In the world of fashion content creation, the image you capture is everything. As someone who has always been drawn to beautiful clothes, locations and portraits since childhood, I’ve gathered some essential lessons around how to elevate a fashion‑shoot into something meaningful and engaging. Here are five of my go‑to tips for making your next shoot count.
### 1. Plan ahead
Preparation is the foundation of a strong shoot. While spontaneous moments can absolutely yield magic, for the most consistent results I begin by deciding on the outfit and the story I want to tell around it. Then I pick locations that support that vision. On top of that, I choose which photographer I feel is the best match for the look and vibe I’m going for. By making thoughtful decisions about wardrobe, environment and collaborator ahead of time, you position the shoot for success.
### 2. Be on the same wavelength with your photographer
The relationship between you and your photographer is central. A good collaborator will ask detailed questions: What colours and accessories will you wear? Which locations are you thinking of? Before the shoot, you should share your mood board or ideas, and the photographer should feel confident offering their input too. Trust, openness and mutual respect make the difference between a so‑so set and a seamless creative team.
### 3. Choose the right location (and a solid backup)
Fashion shoots thrive when location and story align. Always come with two (or more) location options in mind. Things don’t always go exactly to plan — the spot might be too crowded, time‑constrained or simply not deliver the right atmosphere. I once paired an elegant red dress with rustic countryside surroundings—it was a deliberate contrast, the kind of layering that adds drama and context to the shot. When the setting supports your concept, the photo becomes more than just an outfit recap—it becomes a narrative.
### 4. Mind the time of day — light matters
If there’s one non‑negotiable element in fashion photography, it’s lighting. Want a bright, airy look? Morning light serves beautifully. Going for drama and warm tones? Your golden hour is key. For one shoot, I scheduled the session at 5 p.m., hiked to the spot, and waited until around 7 p.m. for that sweet light window as the sun dipped. In that brief time frame everything came together—the dress, the scenery and the glow. Because once that window closes, you’ve really only got one shot at getting it right. And yes: I favour capturing the clothes’ true colours, so I try not to rely on heavy editing that distorts them. The right light means fewer tweaks, more authenticity.
### 5. Don’t take it too seriously
Finally: remember to breathe. Authenticity always wins. I don’t like to stand stiffly in poses that feel uncomfortable—so I walk, I twirl, I laugh, I move. Often the best shots are the unscripted ones, the ones that reflect personality rather than perfection. If your mood is more serious and edgy, embrace that. But my bottom line: be you. When you relax into the shoot, the result often feels vivid, joyful and real.
In the end, fashion photography is about more than just “what you’re wearing” and “where you’re standing.” It’s about crafting moments that feel lived‑in, confident and expressive. Whether you’re behind the lens or in front of it, consider these five steps your shoot‑day roadmap:
- Define your vision in advance.
- Communicate openly with your team.
- Pick locations that support your story.
- Use light strategically.
- Show yourself—flaws, fun and all.
When those elements align, the pictures don’t just showcase the outfit; they capture a moment. And the more you practice this process, the more natural it becomes to not only look good in your shots but to feel good too.
If you have any tips of your own from your shoots—or any questions you’d like to explore further—I’d love to hear them.
