something’s off, speak up—you’ll save time and avoid disappointment later.
7. Choose Your Final Images
After the shoot, your photographer will usually send you a selection of images to choose from. This is your chance to pick the ones that best suit your needs.
Be Picky: It’s tempting to want a ton of images, but it’s often better to choose a few standout shots that really shine.
Think About Usage: Consider where the images will be used—social media, website, print, etc.—and pick the ones that work best for each platform. A close-up might be perfect for Instagram, while a full-body shot could work better for your website.
8. Give Credit Where It’s Due
Once you’ve got your final images and are ready to share them, don’t forget to give credit to the photographer. It’s not just a nice thing to do—it’s also a way to build strong relationships for future projects.
Tag and Credit: Whenever you post the images online, make sure to tag the photographer and anyone else who contributed to the shoot. It’s a simple way to show appreciation and expand your network.
Share the Love: If you’re happy with the results, let the photographer know. Positive feedback can strengthen your working relationship and lead to more collaborations down the line.
Wrap-Up: Building Great Partnerships
Working with a fashion photographer can be a game-changer for both brands and influencers. By knowing what you want, finding the right photographer, communicating clearly, and trusting their expertise, you’ll be on your way to creating stunning visuals that resonate with your audience.
Remember, the best results come from true collaboration, where both sides bring their creativity and professionalism to the table. Whether it’s your first time working with a photographer or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips will help make the process smooth, successful, and even fun.
