Hey loves,
Anyways, I noticed recently, that the collaboration I had a few months ago with The Debola Styles Photography, Molbaks Aso-Oke and Gbenga Artsmith Dada is still trending on Instagram, so I thought to share a few tips with you guys on how to organise a shoot, and also, product listings for every look in the series as well.
Before I go on, I would love to appreciate once again, the team that made this possible. Debola, Gbenga, Aunty Molbaks, Bukola, Tope, Sewa, Motunrayo, Lola, and Lamide.
To organise a shoot, you need to understand the purpose for the shoot. What do you intend to sell? what are you promoting? what do you want the public to see. These questions will help you focus on the subject matter so that your audience is not in doubt as to the essence of the shoot. For example, if you are a hair vendor, the focus of the shoot is the hair and not the outfits or the makeup. Even though makeup and outfits are important in this kind of shoot, you do not want them overpowering the primary focus, which in this case, is the hair.
The next issue you would need to consider is how you intend presenting your subject to your audience. You need to have a theme running through your presentation. You do not want your audience to be confused at the end of your presentation. If possible, you may need to tell a story with your presentation. You might even tell different stories, but ensure that it forms a cohesive unit at the end of the day.
Logistics is the next thing to worry about. This is where the work begins. Depending on your budget, and what you already have on ground, you need to consider the following;
Date(s):
You need to put into consideration, the availability of your team members; models, stylists, photographers, drivers, caterers, etc. I have found that public holidays, are the best times to get everyone on board especially if notice is given early enough.
For part 1 of 'The Belle and The Jewel' shoot, we picked a public holiday because some of our models and assistants work 9 to 5 jobs.
Weekends are usually very tight for most vendors, especially makeup artists and photographers, so ensure you plan ahead.
You need to put into consideration, the availability of your team members; models, stylists, photographers, drivers, caterers, etc. I have found that public holidays, are the best times to get everyone on board especially if notice is given early enough.
For part 1 of 'The Belle and The Jewel' shoot, we picked a public holiday because some of our models and assistants work 9 to 5 jobs.
Weekends are usually very tight for most vendors, especially makeup artists and photographers, so ensure you plan ahead.
Venue(s):
A good ambiance is very important for your shoot. You can decide to shoot in a studio, or outdoors, depending on how you have themed your shoot. In some cases, you may need to pay for the use of public places to gain access. Make sure you find out the venue's policies regarding photo-shoots to avoid embarrassment on the day of your shoot.
In our own case, we picked a hotel in Obanikoro for the first part of our shoot. It was jointly paid for and we had access to all their facilities. For the second phase of the shoot, we used our Model's house and even her car wasn't spared. Our model for part 2 of the series was Gbenga's eldest sister, a fabulous mother of 3 divas!
We also made use of the exterior of a park opposite the government house after we were denied access because we did not arrive within their open hours(the details are hazy at this point). So ensure you make your inquiries well ahead of time especially when considering public places.
A good ambiance is very important for your shoot. You can decide to shoot in a studio, or outdoors, depending on how you have themed your shoot. In some cases, you may need to pay for the use of public places to gain access. Make sure you find out the venue's policies regarding photo-shoots to avoid embarrassment on the day of your shoot.
In our own case, we picked a hotel in Obanikoro for the first part of our shoot. It was jointly paid for and we had access to all their facilities. For the second phase of the shoot, we used our Model's house and even her car wasn't spared. Our model for part 2 of the series was Gbenga's eldest sister, a fabulous mother of 3 divas!
We also made use of the exterior of a park opposite the government house after we were denied access because we did not arrive within their open hours(the details are hazy at this point). So ensure you make your inquiries well ahead of time especially when considering public places.
Transportation:
It is very important to factor how you intend transporting products, equipment, props and people to the venue to avoid unnecessary delays. Put this into serious consideration especially if you do not own a car.
Sometimes, you may even need to make some quick changes, and it always helps to have reliable transportation available.
For this shoot, transportation wasn't much of a problem.
It is very important to factor how you intend transporting products, equipment, props and people to the venue to avoid unnecessary delays. Put this into serious consideration especially if you do not own a car.
Sometimes, you may even need to make some quick changes, and it always helps to have reliable transportation available.
For this shoot, transportation wasn't much of a problem.
Entertainment:
Music is always a form of 'ginjah' for most shoots. It gets most of the models into character quickly. It also livens up your shoot. Keep it at a moderate level though, it is work after all, and not a jam session.
