Pocket Squares: https://amzn.to/39xEQB0
Lapel Flowers: https://amzn.to/2Utp5Xr
A Clamps: https://amzn.to/2wEVMsc
It’s not the clothes that make the man, but bad clothes will ruin your photoshoot.
I have found to that the best way communicate my vision for a shoot with a model or a stylist is to share a mood board, which is simply a collage that sums up your vision of the clothing, art direction, or hair and make up.
When I send a model a confirmation email for a test shoot, I ask them to usually bring 2 more looks than I would like to shoot so I have options.
In addition, I will often buy two looks for the model, returning them after the shoot. My go-to store is Zara, or clothes that I have on hand. I do this because sometimes models—particularly make up models—will show up in a wrinkled t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts because they miraculously forgot that you asked them to bring clothes.
It’s always great to have a styling bag on set. I mostly style men, so my bag includes accessories like pocket squares, and lapel flowers (which you can buy by the dozen on Amazon), a few bowties, a set of cufflinks (just in case), and three 1” A clamps which I will use to make the clothes appear more fitted to the model.
If you’re collaborating with a stylist, keep in mind that they need images for their feed and portfolio, too. So, while you’re shooting photos, make sure you capture images that will work for them too, by reviewing them together on the back of your camera or tethered computer.
And last but not least, I try to only shoot models shirtless if they forget their clothes or I have a preplanned great idea that isn’t just a ploy to get likes.
