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It's all very exciting! You have some amazing products, a fantastic business and now you are ready to get professional photos that make your brand stand out!!
You are lucky you landed here! Willow Indie Photography have been working with brands for over 11 years and we have picked up some tips along the way that we want to share with you.
CHOOSING YOUR MODELS.
This is exciting! It's not just about the photographs but this is also an opportunity to build your following.
Try and stay clear from looking at other brands models and do your own search. Put out a model call or a competition, get people to share with their friends and family. This builds excitement and anticipation and gets your business name out there.
Always thank everyone who entered and you could even give them a small discount code. Make sure you tell them it was hard to choose (which it always is) and that you hope they will enter again.
Get their emails and add them to your email list, that way they can stay updated and you can personally thank them, making them feel valued.
WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR MODELS?
It is important to know what you expect from your models. If you have any requirements let them know before they commit to modelling for you. All models need to sign a model release form with me but the work they do for you is completely separate.
So, if you expect them to post on your socials or shoot for your clothing brand only then you need to put that in a contract and get them to sign it.
It isn't always reasonable to ask them to only shoot for your brand but you can come to an agreement asking them not to model for a brand that is so similar to yours. Just make sure the model /parents are aware before the session and be prepared to adjust the contract to suit you both. Try to be fair and not hold anyone back from succeeding whilst still protecting your business.
GIFT YOUR MODELS.
Models usually get an outfit gifted as a thank you for their time, plus you can send them the digital images we take on the day too. Look after your models and they will want to advertise you.
CHOOSING THE AESTHETIC.
At Willow Indie Photography our style is clean white/creamy tones. We find this to be the most appealing look for your customers.
It's a bit like when you are selling a house and the estate agent tells you to paint everything white.
It is clean, fresh and it helps people picture themselves/their children wearing your clothing because there are no distractions.
We can work with you on an editing style that helps you stand out, so you could go for the clean simple natural tones or the warmer whites.
Choosing your aesthetic is important, as let's face it, it's all about the gram these days and it is important to us to get you looking on trend and recognisable. So we will work with you at the beginning to get you that style you'll love and that'll help your sales soar!
WILLOW INDIE PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO.
I love my little studio-but it is that-little. It is in a large studio space but my room is quite small so it isn't ideal for those big brand sessions.
We can comfortably fit 4 people (including the model and photographer) in my shooting room so if you are booking a videographer then you are best to look for another larger studio for us to shoot at. I photograph brands in a few different studios around Manchester so I am happy to have a telephone chat with you about the best place for you to book but have a look for spaces with large windows and white walls so you get that beautiful natural fresh look that your customers will love!
If you are a smaller brand or having a smaller shoot then you can use my studio space within your price, which saves you money (who doesn't love to save money?)
My studio room is based in a large studio that has a waiting room with a tv and comfy seating, so if you run a little over schedule your models will have somewhere nice to wait.
BE PREPARED.
Have a timetable. A plan. Something written down that will help keep you organised. Know what each model is wearing and have the clothes ready in separate places. Know your models names and give clear instructions.
Preparation really is key to a successful shooting day. It means we can get through each outfit faster and you get more out of the day.
MAKE TIME FOR A BREAK.
I know you want to squeeze as much as possible in the day and we will. But taking 20 minutes to grab a sandwich and a drink is so important. It means you won't be running on empty and you can just have a little break to reflect on the morning and make any adjustments for the rest of the day if required.
MAKE THE DAY FUN AND RELAXED.
Bring your phone charger and a playlist, we have a speaker and we can play your favourite songs to keep you going throughout the day. But more importantly, we can play your models favourite songs to help them relax.
Whether you have been in business for years or are brand new, these tips are for you. They will suit any brand and any business booking a brand shoot.
We hope you book with Willow Indie Photography and we can't wait to watch your business grow.
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