As you grow your reselling business, there may come a time when you decide to up-level your product photography by having your items modeled for listing photos. This could be by working with a professional model, or working with a friend or colleague to model the clothing.
Whether you sell clothing and want to take great modeled shots for your Poshmark closet, or you sell other items and want to take great lifestyle shots for your Amazon or eBay listing, these tips will help you to work with your model to achieve excellent results.
But of course, it can also be a lot of pressure to take this next step in your business. You may feel that you don’t know enough about organizing a photo shoot and working with a model (and perhaps a photographer). Here, we have tips for you on how to approach these situations so you can hit the ground running.
Building Rapport
Photography is all about capturing the emotion and feeling of a moment. Therefore it’s crucial to focus on that aura before you take the photographs.
Being comfortable with the person in your photographs is perhaps the number one most important element to getting great shots.
Learn to initiate conversations and really listen to the model’s perspective. Before putting your camera on to her or him, engage in conversation, and aim to get to know each other a little better. Putting in the effort to ensure that communication is flowing in both directions is crucial to build rapport.
It’s important to include some small-talk and show interest. This is the same for any person you are partnering with, but it’s even more important in the environment of a photo shoot, when you need the photos to help sell your items.
Be Transparent About Your Work Style
Every photo shoot is different. Some shoots may be fast-paced, with multiple backdrops, different lighting, lenses, and all sorts of other complexities. Some involve props or crazy costumes. Whether it is in a studio, outdoor, or in a candid setting such as an apartment, the approach will be different.
It’s important to create as much comfort as possible in the beginning. If a model is unsure how you want to work through the shoot, then she or he may feel slightly uncomfortable the first time you work together.
Try to clearly outline how you want the day to flow. What cameras and lenses are you using? What lighting? Props? How many different settings? Will you be pausing periodically to check the outcome together on a computer before continuing?
There are many variables that contribute to the workflow. Try to be specific about how you want things to go. It’s fine if you don’t really know – just be transparent about that too.
Explain Your Vision
No matter how experienced a model is, she or he cannot read minds. Every photographer or entrepreneur that they work with has a different approach and is looking for a different outcome. However, you need to trust the expertise of your model and her or his ability to bring your vision to life. This can only happen if you accurately explain what you are looking for.
Try to describe in detail what you are hoping to achieve with the photos. How do you want your customers to feel when they see the image? What features do you want to highlight in the item that is being modeled? What is your brand, and how do you communicate it with your marketing?
Invite perspectives from the models you are working with; combining your vision with their experience can lead to a powerful approach.
Feedback is Good, but Don’t Criticize
Since the aura in the room is core to the outcome of a photoshoot, it’s critically important not to damage that aura or rapport throughout your time working with a model. If you are unhappy with how a shoot is progressing, don’t criticize.
Practice careful constructive feedback. Use phrases such as “Let’s try it this way”, as opposed to “Don’t do that”. Give compliments on the things that you do like, and try to mold the things that you don’t like through lighthearted communication.
Always work toward a positive ambiance. This will impact the end result more than anything.
Plan for Regular Breaks
Photo shoots can be exhausting. Make sure to take care of everyone involved, and offer regular breaks. The results will really show it if everyone is tired toward the end of your shoot.
If you are eager to power through, there are many things you could use the time for while others are taking a quick break. Check over the last shots. Check the lighting, the angles, the framing, the camera settings. You can take some time to load the photos onto a laptop to examine them on a larger screen.
Either way, make sure to plan for breaks, regardless of whether you personally feel it is needed. By giving everyone time to take a breather, you will really help to make the most out of the time when the camera is clicking.
Don’t forget to have some water on the set or location too!
You got this!
Having a good relationship and camaraderie with the person in front of your camera will have a huge impact on the outcome. Having strong and open communication is crucial to ensure your vision and work style are fully understood by everyone involved.
Perhaps most importantly of all – try to have fun!
Getting to work with people with a variety of amazing talents is one of the things that makes running a business so fulfilling for a lot of people. Building strong partnerships is also the way we can really reach the next level in your reselling business.
Enjoy it, and good luck!
We hope you found this useful. If you did, make sure to check out our free ebook to help you to increase sales in your online reselling business.
Have you ever worked with someone to model your items before? How did it go? Let us know in the comments below!
