If you’ve ever flipped through magazine pages or scrolled through online catalogs and found yourself in awe of the styled models and well produced flat lays – that’s the work of a fashion photoshoot stylist. 

But behind all the glamor, working as a fashion photoshoot stylist takes a lot of hard work and running around (literally!). They prep everything for a shoot, including clothing, accessories, and props.

In my 15+ years of experience in the fashion industry, I’ve seen fashion photoshoot stylists work their magic and spearhead stunning editorials of the clothes we developed. And while I am not a professionally trained fashion photo shoot stylist, I have also styled many shoots myself.

While all my work wasn’t “runway” worthy fashion styling, it represents a lot of the work out there. The reality is that there are so many more middle-America brands (brands that make everyday clothes for everyday people) that need help, from design to development to photo shoot styling, than there are high-end brands.

Think about all the brands out there from Walmart to Land’s End to Eddie Bauer and beyond (sooooo many more you’ve never heard of) that do photoshoots on a regular basis for catalogs, websites, and more. 

Here are a few examples of the work I’ve done, from models to flat lays to merchandising styling. (It’s a little old, don’t judge!)

While I’ve collaborated with several fashion photoshoot stylists throughout my fashion career and done the work firsthand, I wanted to give you a broader view of how working as a fashion photoshoot stylist can be.

So, I interviewed Lee Velvet, a seasoned freelance fashion photoshoot stylist from California. We’ll delve into her day-to-day tasks plus other helpful tips to help you navigate the role!

What Does a Fashion Photoshoot Stylist Do?

In a nutshell – fashion photoshoot stylists are in charge of the visuals of a photo shoot. They take care of outfits, accessories, and props to make appealing and on brand looks for photoshoots.

Being a fashion photoshoot stylist requires more than simply having an eye for style – you also have to be a people person. Fashion photoshoot stylists often collaborate with other team members, including the fashion designers, art directors, photographers, makeup artists, etc. So, communication skills are key!

A knack for problem-solving helps too because things don’t always go as planned on set! If a dress doesn’t fit right or the wind is blowing a blouse up, it’s up to you to fix it FAST.

Pro Tip: Fashion photoshoot stylists carry around extensive “kits” with various supplies like pins and weights (to weigh down that flying blouse!).

To understand this position better, here’s a list of common responsibilities of fashion photoshoot stylists:

• Conceptualizing Looks: Collaborating with the creative team to understand the shoot’s theme, mood, and objectives. Developing a cohesive visual concept for the photo shoot.
• Research and Inspiration: Conducting research to gather ideas, themes, and styles. Creating mood boards and references to guide the overall look and feel of the photo shoot.
• Sourcing Outfits and Props: Curating clothing, accessories, and props that align with the shoot’s concept. Sourcing garments from designers, brands, and stores.
• Fitting and Styling: Ensuring outfits fit models perfectly and are styled nicely. Making necessary adjustments to clothing and accessories during the shoot to maintain the desired look (prepare a bunch of safety pins!).
• Collaboration: Working closely with photographers, models, makeup artists, and hair stylists. Providing guidance on posing, expressions, and overall presentation.
• Preparing the Set: Organizing the photo shoot area, arranging props, and ensuring the set reflects the desired atmosphere. Collaborating with set designers if specific backgrounds or props are needed.
• Problem-solving: Being ready for unexpected challenges, such as wardrobe malfunctions or changes in natural lighting. You have to be quick on your feet and come up with solutions on the spot.
• Trend Awareness: Keeping up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and incorporating these elements into the styling if needed.
• Post-production Support: Reviewing the images post-shoot and ensuring the desired style and aesthetic are captured. Providing feedback to the team and making necessary adjustments if required.
• Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with fashion designers, fashion brands, photographers, suppliers, models, and other industry professionals.

In my interview with Lee Velvet, she shared what her day to day is like in the role:

“As a stylist there is never just one work day, and each day on the job is different! You spend the days before the “shoot day” prepping. This includes researching, mood-boarding, liaising with brands and showrooms to pull clothing, and shopping.” 

“Once you’ve sourced your looks, you’ll have a fitting with your potential client. The shoot day you’ll arrive on set, prep the outfits, talk to the rest of the creative team about the game plan and then spend the shoot dressing the model- adjusting and fixing during the shoot making sure all details of the look align with the vision. The days following the shoot will be spent dry cleaning, returning clothes, and filling all the receipts and expenses for taxes”

Fashion Photoshoot Stylist vs Wardrobe Stylist

The roles fashion photoshoot stylist and wardrobe stylist are often confused, especially by those working outside fashion photography industries. While both roles involve styling, they have distinct differences.

