Since I've decided to publish more content on my blog, having a content plan with a steady flow of looks to post is important. That means I need to put in more work. As a blogger you not only end up thinking up, writing and editing your posts but you also need to fill the shoes of a stylist, creative director, model and shoot co-ordinator. A lot goes into each shoot. My main aim is to deliver great quality images and great content, so I work with some really talented photographers to help me achieve that. This is how I prepare for a shoot.
- Plan Looks
I usually shoot 4 - 5 looks on a Sunday afternoon so I need to make sure that I have the items to execute all my ideas. Getting inspiration is easy for me. I'm constantly visiting other blogs, Pinterest and Tumblr for inspiration. Sourcing the items is where it becomes a problem for me. I don't really enjoy shopping but about a week before I shoot I need to go try source items to bring my ideas to reality. Once I've begged for, borrowed or stole (jokes) items, I try on the outfits before I shoot. Sometimes a look will work in my head and then when I try it on it falls flat. I try on the look at home, with accessories and plan what makeup will go with the look. I then iron or steam the clothes. Hang what creases easily and pack the items which can be folded into a bag so I don't wear them before I shoot. I do this to make sure they're clean prior to shoot day.
- Beauty
Exfoliate your skin. I love my skin to have a natural glow so I make the time to exfoliate my face and body pre-shoot. Dead skin cells be gone.
I usually wear classic, everyday makeup then change my lipstick for each look. It saves me time and it's just easier that way. These three were all shot on the same day. I simply changed my lipstick for each look.
For my last look shoot, I also wore false lashes which I felt made a huge difference. I have short, stubby lashes so the falsies opened my eyes and made me look more awake. Now I wear false lashes on every shoot.
Get your hair done. For me, that means a trip to the barber. That might mean a wash and condition the night before, straightening your hair, curling your hair... Whatever.
Make sure your nails and toe nails are neat and tidy and hopefully painted. This just makes me look polished and allows me to shoot nice close up shots of accessories, handbags and shoes without feeling self-conscious.
- Shoot Prep
Scouting for locations - I'm the worst at this. Since I've mainly been shooting street style shots, a quiet, secluded street usually does the trick. Only for my next shoot have I been actively involved in scouting areas and determining what the location needs to look like to achieve what I want. Preparing makes all the difference so you don't waste valuable sunshine driving around looking for spots to shoot, instead of actually shooting.
Discuss with your photographer what you are trying to achieve. Make sure you're both on the same page by discussing locations, ideas, inspiration. If I have something particular in mind I'll send my photographer inspiration. I don't want to recreate looks, but rather use them as inspiration to work from.
- Shoot Day
Make sure you've packed all your looks with matching shoes and accessories. I've made the unfortunate mistake of leaving items at home so now I keep a look checklist. It may sound crazy but it gets exhausting trying to keep track of 5 different looks in your mind. My list includes the pieces which make the look, shoes, accessories, any special underwear required (eg. strapless bras) and makeup I want to wear. I also link it to the inspiration behind it so I can keep that in mind while shooting.
On Set Kit : I make sure I never leave home without my kit which includes:
- Pins, safety pins, clips: I've popped buttons while trying to tie shoes. To keep the show going I needed pins and clips to keep the clothes on. That day also made me realize I need an assistant.
- Oil/moisturizer for legs and arms: Moisturized skin photographs way better than dry, ashy skin. After a few outfit changes your skin may need some added moisturisation.
- Makeup remover wipes, tissue and cotton buds: To change my lipstick, correct blotchy makeup and fix any smudges.
- Makeup Bag: To reapply anything I may need
- Lint Roller: To remove any unwanted lint
- Chicken Cutlets: Itty Bitty Titty Committee problems.
And folks, that's it. Shooting looks is but one aspect of blogging but it can turn out to be time-consuming work. Especially when you need to shoot regularly. Keeping inspired, curious and open to learning and trying out new things keeps things exciting for me and I end up looking forward to my shoots. It also helps that I choose to work with super talented and creative photographers who push me and make me want to become better. Let me know what you think of my Blogger Tips and if you are interested in learning about any other aspect of blogging by leaving a comment in the comments section below.
My quest to wear more locally designed and produced clothes continues into 2017. I wasn't planning on shooting this look but I happened to visit Convoy Store in Melville in the morning prior to my shoot and spotted this relaxed crop top and culottes set from Selfi. I decided to switch it up by purchasing the black crop top and khaki culottes. I feel like the break in colour works well and it allowed me to accessorise with gold and black. Speaking of gold and black, these Casadei cage sandals with a blade heel are sex personified. They are by far the sexiest heels I own so I decided to dress up an otherwise relaxed look with them. They make this look pop!
Looking great. Very Inspirational.
Author
Thank you Lopang! It’s much appreciated.
Great tips! After reading this I realised that I may not be as prepared as I need to be for tomorrow’s shoot.