Introduction
Collaborating with Aleza for their Hope Island brand shoot was a dream realised.
Aleza’s signature embroidered white cotton tops deserved a setting that could match their elegance and simplicity, and Hope Island offered just that. But a successful photoshoot doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the culmination of months of thoughtful planning, team collaboration, and creativity.
This deep dive into the Aleza shoot will cover every stage, from initial discussions to post-production. Along the way, I’ll share insights, lessons learned, and advice for photographers and brands aiming to undertake a similar project.
15 Days Before the Photoshoot
The idea of collaborating with Aleza had been simmering for months. In June, I’d sent a hopeful message to Sharon at Aleza, saying, “Dreaming about collabing with you 🤩.” While they weren’t ready then, I kept the conversation alive. This persistence eventually led to the opportunity to create something special.
When Aleza agreed to the collaboration, planning began immediately. First, I needed to assemble a team. I started a group chat, bringing together the models and brand owner, Sharon. The energy in the chat was contagious:
- “Welcome Ocean!!” I wrote as each person joined.
- “Mads, good to be working with you again!!”
- “Sri, glad to have you join us for a fun photoshoot!”
The group’s excitement set the tone for the shoot. Everyone was eager to contribute, and the chat became a hub for logistics, ideas, and encouragement.
10 Days Before
Aleza Clothing’s brand identity shaped every decision. Their tops exude understated elegance, so the setting needed to complement, not compete with, the clothing. Hope Island offered lush greenery, serene waters, and natural light—a perfect backdrop.
Reaching out to models involved a mix of Instagram DMs and referrals. Ocean, Mads, Sri, and Marisa were carefully selected for their professionalism and alignment with Aleza’s aesthetic. This selection process is critical for any brand shoot:
- Photographers: Choose models who can bring your vision to life and who align with the brand’s style.
- Brands: Work with your photographer to ensure the team reflects your identity.
7 Days Before
Coordination intensified as the shoot approached. In the group chat, we finalised call times, wardrobe details, and shot lists. Clear communication was essential to ensure everyone knew what to expect.
A mood board was shared to keep everyone aligned. It featured inspiration images, lighting ideas, and examples of poses that highlighted movement and texture—key to capturing Aleza’s airy, elegant vibe.
For brands planning shoots, this phase is crucial:
- Share a detailed brief with your photographer and team.
- Set clear expectations for image usage, compensation, and tagging.
Day of the Shoot
The shoot started early to take advantage of the soft morning light. Efficiency was critical with only a few hours to capture everything before lunchtime.
- Lighting: Aleza’s white embroidered tops posed a challenge—they could easily wash out in bright light. I used a mix of on- and off-camera flash to create catchlights and add dimension. Reflectors softened shadows and highlighted the fabric’s intricate details.
- Teamwork: Each model brought their unique energy to the shoot. Ocean’s relaxed confidence, Mads’ vibrant poses, Sri’s grace, and Marisa’s charm created a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere.
- Behind the Scenes: While we didn’t have a dedicated videographer, I captured video clips to complement the photos. Using Davinci Resolve for stabilisation later turned these into polished snippets perfect for social media.
Lessons Learned
Every shoot offers room for improvement. Reflecting on the Aleza shoot, I identified key takeaways:
- Bring More Reflectors: While we managed with what we had, additional reflectors could have enhanced lighting control.
- Hire a Photography Assistant: Having someone to handle reflectors, off-camera flashes, and equipment would have streamlined the process.
- Consider a Videographer: Professional, steady behind-the-scenes footage can elevate a brand’s marketing materials.
Post-Shoot Reflection
The photos were shared with the models and Aleza Clothing, allowing everyone to use and promote them freely. This collaboration-based approach fosters goodwill and maximises exposure. However, it’s worth considering exclusivity agreements in certain cases:
- Brands: If you prefer to keep photos private or limit tagging, consider compensating the team with payment or product offerings.
- Photographers: Be transparent about usage rights upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
The final images captured the essence of Aleza’s designs—elegant, timeless, and uniquely Australian. Reviewing the photos, I felt immense pride in what we’d achieved as a team.
Common Questions Brands Ask Photographers
- How do you choose the right photographer for our brand? Look for a photographer whose portfolio aligns with your vision. Their previous work should reflect the style and quality you’re aiming for.
- What’s the best way to involve models in a shoot? Transparency is key. Share details about the shoot’s purpose, usage rights, and any compensation upfront. Collaborative shoots thrive on mutual trust.
- How do you ensure the shoot reflects our brand? Pre-production is vital. Mood boards, detailed briefs, and open communication help translate your vision into reality.
- What equipment do you bring? I typically use a DSLR, prime lenses, and lighting tools like flashes and reflectors. For Aleza, natural light played a starring role, enhanced by these tools.
- How long does it take to deliver the final images? Editing times vary. For Aleza, I aimed for a two-week turnaround, ensuring every image met the highest standard.
Advice for Photographers
- Start Early: Building relationships with brands takes time. Be persistent, professional, and genuine.
- Stay Organised: Group chats and shared documents keep everyone aligned.
- Be Adaptable: Every shoot presents challenges. Stay flexible and creative in finding solutions.
Advice for Brands
- Choose Collaborators Wisely: Align your team with your brand’s identity.
- Invest in Pre-Production: A well-planned shoot saves time and ensures consistency.
- Value the Team: Compensation, whether monetary or through products or freely sharing the images, shows respect for everyone’s contributions.
Closing Thoughts
The Aleza Clothing branding shoot at Hope Island was more than just a morning of photography—it was a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and storytelling.
From the detailed planning stages to the final delivery of images, every step reflected the shared vision of everyone involved.
For photographers and brands alike, the key to a successful shoot is preparation, communication, and a commitment to excellence.
Massive thanks to our models
https://www.instagram.com/sri_jahnavi
https://www.instagram.com/m.m.a.c_0