Planning - how much or how little

[Balenciaga]

All shoots for fashion are planned to the last detail..I have never known it otherwise. The Photographer who has been commissioned by the magazine or fashion house will have been invited to submit his or her ideas for the shoot and these are discussed by the art director/stylist and client i.e The House of CHANEL, The House of DIOR etc even down to the high street fashion companies every detail is mapped out, TED BAKER is a case in point they really plan everything out.

Locations are discussed and submitted for approval. Stylists and AD's establish the theme or story board in some cases. Hair and Make Up if they know whats what research suitable looks or develop them blending colours specially for the occaision if needs be, pictures are taken and samples of colours are kept and logged for the Stylist and AD to approve..

In my opinion as an assistant MUA (Flunkie) I find my preparation is exhaustive, I carry so much additonal kit and try to cover every eventuality..I have never worked with a photographer who has done less..Time is money and the client isnt paying for indecision..

Bal

[xavier]

Franckly planning for any sort of shoot is so inportant in everything from concept to to execution. The trouble I have found is no matter how well you plan I have allways forgot sumething so i have started makeing check lists, silly I know but it beats being on location and finding you forgot sumething

[Kev. B]

I feel planning is a must particularly for fashion photography where you have the possibility of controling every aspect of the image you produce. After all creative photography is like painting using the light as your paint, A good photo is made long before the shutter button is pressed.