Millet sure wasn’t kidding when she said that stylists do a lot more than just putting clothes together. Sometimes, you have to take care of the whole shoot itself, from the concept, to the logistics, to choosing your crew (models, makeup artist, and photographer). I got to experience all of this firsthand when I styled my first shoot.
At styling class two weeks ago, we were asked to make mood boards for a three-spread editorial. There were no rules except for one – the mood board should not be a reflection of your personal style (which I didn’t mind because I’m going through a style identity crisis anyway). Since Millet knows that I practically live on the Internet, I was assigned to do an editorial that caters to the online shopper – but it can’t look like any of the romantic floral stuff we have on Ukay Manila. So after scouring a bunch of Multiply shops and stalking my favorite blogs (notice any familiar faces?), I put together my mood board and ended up doing a piece on edgy neutrals. I thought that I wouldn’t have to worry about the shoot until the end of the workshop, but on the 22nd I discovered that the photos were due on the 31st. The deadline meant that I had to do the shoot no later than the coming weekend, which gives me only four days to find clothes and a crew. PANIC.
Luckily, I have an extremely talented group of friends who happened to be free on Sunday. Mikey, the same guy behind We Are Shapeshifters, is a very good fashion photographer with some mean Photoshop-fu; I knew I could count on him to do a good shoot and would not have pulled through with this if he weren’t available. When he said he’d be my photographer (yes!), I kept my fingers crossed that Nikki would be free too. Not only is she a very talented makeup artist, but she and Mikey have worked on countless shoots together. (Also, if she weren’t free, I’d have to do the makeup. My head will explode from the stress and there will be no more Lauren to speak of.)
As for my models, it had to be two of my closest friends, Kristel and Rica. We spent way too many hours camwhoring in college and I had a feeling they wouldn’t mind being in front of the camera. My feeling was right. (This photo was from my epic 21st birthday party. I hope they don’t kill me for unearthing this one.)
Save for the accessories (mostly Rica’s), shoes, and socks, the clothes I used for the shoot were from a nearby ukay. I pre-styled the outfits the night before, packed a suitcase full of clothes (and spare ones), and even brought a steamer to smooth out any travel-induced wrinkles. I was totally prepared. What I didn’t expect was uncooperative weather; we planned to shoot at a park and it just so happened to be raining heavily that day. Very heavily. Rica and I waded through ankle-deep flood to see if the park was still usable (it was not), and as raindrops pelted us from all directions I couldn’t do anything but giggle like a maniac. To have worked so hard only to be thwarted by some rain! Fortunately, Rica’s lolo had a house in the neighborhood and he was kind enough to let us shoot at his place. The shoot will go on!!!
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Click to enlarge
I actually wanted to use different photos instead of the last three but nonetheless, the shoot turned out way, way better than I thought it would be. The makeup was fantastic, Rica and Kristel were so at ease in front of the camera, and Mikey did a great job telling them how to pose. Not to mention that I got really lucky about finding a new location when Mother Nature ruined my plans. Note to self: always anticipate bad weather, especially if you plan to shoot outdoors. Better yet, book a studio.
As for the clothes, I gave some of them to my friends by way of thanks (this is Nikki wearing the gray dress from the last photo). The rest can be bought at Ukay Manila.
Holy mother of all things shiny and pretty! I will KILL you for posting that one. I didn’t even know it still existed!! HAHA :)
You know your stuff well, and I can’t wait to do another shoot with you. :)
Same here! And yes, there are plenty more where those photos came from. :D
yey! good job lauren. Am so super bobo at moodboards. hehehehe.
you did a great job, Lauren. the styling really translates well to the look you we’re going for. and geez, i see my face in the mood board. sweet! haha!
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Awesome, awesome job! Your friends are smokin’ and the outfits look really good!
Great, Lauren! This is a departure from your usual style, so that makes it all the more amazing that you’re able to deviate from your personal preference. :D
Yay! I’m glad you noticed that. :D
I love the ukay outfits you styled!! :) Id love to go to ukay but sadly I dont know where!!!:( Where do you suggest? Thanks!!
Look around your neighborhood! There are two ukays five minutes away from my house, that’s where I usually go.
You did a great job! Love the outfits :)
awesome styling, Lauren! i agree w/ Alex on how you were able to deviate from your personal style. great job! i’m digging the first two pictures the most. your friends look really fierce strutting down that street. :D
and the clothes are GORGEOUS, btw. amazed that they’re all from ukay!
this makes me want to start my own styling portfolio!
Thanks! :) Organizing a shoot is a lot of hard work, believe me. Even though my friends were there to help me out at the shoot itself, I had to do all the preparations on my own. It’s totally worth it in the end though. :)