A continuous grey background sounds like a simple brief. Across a clothing collection, the work is in keeping the photographs connected while giving each garment the views it needs.

This was my fourth shoot with Helen Design. We discussed the direction beforehand, prepared the clothing and worked from the shooting list Helen and her team had put together. The session at ICON Studio was built around that preparation.

Agree on the photographs before the shoot

Helen requested a seamless grey background. We also discussed what to highlight in the collection and the overall feeling of the images, so the background was one part of a clearer brief.

For a new e-commerce shoot, start with where the images will appear and which views you need. An overall view, a closer detail and a campaign image serve different purposes. Deciding that beforehand makes the shot list more useful than simply listing the products.

Prepare the clothing in shooting order

We had the clothing steamed and ready, with outfits and products organised by priority. That kept the next item available instead of interrupting the shoot to search for it.

If you are preparing your own collection, group the pieces in the planned order and keep the matching accessories with them. Leave space in the schedule for changing, checking and adjusting each look.

Behind the scenes of our e-commerce photoshoot in Icon Studio

Keep the light and background consistent

The grey setting needed to work across the series. I checked and adjusted the lighting through the session to keep it aligned with the agreed look.

Consistency is useful when photographs will sit next to one another on a product page. The light also has to show the garment: a setup that works for an overall view may need adjustment for a closer look at a detail. The aim is a connected collection with enough information in each image.

Use the shot list to check what is covered

Helen and her team supplied their own shooting list. We photographed the items one by one and checked them off as we worked.

We had also discussed which elements deserved attention, including the fabric, fit and overall look. That gave the framing and posing a purpose beyond making another attractive photograph.

For a new shoot, I would include the item reference, required views and any important detail on the list. It gives the team a way to see what is complete and what still needs attention.

Choose the studio for the brief

I recommended a space suited to the collection and lighting approach. This session took place at ICON Studio; a future booking still needs the room and setup checked for its own requirements.

The Toronto studio guide can help compare spaces, and ICON’s current booking page shows its room options. Choose around the background, working space and planned photographs, rather than a room’s appearance alone.

Plan your next collection shoot

The useful lesson from this session is practical: agree on the images, prepare the pieces and give the team a list it can work through. The preparation and the photography need to support the same brief.

See my business and brand photography, or tell me about your collection, intended uses and timing. We can discuss the shot list, studio and lighting before setting the shoot plan.

E-Commerce Photoshoot Tips