How To Prepare For A Trendy Clothing Shoot

It’s that time of the year again, when many photographers prepare in advance for a trendy clothing shoot targeting the summer market. Some may call it the true bikini season. Photographers always have to be three to four months ahead of the game. 

Ok, maybe its not an official season, but many working photographers spend some time shooting for local clothing shops, catalogs and online retail sites. I know of several photographers that spend months at the start of each year shooting exclusively for local bikini shops in the Huntington Beach/Newport area.

Here’s a few useful tips for those planning one of these shoots either at or near a beach.

First, use the January to April months do to any beach location shoot. Preferably during the week. The beaches are less occupied yet the weather can be just as nice as any summer day. Plus, the beach patrol units are more tolerable to photo shoots when the beaches are empty.

Second, always scout your location prior to the shoot. Be sure to check for all needed permits (if needed), parking availability and make a detailed plan. For example, where is the model going to change? Sure you can simply wrap a towel around her, but professionalism goes a long way, you might want to use a portable changing room.

Third, consider using an assistant. I don’t know of any professional photographer who has spent money on a model and a makeup artist only to skimp and not have an assistant. On paid assignments, it pays to be prepared and a photo assistant can save you money and time.

Fourth, consider the shop that will be selling the outfits, does it have a unique exterior? If so why not use it as a backdrop? Remember, you’re not selling the beach, your images are to sell outfits so it’s not always to travel far.

I’ve been on countless location shoots and the most important recommendation is to be prepared. The model has arrived and is going to get paid whether you take good or bad images. The hair and/or makeup artist also will get paid either way. But if you’re not prepared with your equipment, the lighting, the setups or any other issue you didn’t think of or backup plan then the photoshoot is a failure.

For any location fashion or trendy swimsuit shoot, planning ahead is your best bet.