Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please consider clicking through them if you choose to make a purchase; this helps support my ability to run this blog. Thank you! All reviews are based on my honest opinion.

If you read my previous post on how to find and connect with photographers on Instagram, you’ve probably already made some progress. You’ve reached out to a few photographers and are using key hashtags to attract collaborations – now what?

Here are five essential tips to planning and executing a successful styled shoot, whether it’s a simple 1:1 or a multi-person affair:

Put in the time to plan together

If a photographer is a complete stranger, I like meeting for coffee first. This is a great opportunity to feel them out creatively, discuss ideas, and make sure you feel comfortable and safe working with them. It can be more difficult to coordinate if you have multiple people (hair and makeup artists, etc.) involved. A simple conference call also works well in getting a group on the same page.

Talk about the photo-sharing process and the shots you need to make the collaboration successful – do you need detail shots like the ones below, or flat lays? A collaboration is all about creating a mutually beneficial experience, so be up-front about what you need and ask what your collaborators are looking for too. Follow up with a Pinterest board, Google doc, or other place where you can bounce around ideas for location, wardrobe, character backstory, mood, etc. When it comes to the shoot day, you’ll all feel prepared and relaxed, you’ll be confident you’re getting what you need, and your investment in the shoot will show in the photos.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Wearing gold sandals from D.C.-based brand Laiik – Use code VANESSA10 for 10% off your order

Be an ideal collaborator

This goes beyond being professional and on time; it means knowing your stuff. Learn how to model well – it’s truly a skill that comes with practice. Research and volunteer location and concept ideas. Make sure you’re bringing equal value to the table. If you’re working with a large group of people on a styled shoot, there can be added pressure as everyone strives to get what they need from the collaboration. If you’re working with a large group of people on a styled shoot, there can be added pressure as everyone strives to get what they need from the collaboration, but be a team player.

If you’re a participant rather than the person planning the shoot, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself – especially in hair and makeup – but if your first choice for wardrobe was snagged by another model, roll with it. (Yes, even if you picked it out…) If the clothing arrives at the shoot and it’s four sizes too big – this happened to me! – ask who has dress clamps or tape. You can share constructive feedback with whomever planned the shoot later, but try not to put added stress or drama on the shoot. Your reputation is more important.

Communicate, communicate, communicate

Check in a week before the shoot to confirm details like number of outfits, shoot time, and location, and check in again the day before or morning of to confirm the meet time or say you’re on the way. If you aren’t able to post the photos for a few weeks, say so – don’t leave your photographer or other collaborators hanging, or worse, thinking you don’t like the end product.

Always credit everyone who was involved

Especially the photographer. If you post on Twitter and they’re not on Twitter – put their full name in your tweet. Link to portfolios, professional websites, and Instagram pages on your blog. If the location or clothing brand reposts you on Instagram but only credits you, tag the photographer in the comments.

Share the love!

Baltimore might be unique in that it’s a tight-knit creative community, but do what you can to nurture community in your city too. Everyone has the potential to work with everyone else at some point, so play nice and don’t be afraid to share settings for shoots, recommend other bloggers or models to photographers, and vice versa.

Follow me on Instagram @theprimpysheep for more stylish local events, travel, and fashion inspiration.

I hope these tips serve you well in your creative, collaborative journey! Do you have others you want to share? Let me know in the comments! Missed the first post in this series? Check it out here: What’s a collab? How to connect with photographers on Instagram.

Shop the Post

Photo Credit: Colin Dougherty