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Shoot Day: Making Your Hair Photoshoot Vision a Reality
The big day is here—shoot day. It’s the culmination of all your planning, collaboration, and creativity. While it’s an exciting moment, it can also be a little overwhelming if you’re not prepared. But don’t worry—this blog will walk you through how to stay organized, keep your cool, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Preparation is Everything
The key to a successful shoot day is preparation. If you’ve followed the steps in Blogs 1-3, you’re already in a great position. Here’s what you should double-check before the day begins:
1. Review the Final Mood Board
Make sure everyone—models, makeup artists, stylist, photographer—has a copy of the final mood board. It’s your North Star for the day, so ensure everyone knows the plan.
2. Confirm Call Times
Send out a detailed schedule to your team, including:
Arrival times for everyone
Time slots for each model
Breaks (yes, breaks are crucial)
Wrap-up time
The Flow of the Day
Shoot days can be a blur, but having a clear structure will help you stay in control. Here’s a rough breakdown:
1. Setup
Arrive early to set up your space. This includes time for the photographer to arrange and test their lighting, fashion stylist to prep the styling area and steam the clothes, and ensuring everyone has everything they need. A calm, organized setup sets the tone for the day.
2. Team Huddle
Gather your team for a quick briefing. Go over the mood board one last time, answer any questions, and make sure everyone is aligned. This is also a good moment to inject some positive energy into the group.
3. Model Prep
Work methodically through each model’s look. Stick to the schedule as much as possible but remain flexible—things might take longer than planned, and that’s okay.
4. Photography Time
When it’s time to shoot, step back and let the photographer take the lead. Trust their expertise and provide input only if something feels way off from the vision. Avoid hovering—your job is to guide, not micromanage.
Your photographer will likely shoot a series of images and then review them - this is your chance to pass on any feedback you may have to them directly - where possible try to avoid this while they are shooting (there is nothing more distracting for a photographer than multiple voices sharing their direction while they are finding their rhythm and connection with the model).
5. Breaks
Don’t underestimate the importance of breaks. They’re essential for keeping everyone energized and focused.
6. Wrap-Up
Before everyone leaves, double-check that all looks have been captured. Review the photos with the photographer to ensure nothing important is missing.
Staying Calm Under Pressure
Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Here are some tips to handle challenges:
Stay Flexible: Schedules are great, but don’t panic if things fall behind. Focus on the quality of the shots, not the clock.
Problem-Solve Quickly: If a model cancels or a wardrobe piece is missing, think on your feet. Swap looks, adjust styling—improvise!
Keep the Mood Light: A stressed team won’t deliver their best work. Lead with a positive attitude and keep the energy upbeat.
Celebrate the Wins
When the shoot wraps, take a moment to celebrate (this is always a moment for complete adulation!). Reflect on what went well and thank your team for their hard work. It’s these small moments that build strong collaborations and make the process rewarding.