How to plan a model lifestyle shoot

For the first photoshoot I ever did with skincare brand Pinkslip Beauty, we worked with 2 models on location showcasing their clay mask products. This was such a great opportunity, as I love doing skincare and beauty shoots with models, especially on location since I’m working from the studio most of the time.

There were so many different details and logistics to take care of when planning this project. From talent casting to location scouting, preparing wardrobe and props, and planning all 12 shots in just under 2 hours, this was a whirlwind of a photoshoot! And here’s all it all came together.

about the client

Pinkslip Beauty is a skincare brand founded as a solution for those with sensitive and problematic skin.

All of their products are 100% vegan and cruelty free. Fresh natural ingredients such as seaweed, Vitamin C, and gardenia provide powerful healing and hydrating properties.

This particular shoot focused on their trio of hero products - the Clarifying Mask, the Hydrating Mask, and the Radiance Mask.

With themes of skincare, self care, self love, and self acceptance, it was important that the content carried these messages across.

Model Casting

The client specifically wanted to cast 2 female models that would very different from one another. I also made sure to ask them if they had any other preferences for ethnicity, age range, as well as their rates to make sure they would fit within the budget. We ended up casting Perri and Olga for this shoot. We loved that they both offered very diverse physical looks and had different skin types. This was beneficial in helping show how the product could be used on multiple people with different needs, and offered relatability to potential future consumers.

wardrobe + hair & make-up

Since this entire shoot had the theme of slowness, self care, and pampering, I wanted everything to have a light, soft, and minimal look. The wardrobe consisted of cozy loungewear and spa bathrobes. Since the client’s budget was a bit limited and the shoot’s focus was not on clothing, we decided to repeat the outfits over several shots.

Because the products are all clay face masks, we asked the models to come to the shoot with only their base make-up done. No foundation unless it was very light coverage, and no visible colored make-up (this is usually the direction I give for all skincare shoots). I also let them know that since they would be applying the mask in some shots to focus make-up on their eyes, brows, and lips only. Hair would be worn naturally.

location

We wanted a setting where we could create more of a lifestyle atmosphere so it seemed more fitting to shoot at a house rather than a photo studio.

The house we found had abundant natural light and neutral tone contemporary furnishings which suited Pinkslip Beauty’s brand.

By shooting in a house, we had access to a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, backyard, and bedroom, all of which we made use of. That way we could create content that showed more of a relatable lifestyle aesthetic, rather than just being aspirational.

The shooting plan that day was to spend the first hour photographing the shots of the models without the face mask applied. I also planned so that every time there was a wardrobe change, we would only photograph one model at a time. That way, the other model could be changing outfits and getting herself ready for her next shot.

Once the face masks were applied, we couldn’t go back to shooting anything with a bare face so it was of utmost importance to work from a shot list that day and triple check all shots!

I even also managed to create a few short form videos alongside the images in this 2 hour shoot! One video focused on quick cuts of a slow leisurely morning, depicting how the product could fit into a morning routine. The other was a more stylized concept, showing close-ups of the product, as well as detail shots of the application and removal. Each model was featured in their own video.

Truth be told, I was nervous going into this shoot. I felt we had so much content and a plethora of details to cover in such a short amount of time. I did feel a bit less anxious after having planned out every single detail I could think of, and Perri and Olga (the models) made shooting such a breeze that day. My best advice for busy and packed shoots like this is to plan as many details as possible beforehand. And to communicate as much as you can with the models before the shoot day as well. As part of preparation, I had sent both models a copy of their shot list, references of the location, and mood boards. In the end, both the client and I were very excited about the end results!

If you’re thinking about doing a model and/or lifestyle shoot for your brand, let’s connect!

For more details on this shoot, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how the images were styled, shot, and edited, please check out the vlog.

Interested in trying Pinkslip’s products for yourself? Have a look at their website.