How I Planned an International Photoshoot Part 1

Preparing for a successful photoshoot in and of itself takes a lot of work and dedicated time, but organizing one that’s over 5000 miles away presents even greater challenges. However, I was up for the task when I decided to hold one in Italy.

Given the significant financial commitment, meticulous planning was essential. Expenses included compensating the models, makeup artist, hairstylist, and photographers. The planning process involved coordinating travel and accommodations for the team, booking transportation, and selecting the perfect location. The experience of organizing a long-distance photoshoot was both exhilarating and incredibly rewarding.

When I got married in Venice in September of 2022, I fell in love with the work of our amazing photographers, Lucia and Luca from h4ph. So, about 5 months before my photoshoot, I contacted them to see if they’d be available for this shoot. Luckily they were free, and we started to make a plan together. Lucia was instrumental in coordinating everything, from securing models and a hair and makeup artist to organizing the travel logistics and the day’s schedule.

Initially, I considered Milan, a global hub for fashion and design, as the ideal setting for the shoot, especially with its world-class museums and stunning architecture. As a designer, this is a dream location for a photoshoot and to showcase my work. Coincidentally, the week I planned to visit coincided with Milan Fashion Week. Lucia expressed how challenging and chaotic the city of Milan would be due to Fashion Week. So, after much discussion, we all agreed Lake Como, only one hour from Milan, would be the perfect location for my photoshoot.

Now that the photoshoot felt like it was coming to life, my mind was flooding with design ideas. On top of having the opportunity to visit Lake Como, my dreams of a photoshoot in one of the most beautiful places in the world seemed surreal.

Models: Lucia sent me links to model portfolios from the Milan Fashion Model Agency and Instagram profiles of freelance models. From there, I was able to choose the models that I wanted to hire and who I thought best represented my brand. Once I picked the models, I was already envisioning the corsets I wanted to design for each of them.

Hair & Makeup Artist – I hired one artist for both services who was recommended by Lucia. Lucia sent me samples of her work and her Instagram profile and I was able to confirm that her style aligned with my brand, which was very elegant, sophisticated, and classy. That was the theme of my photoshoot.

By having the location, venue, dates, and models booked, I had enough inspiration to begin designing the story I wanted to tell. I received the models’ measurements, shopped for fabrics, trims, and supplies in Miami and NYC, and began making my collection. I worked tirelessly, sewing for 3 months straight. Once I finished sewing my designs, I styled each corset by building the look with a skirt, shoes, and jewelry.

Since Lucia was organizing the schedule, including the timing for makeup, hairstyles, and the start of the photoshoot, she requested photos of my finished corsets, selected skirts, and hair and makeup inspiration to create a detailed program. She also coordinated with the models about the specific nail colors I wanted them to have.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share the arrival of the team—including myself, the photographers, models, and hair and makeup artist—in beautiful Lake Como, Italy.