Behind the scenes at a (really) big budget shoot at Smashbox. I organized hundreds of shoes and maybe 10 full racks all by my lonesome. This was a painful shoot, yet a brilliant learning experience. It was also my first big one.
Behind the Scenes of a Photoshoot (in a Studio)
Your job on-set as a fashion intern is to make things as easy for the stylist as possible. Meaning steamed and organized. Color/Style coding is great. Familiarize yourself with the wardrobe, it’s fun to look at & you’ll learn a lot. S/he might say, “bring me the gold Dries wedges in a 40,” know exactly where they are. Basically, be borderline OCD.
- Wardrobe Room (this is where you’ll set up racks, hang/steam clothing, organize)
- Steamers. More on this later, but look around for distilled water, there usually is some. If not, fill the jug in the bathroom or with water bottles.
- You’ll have lots of trunks. Keep them open and neatly separated. This will save you time packing at the end of the day. Which you’ll be given like 10 minute to do, so stay 3 steps ahead.
- Organize shoes by color/style/size and clothes in what ever way seems most logical… usually by color/style, sometimes by designer, depending on the shoot or unless otherwise directed. Some stylists are very particular about this, so it’s safest to ask before you start organizing.
- Everyone hates hangers that aren’t plastic/uniform. Use anything else as a last resort.
- Jewelry. If you’re lucky, guards are assigned to keep track. If not, I was taught (by one of my greatest internship bosses and mentor– she knows who she is!!) to guard it with your life! Count and recount everything. Note imperfections. Take pictures. This is where there’s real potential to lose your job.
- Accessories can be hard (large floppy bags, not enough space), but just keep them as organized as possible in jewelry trays or on a table.
- Keep any items that get shot together, or make note. The stylist/editor will have to do credits, so this will help them out.
- Makeup/Hair room (stay out unless invited in. and even then, ask yourself if you need to be there)
- Craft Services! Sooooo yummy! Eat!
- Lots of waiting around. Golden Rule: Look busy or steam, prep for the pack-up and ask if anyone needs help (if appropriate). It’s an art.
- Observe your future colleagues at work!
Behind the Scenes of a Photoshoot (on Location)
In general, same rules apply. But instead of a rooms, you’ve got a tiny tiny trailer, or tables outside.
