How to choose models for an online clothing store

If you have your own online store selling accessories or clothing, you shouldn't post photos of the product lying on a shelf or put on a mannequin. Show how things will look on people. This is the best way to show all the features of the product and attract more attention to it.

The trend is quite widespread all over the world, but it is still little known in Ukraine. You can use this to stand out from your competitors. It is important to remember that it will be more difficult to organize and conduct a shoot than in the case of a professional model who knows how to work perfectly in the frame, but the advantages of the idea make many businessmen overcome these difficulties.

How do you plan a photo shoot by inviting an ordinary person to the shoot? Where can I find such people? How much will you have to pay for it?

Search for a model

The easiest way to find a model is through social media. If you have a photographer, you can also ask him or her for advice. You can also place an ad on your website. But in this case, you should be careful. After all, if you ignore some people and accept others, you may receive negative feedback. To avoid this, politely respond to absolutely everyone who has applied to you.

If you can't find models through social media, friends, or a website, there is another option. These are TFP groups, a collaboration between a model and a photographer, in which they can use the photos they receive, but will not pay each other for the work. This idea is quite popular among non-professional and semi-professional people. Such groups are also organized on social media. It is preferable not to advertise in such a group yourself, but to choose suitable options among the applications that are already there. This may be quite enough.
You can take pictures of the same product on several models that differ in appearance. For example, take pictures of clothes of the smallest and largest sizes on two models with different figures. This way, you can attract the attention of more customers. But if you are also taking a group shot, it is important that the models look good together.

Planning a photo shoot

Since the people chosen as models most likely do not have posing skills, you will have to take care of the careful preparation of the shoot yourself. Think about the poses of the models so that you can show your product to the best advantage. All important parts of the clothing or accessory should be clearly visible. You can take several photos from different angles. All this work will fall on your shoulders, so you need to think it through well.

Buy the necessary things you may need for the shoot in advance. These are body cream, water, napkins, etc. After all, if a non-professional model has not participated in such a photo shoot before, she does not know what exactly she may need.

If you are organizing such a shoot for the first time, look for information on the topic, consult with the photographer and colleagues.

Mood before shooting

The photo shoot will go better if you spend some time in a relaxed atmosphere with the photographer and the selected models beforehand. You can get to know them better over a cup of coffee. This will help you relax, synchronize, and understand each other better.

This technique will have a positive impact on the process. During a photo shoot, there should be cohesion and trust between all participants. It is important to remember that a professional model does not worry about her appearance in the frame. She is used to the fact that it is not her who is being photographed, but the thing she is demonstrating. But a person without experience can be shy and nervous. You'll have to set them up in the right way. Therefore, it is advisable to have a good experienced photographer.

Documents and payment

It is very important to sign a contract with the model, even if she is not a professional. This document will allow you to use the photos you receive as you wish. You can find a sample on the Internet, which you can edit if you wish. The main thing is to indicate in it your details, all the basic data of the model, the date and time of the shooting. Agree in advance on a payment that will suit both you and the model. If you sell clothes or accessories, you can pay for the work with them. This option should also be written in the contract.

Keep your image in mind

For advertising and demonstration of some products, non-professional models are just the perfect option. Firstly, a person can roughly see how a product will look on them. Secondly, an ordinary person has a more interesting "story" than a model. Therefore, it is better to invite people who are fond of something unusual in their lives or have achieved success in their profession. But you should be careful with famous personalities. Remember that if you use them as a model, it will cause appropriate associations in the future. Therefore, think about whether an association with this person will be beneficial for your business or not.