Photoshoot Myth vs. Fact

When you think of a photoshoot, you think glamour, perfection, ease, models, amazing wardrobe, gorgeous sets, etc. Well, that's not how it is all the time. In fact, that's rarely how it is. With over 30 years of combined experience, we've done thousands of photoshoots. Let's talk about photoshoot myths vs. facts.

Myth #1: The wardrobe is perfectly made and perfectly fits the subject. Reality:

Wardrobe is absolute magic and can be crafted, shaped, and pinned to look perfect on camera. Sometimes it's a designer dress and sometimes it's a draped piece of fabric — both can look equally elegant. - We use a ton of sample garments from designers. Sometimes the designers had to the throw the pieces together to make their fashion week runway deadlines. They look great on the outside, but not always what you expect on the inside. There could be pins holding things together. We once saw duct tape holding the inside of a bodice together. (That's right, silver duct tape!) But the photos looked fantastic! - Sometimes the garments are too big or too small for the subject. We will sew and pin women into dresses or use clips on the garment if necessary. - That super tall model may not actually be that tall. They could be in giant platform heels and standing on a box. - We are masters at making wardrobe look like it's perfect!

- We use a ton of sample garments from designers. Sometimes the designers had to the throw the pieces together to make their fashion week runway deadlines. They look great on the outside, but not always what you expect on the inside. There could be pins holding things together. We once saw duct tape holding the inside of a bodice together. (That's right, silver duct tape!) But the photos looked fantastic!

- Sometimes the garments are too big or too small for the subject. We will sew and pin women into dresses or use clips on the garment if necessary.

- That super tall model may not actually be that tall. They could be in giant platform heels and standing on a box.

- We are masters at making wardrobe look like it's perfect!

Myth #2: The set is absolutely perfect. You could take anything and put it directly into your home.

Reality:

Sets aren't created to be lived in — they're created to live from the camera's point of view. So as long as it looks good from the front, you're set.

- Often we only paint one side or half of the things to save time and resources.

- The walls might have tape or other defects in person that get Photoshopped out later.

- We will hand-make props and other things that, although they look great in the final images, may actually be spray-painted kids toys or made from Home Depot materials.

- A lot of times camera and editing tricks are used. So, in real life it might just look like a bush or have imperfections — but on camera it's magic.

Myth #3: Shooting on location is a breeze and the subjects are completely comfy.
Reality:

We’ve shot all over the world and in all kinds of climates and terrains. Some of the things we have learned about these types of shoots:

- You might get sunburns, chigger or mosquito bites, or spend the day wet and cold or hot and sweaty.

- The subject may get a piggyback ride to the location because of wardrobe or terrain problems.

- Sometimes the location requires a few miles of hiking.

- Sometimes it's up a nearly 90 degree incline with mid-calf deep sand you'll be finding in your shoes forever.

- We also make sure that the team and client's safety is the top priority. You will never be asked to do something that you're uncomfortable with. It's just that sometimes the final image looks much more elegant than in the real-life process. (Like how those favorite heels look fabulous but aren't always the comfiest!)

Myth #4: Celebrities and models have no imperfections, and are visually flawless.

Reality:

-Professionally applied makeup, hair, wardrobe, lighting, and posing gives near visual perfection. Post production does the rest.

-Even celebrities don't look like that. They need a professional team to look like the images we see on social media, magazines, and on TV.

- When you have your own glam squad (Us!), anything is possible.

Myth #5: Photo editing just takes a few clicks, a filter, and it's done!

Reality:

While that might be true for some photographers, we specialize in a truly bespoke experience.

- Each image is edited by hand and the process is closer to that of completing a painting than it is using an Instagram filter.

- Nothing ends up in the final image without it being 'supposed' to be there.

- Every distraction is removed, skin is realistically smoothed, hair is perfected, and the lighting is enhanced to bring out your best features.

- Once everything is perfected, coloring is applied in individual layers that are hand-painted in.

- Finally, your images are sharpened and finalized. The whole process can take anywhere from 30 minutes per image to hours per image — each portrait is handcrafted with love.