Behind the Scenes of a Spring Fashion Shoot
This is one day on a recent spring fashion shoot. Scroll through the six stops below.
Want to shoot at any of these with Dante's Models? Book a session or apply to be represented.
Pre-Dawn Studio Setup
Long before the model arrives, the studio is busy. Grip and electric teams are rigging lights, setting up backdrops and taping down cables. The stylist's racks are overflowing, and makeup artists lay out their palettes for the first look of the day.
Bring a fully charged power bank for your phone. Outlets are hard to get.
Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe
This is where the idea starts to take shape. The creative director goes over the mood board with the hair and makeup artists, while the stylist pairs accessories with the first looks. Brushes, pins and garment bags, all aimed at the spring look.
Stay out of the hair and makeup chairs' line of sight and respect their process.
First Shots on Set
The photographer guides the model through poses and angles while the creative team stands around the monitor and gives feedback. For this spring shoot we used natural light from large studio windows, softened with diffusion.
Anticipate the photographer's next move to get candid behind-the-scenes shots.
Location Shift and Lunch
After a productive morning we moved to an outdoor location, a sunny rooftop in Dumbo with the city skyline behind it. Lunch is a needed pause. The team gets an energy boost and a chance to decompress before the afternoon.
Always grab a water bottle. Dehydration on set is real, especially outdoors.
Golden Hour
This is the part of the day photographers wait for. The sun drops, the sky goes gold and rose, and the set gets quiet. You work fast and make sure every frame counts. I remember one shoot where a gust of wind caught a model's silk scarf at just the right moment.
Watch the director's reactions. They often signal a 'hero' shot in the making.
The Wrap
When the last light fades, the wrap call goes out. Gear is packed, clothes are bagged and everyone says goodbye. Everyone is tired, and pleased with the images.
Always offer a hand with packing up. It is a small gesture that goes a long way.
That's the inside look. Save this one for your next shoot.
And when you're ready to create something real in NYC, you know where to find us.
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Fashion and editorial photography for brands, designers, and models in NYC.
NYC Fashion & Editorial Photographer