·         Think of a concept to base the shoot around.  What backgrounds, props and colours make your designs look best?  How do other designers advertise to your core market?

·         Choose good models.  Models who can pose consistently and intelligently can really lift a shoot and help provide that extra 'pop' to a picture.

·         Hire an MUA and hair stylist.  Both of these people will help create a professional image.

·         A well-connected photographer will be able to quickly put together a professional team of creatives to support your vision.

·         Storyboard your ideas to help manage the studio time effectively.  Aim for two styles – simple full-length pictures  showing all your designs clearly and more artistic pictures for your website homepage, marketing flyers and large banners for trade shows etc.

·         If the photographer uses a fully digital workflow, you can get instant feedback on how the shoot is progressing, and make changes accordingly.  This gives you the confidence that your time and money are being used effectively.

·         Don't bring too many people.  Photo shoots can attract 'hangers on', and yet are busy and cramped affairs, and only those absolutely essential should attend.

·         Promotion.  By now, you will have invested a lot of time and money in creating some very strong images.  Can you maximise payback here by offering these to fashion websites and magazines as editorials etc?

by Andy Espin