Creating The Perfect Still Life Fashion Photography Brief
If you’ve made the decision to outsource your still life fashion photography project to a trusted photography studio, your next thought will probably be "what is the best way to provide a clear brief?"
Ensuring your products are captured in exactly the way you want needs a little careful thought from the word go.
Having taken hundreds of thousands of still life fashion images in our combined 30 years of commercial photography, we wanted to share a simple outline for creating a fashion photography brief that will help us, to help you, deliver a successful project.
1. Start At The End
Where are these images going to be used?
Are they for your website, marketing material or promotion; are they for your social media platforms?
The end use tells us a lot about the type of images you are looking for, but it’s not everything. Who your target audience is, is also important. Will they be seen by your retail customers, or B2B clients?
Is their purpose to sell, or to inform?
Providing this insight early helps create a tailored approach which will ultimately get you the best possible outcome from your shoot.
2. The Magic Of Invisible Mannequin, Or The Simplicity Of Flat?
The two main styles of shooting still life fashion are on a mannequin body form, or as a flat lay.
Your photographer will want to know early on which is your preference, as the two types have different requirements when shooting.
You may want a combination of both, some garments lend themselves more to one style or the other, and if this works for you, why restrict yourself to only one!
3. Show & Tell
One of the most informative things you can do for your photographer is give visual examples and references. These should include both what you DO like, and just as importantly, what you DON’T like.
Remember, the “why” is as important as the “what’ so do include this information as well. The reason you feel something doesn’t work for your brand gives your photographer direction and will help them identify other potential pitfalls.
4. Think About Your Brand Image
If you have a relaxed vibe you may want your garment styling to reflect this with some movement and texture in the fabric. The odd wrinkle or fold here and there to show softness, or imply a comfortable fit.
But, if you are all about sleek close-fitting sportswear, you may want a particular shaped mannequin to highlight the aspirational body form that your customers are trying to attain.
5. It’s All In The Details
Do you need to show the front and the back to capture all-important features?
Maybe a ¾ angle would work better for your garments?
Do you need close up shots as well as full garment views to show key branding or detailing?
6. Share The Numbers
Size matters, when it comes to studio schedules. If you know how many items you need to shoot, and how many shots you think you need of each, let your photographer know so that they can give you the best timeframe for your project.
Share the dates too! Do you have a marketing milestone you need to achieve? Whether that is a launch of a new website, a new range or a direct mail deadline, giving this information upfront ensures there are no disappointments later.
7. Never Assume!
Often assumptions are made on certain photography styles and processes
“That won’t fit my budget”
- Or
“There is no way that can be done in my timeframe”
But reality may be different. Without a discussion with an experienced photography team you could be missing out on some interesting styles or concepts!
Ready to kick-start your next fashion photography project?
At Prodoto, our team work in a 28,000 ft studio fully equipped to handle any photography project. Find out how we can bring your fashion products to life with exceptional photography or get in touch below to speak to a member of our helpful team!
