How to Find the Best Fashion Photographers for your brand. A Guide to Nailing It !
Updated: Feb 4
Are you a fashion brand owner or designer looking for a photographer who can bring your fashion vision to life?
Look no further!
In this article, I'll guide you through the steps to find the perfect photographer who can help you create stunning visuals for your brand. Trust me, it's not rocket science, but with a little bit of research and preparation, you'll be able to find the photographer of your dreams!
Get a clear understanding of your vision
The first and foremost step in this journey is to know what you want. Be clear about the style, mood, and message you want to convey through your photography. Is your brand modern and aimed at a young demographic or is it a more classic brand which appeals to a broader age range. Do you want a dramatic and moody vibe or a bright and playful look?
Do you want to showcase your clothing in an editorial setting or a more commercial environment? What is the aim of the photography? Are you launching a new collection or revamping the imagery on your website? What about the location? Have you considered where you want to have the photoshoot; in a studio or on location, either indoors or outside. This might sound like a huge amount of questions but having the answers to these will determine which photographer you're going to choose. In addition, all of this information will be vital for your photographer in planning the shoot and how they will approach it.
Do your research
Now that you know what you want, it's time to do your research. Check out the portfolios of photographers you admire and take note of their style, experience, and quality of work. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from fashion brands, designers, stylists, and models you know. They may have worked with someone they were happy with and can provide you with a referral. Equally a photographer who shows a number of different styles in their work, demonstrates flexibility and adaptability, vital during any shoot where you may decide to change things if your original idea doesn't quite work - it happens. If you have an experienced photographer working with you, you can be assured that they will know exactly how to achieve your new vision quickly and with minimum fuss.
Keep Budget and Availability in Mind
Finding the perfect photographer is important, but it's also essential to consider your budget and the photographer's availability. Make sure you find someone who fits within your budget and can shoot when you need them. There's no point settling on a photographer only to find out further down the line that they're not available on the date you need them. At the same time, know how much you're going to spend. Don't be sucked into going with the cheapest option. I know that money is tight for a lot of people right now but the number of fashion brand owners who end up having to reshoot imagery because what they were hoping for didn't quite match what they got, is surprising. The saying 'buy cheap, buy twice' has never been more true in the context of fashion photography. It's important that you find someone who is the best you can afford if you want to have a successful marketing campaign otherwise you are throwing money away. Continue searching until you find the right fit!
Schedule a Consultation
Once you've found a few photographers you like, it's time to schedule a consultation. This is your chance to discuss your vision in detail and make sure you're both on the same page. It's also a great opportunity to see their portfolio in person, ask questions, and get a feel for their personality. You want to make sure you're comfortable working together, and they understand your vision. Fashion photography is all about teamwork and you want your photographer to be invested in you and your team. From my own perspective, I will give everything I've got in a shoot, simply because I know that if my client succeeds then I do too. My approach has always been to be friendly, approachable and flexible. If something doesn't quite go according to plan, I never let it become a problem. Solve it and get the job done while staying composed. I think any professional photographer will be of a similar mindset.
Ask the Right Questions
When you meet with potential photographers, ask the right questions to determine if they're the right fit for your brand. Here are some questions to help you get started:
Can you describe your shooting style?
Walk me through your creative process for a photoshoot - from concept to post production.
Can you show me examples of your fashion photography work?
How do you handle post-production and editing. Do you retain control of it or do you use an external retoucher?
How would you describe my brand and what could you offer me to make it stand out?
Get a Contract Drawn Up
Finally, once you've found the perfect photographer, it's time to get a contract. This will protect both you and the photographer and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the details of the photoshoot. The contract should include the date and time of the shoot, the location, the number of images to be delivered, and the price. Don't be alarmed if the photographer asks for a deposit – this is absolutely normal as it protects them in the event of cancellations. Whilst we all know that life can throw us a curve ball every now and then, most photographers will be understanding and likely reschedule with you. It is for those people who cancel for no reason and then stop communicating with the photographer, who has then lost a day when they could have worked elsewhere.
In conclusion, finding the best fashion photographer is not as hard as it seems. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to find someone who shares your vision and can help you create stunning visuals for your brand. With the right photographer, you'll have a strong foundation for your visual content marketing strategy and be well on your way to success! So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!