Wardrobe stylists focus on personal styling for individuals. They work with clients to create personalized looks for fashion events (like the outfits you see at the Met Gala!), public appearances, or even just daily wear. Wardrobe stylists may also work for the entertainment industry, dressing up actors and characters in movies or television shows (Bridgerton, anyone?).

Fashion photoshoot stylists focus on styling for photography shoots. Like wardrobe stylists, they also curate outfits and accessories but their job also includes selecting props and any other necessary materials to create an entire set. They usually work on fashion campaigns, editorial spreads, advertisements, and other fashion photography projects. 

People who have a knack for styling sometimes do both (and more!). Like Lee who also does wardrobe styling, directing, and producing photoshoots.

How Do You Get a Job as a Fashion Photoshoot Stylist?

While a formal degree can be helpful in starting out as a fashion photoshoot stylist, nothing beats practical experience when it comes to being one.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pursue a career as a fashion photoshoot stylist:

• Develop Your Styling Skills: Create mood boards and conceptualize themes for photo shoots. Study fashion magazines, blogs, and social media platforms to stay updated on trends and styles. You can also create personal projects and experiment with different concepts to help refine your skills.

When we asked Lee how she got started in the industry, she mentioned that she came from a design background but admitted that fashion styling just started out as a hobby for her (until she decided to take it more seriously). 

Practicing this way allows you to experiment and develop your aesthetic, laying the groundwork to work in fashion styling (without the pressure of working under someone!).

• Gain hands-on experience: Assist established fashion stylists or work as an intern to gain hands-on experience. This could involve helping with photo shoots, organizing outfits, etc. If you’re not sure where to start, you can reach out to local designers or stylists who need help on shoots – they’d appreciate the extra hands, and you’d get priceless insight into how things run behind-the-scenes.
  
  Pro Tip: You don’t have to be in a big fashion hub to do this! See if local boutiques or malls put on fashion events or shows, and connect with indie designers in your hometown. It might not be big name exposure, but it’s a great way to get started when you don’t have any experience. This is advice Darshan Gress shared on my podcast. She’s done styling for big names like Nina Garcia, Gary Vaynerchuk, and more. Listen to the full episode to get all her tips here.
   
• Build your portfolio: Compile your work in a portfolio. There’s no better way to prove you’re good at styling than sample photos. If you don’t have much experience yet, collaborate with photographers, makeup artists, and models to create test shoots for your portfolio. (Here’s my Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Fashion Portfolio to help you get started.)
• Network in the industry: Photo shoots often involve a team of professionals. Networking helps you build relationships with photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, suppliers, and other professionals needed for a successful photo shoot.

Pro Tip: While working on a photoshoot gig, make sure to collect contacts from everyone involved in the shoot, even if you’re just assisting. This is a foolproof way to expand your network!

How Much Money Does a Fashion Photoshoot Stylist Make?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a fashion photoshoot stylist in the USA is around $60k annually. Of course, this always depends on factors such as location, the company you’re working for, experience, etc. 

Established stylists with a strong portfolio and extensive experience may earn higher salaries, while entry-level stylists or those working on smaller projects might earn less. 

But if you’re willing to step into freelance territory, a successful freelance fashion photoshoot stylist can make much more $$$ and you’ll get to choose projects that you LOVE.

Working as a Freelance Fashion Photoshoot Stylist

Working freelance as a fashion photoshoot stylist is actually really common in the industry. In fact, freelancing might be a better route in this role because it’s not everyday that fashion brands do photoshoots.

Even bigger fashion brands that I’ve worked with before hire freelance photoshoot stylists on a per project basis because it just makes more sense. 

Lee actually started out working under a company, and then transitioned to freelancing after a few years. With her 5+ years of experience working in fashion styling, she shares her top tips in the role: 

“1. Just start. Style and take photos of your friends to show photographers your style and see if they will work with you so you can start building a portfolio. Keep building your personal style, “find your point of view,” and keep your portfolio updated! 

2. Be a great person to work with. It’s all about relationships and leaving a lasting impression so people recommend you. You want to have great relationships with photographers and producers. They will be recommending you. Keep good relationships with showrooms and brands, keep their clothing in good condition upon return. 

3. Always have a complete styling kit, be organized and be confident but flexible in your choices. Also intern if you can, not necessary but it helps you build experience, network, and portfolio!”

You can connect with Lee on LinkedIn.

If you’re convinced that this role is for you, and freelancing is up your alley, you can get started using my free step-by-step guide to freelancing in fashion!