STYLING • PHOTOSHOOTS
Ready for your closeup.
The art and fun of photoshoots.
Some of the most fun and rewarding work days are dedicated to photo shoots, but as “the final act” of a project, a photoshoot can also be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. It’s when all of your hard work along with the work of your valued partners is documented in a way that must be dynamic enough to tell the story of the project. Having just completed our first major photoshoot, one major takeaway is that it pays to hire the best - if your gut is telling you to spend a little more and go with the higher bid, do it. A photoshoot is not the place to skimp. The right photographer and stylist make an intense and potentially draining process so validating and exciting, and their talents are obvious in every shot. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak.
As with any major undertaking in life, assembling the right team is the first and most important step to successfully executing whatever goals you have.
This is a good opportunity for me to mention that we hit a home run on our first major photoshoot with “King” Stephen Karlisch (as I lovingly refer to him) and Frances Bailey (throw toss, five-second floral, and bathtub bubble stylist extraordinaire). We could not have found more dedicated, talented and passionate professionals.
A bit about our process for this first big photoshoot and how we navigated some perceived obstacles:
Since our chosen team wasn’t at all geographically close, we FaceTimed several times over several months to discuss direction, angles, the overall mood we wanted to achieve, and the direction we were heading. One of the best foundation conversations early on centered on the intention for the final photography. As with any great adventure, it is important that everyone involved know the intended destination before the start. Intentions are expressed and set, dreams are conveyed, and the shared vision is crystal clear. Very early in our initial conversations, I imparted to everyone that this particular project was headed for national publication. And there it was – the big lofty goal. Be Involved. Be Present. Be IN it. I chose to be very hands on – Frances loves me for this (I promise!) and I sure do love her for putting up with my art direction and my dogged pursuit of perfection.
I know Frances and Stephen understood how connected to this project I was and how much it meant to me to be so involved with many of the shots. I was constantly tweaking, questioning, and putting myself “in” the images, and I am incredibly grateful to have worked with a team so gracious as to collaborate and allow room for input. However, I also loved that the team was so talented, and I could have the confidence to step back and say “I am going to take your lead here.” Maybe something isn’t styled quite like I would have styled it, or an angle isn’t quite what I would have chosen, BUT remember I hired those I feel are among the best, and the resulting images are exactly as they should be. Their talent, commitment, and passion were just a few of the reasons I chose to work with them. So…you must be able to step back and say “I trust.” It’s hard, but so very worth it. Turning over the reins often leads to the best results when the right professionals are on board.
This client graciously opened their home to us for a week. This is no small request, and also requires trust. It is difficult to dismantle a project that has only recently come together for the sake of the perfect shot. I shared with the client very early on and in reference to the photoshoot – “This is not something you will want to be present for.” Thankfully, they chose to roll with it as they had with their whole home, right down to the linens and dinnerware. We turned the client’s home upside down to capture every single design “moment” within those walls. Seeing the work through the lens of the camera changes everything. Quite literally, so much has to shift and adjust to create the perfect shot.
A day in the life.
Most days, we began our day at 7am with coffee and then promptly began styling and shooting. Notice I did not mention breakfast – lesson learned! Perhaps enlist the services of a great catering service when the shoot list is long and the time is limited. We would often break for a quick lunch, and finish for the day between 7 and 8pm. Long hard days, but so gratifying. Thankfully, I didn’t sit back and answer emails or take phone calls. I remain grateful to have been present with this immensely talented team and throughout the process. While I believe fully in hiring the right people and letting them do their work, I also think in work like this creative direction and involvement from the designer is vital.
Thank you to everyone involved with documenting this work to share with the world. Literally, the world – at least that is my goal. Understand where you are headed. Trust your teammates. Feel all the big feelings and allow yourself to experience joy in your journey. The little moments along the way are often the biggest gifts. Head over to highlights on Instagram to see more behind the scenes.