Also, if your shoot will last more than 2 hours|(which most shoots do), it is only good social graces to provide some form of refreshment. The first part of this shoot lasted up to 8 hours. Trust me, even if your models and team members do not complain, you will definitely see a decline in performance, it is only natural.
We had this aspect covered for this shoot as well.
General styling:
You should consider getting a stylist for your shoot if you are not a fashionista yourself. The right outfits and colours will definitely sell your products/services while the wrong attires could mar the entire process.
Hair styling is also very important. Your models have to be properly groomed to look the part.
For this shoot, Gbenga was the main stylist as he sourced almost all the outfits used, He however carried every one along, especially myself, regarding colours and textures.
We did not need a hair stylist due to the nature of the shoot, we knew the heads would be wrapped.
You should consider getting a stylist for your shoot if you are not a fashionista yourself. The right outfits and colours will definitely sell your products/services while the wrong attires could mar the entire process.
Hair styling is also very important. Your models have to be properly groomed to look the part.
For this shoot, Gbenga was the main stylist as he sourced almost all the outfits used, He however carried every one along, especially myself, regarding colours and textures.
We did not need a hair stylist due to the nature of the shoot, we knew the heads would be wrapped.
Models:
This is a very interesting part of the shoot. It is arguably the most important part of the shoot.
You need to be very critical in your selection of a model. A pretty face is not enough. You will need someone who is first of all liberal enough to trust you to do your best. He/she may be a professional or just a regular person.
A true model will not have hang-ups about certain things as a regular person might. For example, a model would not give you issues about how he/she would want you to do their makeup or why they don't like the colour of the outfit chosen for them, or plead not to have their hair or brows shaved a certain way, or their hair styled a certain style(because they think it doesn't suit them).
Professionals know that their faces/bodies are a canvas for hire. They should be willing and somewhat obedient(for lack of a better word) as long as you are not violating any rights or general terms.
This is a very interesting part of the shoot. It is arguably the most important part of the shoot.
You need to be very critical in your selection of a model. A pretty face is not enough. You will need someone who is first of all liberal enough to trust you to do your best. He/she may be a professional or just a regular person.
A true model will not have hang-ups about certain things as a regular person might. For example, a model would not give you issues about how he/she would want you to do their makeup or why they don't like the colour of the outfit chosen for them, or plead not to have their hair or brows shaved a certain way, or their hair styled a certain style(because they think it doesn't suit them).
Professionals know that their faces/bodies are a canvas for hire. They should be willing and somewhat obedient(for lack of a better word) as long as you are not violating any rights or general terms.
You need someone who will understand what is expected of him/her and deliver. Some pretty girls find it difficult to work their poses with so many people watching, and if you are pressed for time, this can be frustrating.
Obviously, the pros also come with cons. You should factor in payment for professional models except you somehow get really lucky. But in all, it shouldn't be anything you cannot afford. This is not to say that non-professionals should not be compensated for their time. Ensure you deal fairly with everyone.
For this shoot, we had 1 professional model and her sessions were quickly done. The other ladies gave their best and considering they were not professional models, we were definitely happy with their conduct and the results as well.
Obviously, the pros also come with cons. You should factor in payment for professional models except you somehow get really lucky. But in all, it shouldn't be anything you cannot afford. This is not to say that non-professionals should not be compensated for their time. Ensure you deal fairly with everyone.
For this shoot, we had 1 professional model and her sessions were quickly done. The other ladies gave their best and considering they were not professional models, we were definitely happy with their conduct and the results as well.
Photographer/photography equipment:
the essence of a shoot is to get the attention of the audience and hopefully to secure their patronage.
In this era of pro cameras and HD technology, you should consider having your pictures professionally taken to ensure all your efforts are properly captured. A pro camera definitely makes a world of difference.
In case you already have a pro camera, you may need to rent/buy some simple equipment like an external flash, a reflector, soft box lights, collapsible backdrops etc. Remember, what is worth doing at all, is worth doing well. If you are shooting yourself, and you can afford to have one, you will need an assistant to make your work easier.
For this shoot, Debola Styles hooked us up with all the bells and whistles and boy were we glad!
Watch out for the next post where we get into the nitty-gritty. I hope you find this very helpful.
Great post! Organizing a shoot is not an easy task and requires time and sincere efforts. Your guidelines will surely help in organizing a hassle free shoot. Thanks for your support.
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