From Prep to Shoot: My Fashion Workflow
WRITTEN BY KAROL @THECREATIVE.SITE
Lights, camera… days of preparation.
As a fashion photographer in Paris, every campaign I shoot is more than just pressing the shutter button — it’s a story of meticulous planning, creative decisions, and logistic precision. In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of a recent fashion campaign session — from prep to post — to show you just how much goes into making those final, flawless images you see on your screen.
Step 1: Pre-Production – The Invisible Half of Every Shoot
Before a single photo is taken, the groundwork begins days in advance.
- Client Brief & Moodboard: Once the client greenlights the creative direction, we finalize the outfits, approve the moodboard, and confirm the model.
- Wardrobe Hunt: Sometimes, a missing element — like a unique accessory or dress — requires a spontaneous city trip to complete the look.
- Scheduling & Coordination: Aligning the model’s time, ideal light hours, and location access is a logistical puzzle that must fit together perfectly.
- Equipment Prep: Cameras, backup cameras, batteries, tripods, softboxes, reflectors, microphones, and even helmets for transport — all checked, packed, and ready to go.
💬 “People often see a 4-hour session but don’t see the 2 days of preparation behind it. Every detail matters — and each one takes time.”
Step 2: The Shoot Day – Creative Energy Meets Execution
The campaign shoot typically covers multiple outfits and locations. Each spot is carefully chosen to align with the brand’s story and aesthetic. Even simple transitions — like getting a coffee or waiting for a model to change outfits — become moments to rest, reflect, and refuel creative energy.
From scouting light to directing poses and capturing natural motion, I strive to create scenes that feel editorial yet effortless. Working closely with the model and assistant ensures we stay efficient while making space for spontaneous magic to happen.
Step 3: Packing, Cleaning, Moving – The Unseen Effort
After each location, there’s clean-up, repacking, and often a fast commute to the next spot. When you’re shooting outdoors, the whole city becomes your studio — but with that comes the added challenge of carrying, assembling, and protecting all the gear in real-time.
And yet, it’s all worth it when everything clicks:
The model, the light, the location, and the emotion — all in sync.
What Clients Often Don’t See
Many don’t realize that what they book as a “4-hour photoshoot” actually takes 2+ days of full involvement, including:
- Creative consultation
- Styling and shopping
- Location planning
- Equipment prep
- Shoot execution
- Gear handling
- Post-shoot wrap-up
Each project is a creative investment — not just in time but in heart, vision, and energy. That’s what makes a professional campaign stand out.
Final Thoughts
This session was a reminder of why I love what I do. From the client’s kind words to the model’s energy to the final golden-hour frames — it was one of those shoots where everything aligned beautifully.
If you’re a brand looking for high-impact, well-crafted photography that tells your story with heart and edge — let’s connect.
Ready to elevate your next fashion campaign, lifestyle collection, or e-commerce visuals?
📩 Get in touch today: Karol@thecreative.site
📷 Explore more work: thecreative.site
🌍 Follow the journey: @thecreative.site
🎥 Watch the Full BTS Vlog Here
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