5 Tips for a Successful Boutique Photo Shoot

Boutique Photo Shoot

Have you ever wondered how my shoots with LTD7 go? Amazing, of course! Well, truthfully, it isn’t always as easy as it looks. There is a lot of planning and coordinating that goes into making sure the shoot goes smoothly. Chrissy, the owner of LTD7, and I have to choose:

• A location; taking into consideration the “style” of the outfits 
• Each of the outfits for the models; showcasing the variety of sizes and styles
• The overall flow of the shoot; which is key to a successful shoot

Today, I want to share an “inside look” into our shoots and 5 tips on how to have a successful boutique photoshoot! LTD7 is a local boutique located in Staunton, Virginia and it has been my go-to boutique for over a year now. I am super thankful for the opportunity to shoot with them each season, showcasing their new clothes for the store. The clothes in this blog post are part of their Spring Collection! So, grab some wine, read a little, and if you want, do a little shopping. Make sure to check out their boutique at https://ltd7online.com/  

Tip #1 – Make a Mood Board

Before every shoot, Chrissy and I hop on Pinterest! We both pin ideas and inspiration to a shared board. After we have picked the location, we know exactly the “style” of shoot we are looking for. We look at what accessories to add to each outfit, what poses will look best, etc.! We don’t always follow the board exactly, but we have an idea of what we want. I have referred to our board many times during our shoots, it really comes in handy! Making a mood board or gathering ideas and sharing them with your photographer/client, can be super helpful at the beginning of every shoot!

Here is a screenshot of our board!

Tip #2 – Location Matters

When choosing a location, I try to not only search for gorgeous spots, but ones that fit within our mood board. Chrissy and I also have to take into consideration when choosing our venue: parking for the models, restrooms or area for changing outfits, traffic volume, and their business hours (if shooting inside a local business that services patrons.) I have learned a lot in the past year, by doing these shoots, and this tip is the most important by far. If you are a photographer, you KNOW, light matters! So, when I location scout, I make sure that the venue has a good mix of shade, indoor options with natural light, and of course, epicness. Chrissy and I decide, out of the list venues that I like to shoot at, which one will work best with the clothes. I like to work with venues that we can promote their business as well! I am all about the community and collaboration! Next time you location scout, look a little closer at the venue, to make sure it checks off all your boxes!

Tip #3 – Set a Date, or Two!

When picking a date for the shoot, there are a lot of steps involved. First, we have to make sure that the venue that we have chosen is available that day. Second, we have to make sure that all of our models agree on that day. Next step, choosing a time frame that works for our models, and me! I am a natural light photographer, and like most photographers, I prefer shooting during or around “golden hour.” The last step, making sure that it isn’t going to rain. Of course, no one can “plan” the weather, but we try our best to hope for no rain and plan a “back-up” rain date for each of our big shoots. Rain or shine, we always make the most of it!

Tip #4 – Pump Up your Models!

Chances are, your models don’t do this very often, some might not even enjoy being in front of the camera. As the photographer, you have to PRAISE them, pump them up!! Tell them that they are absolutely killing it! Just like every session I have, it is my #1 goal to make everyone feel beautiful – because YOU ARE! There is nothing more beautiful than a happy, confident woman – or couple, or family. I love to make people happy! That is one of the reasons why I became a photographer! I enjoy these sessions so much, from the start these ladies have been incredible to work with – full of energy and sparkle! At the beginning of the shoot, they might need a little confidence boost (that is where I come in), but by the end, they are shining!!

Tip #5 – Have Confidence in Yourself

You got this! Whether you are reading this and you are in front – being the model or behind the camera – like me!, have confidence in what you are doing! I get nervous before every shoot – like stomach knots and everything. No lie. It is okay to feel like this! Before I get out of my car though, I take a deep breath and say, “you’ve got this!” I greet my girls, get them excited about how much fun we are going to have, I do my thang, and BAM! We have successfully shoot! Just like that, all the planning, the coordinating, it is all comes together! 

Now, let’s get to the good part – the end result!! I hope you guys have enjoyed these tips. Thanks so much for reading! <3 Enjoy & Happy Shopping!

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