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Sometimes I have a love hate relationship with my job. And my favourite love-to-hate and hate-to-love part?
PHOTOSHOOTS.
Why I love photoshoots It is probably the MOST FUN part of running a fashion store. Getting to play dress up and styling the models is super fun especially when you're hyped up and excited about the new upcoming designs and soon-to-be-released pieces!
We do both studio and outdoor shoots. Studio shoots are great because once you get the lighting set up properly, you don't have to fuss over the technicalities too much. Plus, there's aircon!
It's much less tiring in a sense because you just need to stay put in one location, but also more tiring because we tend to plan a lot more outfits to be shot in one session as opposed to outdoor lookbooks where you really can't be too ambitious and you're exposed to all kinds of external factors that may affect a shoot.
For instance.. Rain is the number one outdoor shoot spoiler!
Why I hate photoshoots:
They are SO SO SO SO SO SO tiring like you cannot imagine! It's both mental and physical.
Prep work for a shoot usually involves the following:
1. Deciding which pieces to shoot
2. Style all the pieces in interesting and fashionable ways
3. Steam iron all the apparel
During shoot:
1. Decide/do hair and makeup for model
2. Set up studio lights/scout for outdoor location
3. Take as many good frames as possible within stipulated time because models are paid by the hour and the longer you take, the more expensive it's gonna be
4. Constantly ensure that model looks good in frames.
At the same time, you have to engage the model mentally as well because it can be seen in the frames if your model is "switching off".
Outdoor shoots are trickier because you have to take so many things into account. Location, props, lighting.. And our crazy weather means that everyone is gonna be breaking out into a sweat even before the shoot starts for real.
We also have to find makeshift places for our model to change in and out of outfits: there isn't always a toilet. Ok, one more thing I hate about outdoor shoots is I always end up two shades darker and I tan so easily!!!! That sucks.
And sometimes... WE ARE LIKE LIVE FEED FOR MOSQUITOES. I counted ten over bites on my legs last shoot. No joke. But why I love photoshoots again and go through them week on week on week..
SEEING THE END RESULTS MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT!
When I sit down at my computer and review/edit/touch up the images, I magically forget how tiring and stressful it was.
I'm blessed with a job that I'm passionate about, and that's what matters the most :)
Here's a little shout-out to some of the most wonderful people behind this particular shoot, it's definitely one of my favourites and absolutely worth every bit of sweat, blood and tears! Thank you!
PS. We were standing on a slope, hence the funny crookedness. Haha!
***
Models: Cherri, Kel, myself
Makeup and hair by Marie Soh & Zann Thiang
Styling/Set-up by MerryLove Weddings
Artisanal Bakes by The Artisan's Apron
Hand bouquets by Terra The Florist
Photography by Nic Loh
This dress is one of my proudest creations on TheVelvetDolls. With bridesmaids in mind, I wanted something minimalistic, feminine, and yet dreamy! Thus, a simple cut-in neckline, and that gorgeous tulle skirting.
Love this rainbow palette and looking forward to our next shoot with the new soon-to-be-released colors!
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