While most folks are bathing in the heat of summer, somewhere on a beach or boat with a margarita in hand, brands need to already be thinking months ahead to the coming storm that is the Fall / Winter / Holiday season. Whether you have a new seasonal product line coming out (looking at you, clothing brands), the perfect campaign in mind to turn some heads, or you just desperately need fresh, new content of your well-known best-selling products before the holiday rush begins, now is the time to get ahead of the game for your content needs. In a perfect world, you would have already shot Fall back in Spring (while it was still nice and cool outside), but we know that’s not the case for most brands. As you begin to plan ahead for your Fall photoshoot this year, here’s a list of helpful tips to keep you on track. Don’t forget to check it twice.

1. Location: Fall and Winter have a very noticeable look that we all know well; cooler colors, gloomy skies, empty trees, snow, fire, etc. That sunflower field is definitely not in bloom. When shooting a seasonal photoshoot during a totally different season, you need to make sure you choose a location that fits the bill as best as possible. One that offers the closest look and feel, but most importantly one that won’t have your diehard customers scratching their heads. Color and overall mood can certainly be adjusted in post production, but if your hunting audience sees a flower in the background that they know only blooms in summer, you’re caught red-handed. For example, the Pacific northwest is a great option for capturing that wintery look and feel even in the dead of summer. Plus, there’s not a model in the world that wants to wear your sherpa lined jacket in 100 degrees heat. Trust me, been there, seen it… it’s miserable.

2. Talent: Again, keeping with the look and feel of the cooler months is imperative to a successful shoot, and the talent you select is a big part of this. When the days are colder and shorter, we often have a tendency to pull back from our strict workout routines that lead into summertime. Maybe we forget to shave as often. Or maybe even better, we let the beard go wild (we swear it’s for added warmth). Keep this in mind when you’re pulling that list of potential talent this year and pick the guy who makes you think, “oh yea, that’s a lumberjack who drinks his bourbon neat.” The persona will easily resonate with your audience, both men and women.

3. Curate a realistic shot-list: This one always gets me. I can’t tell you how many shot lists I’ve been handed ahead of a shoot and have to think to myself, “this is completely unrealistic.” I know the location, talent, budget, and timeframe, and based on those things I know there’s no way we’re getting similar shots to the ones requested. When you’re dreaming up your Fall photoshoot this year, be realistic as you dig for inspiration. If not, you’ll just be comparing your results to another brand that shot things in a completely different scenario.

4. Add an extra day (or two) to your shoot: There are two important reasons for this. First, weather. That one’s obvious. Second, create a relaxed and productive environment. I’ve worked with many clients who have tried to stuff an entire seasonal line into 1-2 days, fully knowing it should take 3-4 days, and I promise you it is awful. For the photographer, for the talent, for the assistants, for everyone. Things will get missed, items will be out of focus, and your talent will clearly look tired. And all of these things will show in the final results. Be thoughtful for those working with you and give enough buffer to make sure everything goes great. As my father always says, “do it right, the first time.”

5. Bring multiple clothing racks: While this may sound simple, I’ve seen too many brands show up with their product in just boxes or bags. It’s one big, guaranteed, wrinkled mess. Even if you’re not a clothing brand, you’ll be making outfit changes all day for different scenes and you always want your next outfit to be perfectly ready, plus a place to put all of your used items. It’ll keep you organized and not guessing if you have or haven’t shot an item.

6. Choose the right photographer: This may be hard to swallow for a lot of photographers especially, but there’s a huge difference in cool photos and useful photos. When it comes time for your brand to select the right photographer for your upcoming photoshoot, be sure they have a clear understanding of how these photos will actually be used for things like website banners, ads, email campaigns, blogs, product shots, print, POP, trade show displays, billboards, packaging, and of course, social media. As you put together your Fall campaign, the last thing you want is to be missing the correct assets, in turn causing delays to your perfectly curated roll out.
   

Does your brand need help with a Fall photoshoot? Click below to learn more about why Iris Outdoors Co is the right choice to get the job done for you this year. And don’t delay, Fall will be here before you know it.