How We Created A Stunning E-Commerce Photoshoot for The Decided Collection In 10 Easy Steps

Are you ready to take your e-commerce photoshoot to the next level in 2025? Created by Amanda Rango of ARD Fashion Consulting—a designer and product developer with over two decades of experience in the fashion industry, helping fashion founders launch and scale their businesses—this guide is your go-to resource. This guide outlines the exact steps ARD Fashion Consulting uses to prep clients for their e-commerce fashion photoshoots.

A successful fashion brand isn’t just about great products—it’s also about how those products are presented. One of the most effective ways to showcase your designs and connect with customers is through a well-executed e-commerce photoshoot.

What Is An E-Commerce Photoshoot?

An e-commerce photoshoot is a professional photography session designed to create high-quality images of products for online stores, websites, and digital marketing materials. 

The goal is to showcase the products in a way that appeals to customers and drives sales. These photos highlight the product’s details, features, and overall appeal, ensuring customers can make informed purchasing decisions without seeing the item in person.

It also helps to carry the overall brand aesthetic through marketing channels including website, social media, print advertisement, etc.

Why Are E-Commerce Photoshoots Important For Your Brand

The images you capture will be the storyteller of your brand journey and product education to your audience. It is the emotional representation of the essence of your brand vision and product execution.

The photoshoot captures images showcasing your brand products on your e-commerce site to convey fit, product details and special features.

You will also capture images that will be used for site headers, hero shots and any lifestyle photography for your website to convey the emotion and personality of your target audience.

It will also help provide lifestyle photography for promotional purposes, social media, marketing, advertising or physical marketing like mailers, flyers, pitch decks or marketing assets. 

Now that we’ve covered the purpose and impact of an e-commerce photoshoot, let’s take a closer look at the key players who bring your brand vision to life—starting with the role of a Creative Director.

What Does a Creative Director Do?

The ARD Fashion Consulting team provides a full-service experience for their fashion brand clients. Not only do we design and develop the product, but we also help fashion brands market their product. 

The marketing process is not complete without a photoshoot to bring the brand vision to life to your target audience. The photoshoot is a visual representation of your brand and all the best features of your product.

The ARD Fashion Consulting team works as a Creative Director for brands throughout the entire photoshoot process. 

A creative director plays a pivotal role in both pre-shoot preparation and on the set of an e-commerce fashion photoshoot, overseeing the shoot's creative vision and ensuring it aligns with the brand's identity. Here's a breakdown of their responsibilities:

Pre-Shoot Responsibilities:

• Concept Development: Define the overall creative direction, including mood boards, styling images, and visual inspiration references.

• Set Design: Collaborate with set designers, stylists, and photographers to create a cohesive aesthetic.

• Model Selection: Help choose models that align with the brand's target audience and style.

• Studio or Location Selection: Choosing the right studio or location for your photoshoot is crucial for execution of the creative vision.

• Shot List Creation: Work with the photographer to map out key shots and angles for products.

On-Set Responsibilities:

• Maintaining Brand Vision: Ensure every element—from lighting and angles to model poses and styling—aligns with the brand’s image.

• Directing the Team: Guide the photographer, models, stylists, and hair/makeup artists to achieve the desired look.

• Quality Control and Styling: Pay close attention to product details, like fit, fabric appearance, and how the items are translating on camera.

• Problem-Solving: Address any creative or logistical challenges that arise, such as adjusting lighting or refining poses.

• Real-Time Adjustments: Collaborate with the team to make necessary tweaks to styling or set design as shots are reviewed.

Post-Shoot Involvement:

• Review and Selection: Assist in selecting final images that best represent the products and fit the creative brief.

• Feedback: Provide input for additional retouching and ensure the final images stay true to the brand's aesthetic.

10 Easy Steps to the ARD Fashion Design Photoshoot Process

The following steps break down the exact method ARD Fashion Consulting uses as a Creative Director for brands! Feel free to use and replicate for your own brand!

1. Gather Inspiration & Confirm Sample Timing

Start by collecting images that visually represent your brand and creative vision. These references will guide the photographer and team, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic and clear execution for each shot. Confirm sample availability from client or manufacturer to avoid last-minute delays.

 2. Find a Studio

Select a studio that complements your brand’s aesthetic, offering suitable props, backdrops, and lighting. Research multiple locations to find the best match for your creative direction and product presentation.

3. Research & Book Talent

Secure a photographer whose style aligns with your brand. Establishing a strong rapport ensures smoother communication and execution. Hiring a stylist helps with outfit coordination, garment adjustments, and accessory selection, saving time on set. Choose models that reflect your brand identity, and gather their measurements or sizes in advance to guarantee the best fit.

4. Build a Shot List

A detailed shot list keeps everyone aligned and ensures no key images are missed. It serves as a roadmap for the photographer, stylist, and models, minimizing miscommunication and maximizing efficiency.

For a deeper dive into shot list planning, check out our blog post.

5. List & Gather Props

Props add depth and reinforce brand storytelling. Create a checklist and source all necessary items ahead of time to streamline the shoot and enhance visual interest.

6. Prepare Samples

Ensure samples are flawless by steaming or pressing garments and checking for stains or loose threads. Organize accessories and pack items carefully for easy access. A well-prepared set keeps the shoot running smoothly and showcases each piece at its best.

Prepping sample for The Decided Collection photoshoot

7. Enhance the Set Experience: Grab Snacks & Print the Shot List

Keep energy levels high with a snack and beverage table—small details like this can improve morale and productivity.

(Pro tip: choose your snacks wisely; you don’t want cheesy fingertips or any food or beverage that will leave stains on your products. Stick with easy, mess-free snacks and beverages.)

Print multiple copies of the shot list so the team can easily reference and follow the plan.

8. Lights, Camera, Action! Day Of Duties

Focus on three key photography styles to cover all bases:

• Lifestyle Photography – Captures the product in real-life scenarios, reinforcing brand identity.

• On-Body E-commerce Photography – Clean, studio shots on models with plain backgrounds for websites. Ensure front, back, side, and detail shots are captured.

• Flat Lay Styling – Display garments laid flat to highlight details, often used for e-commerce listings.

9. Editing, Delivery, & Photo Selection

Once the shoot wraps, work with your photographer to select the best images which they will refine through light retouching while preserving authenticity. Your photographer should organize and deliver high-resolution files in your required formats, ensuring the final selection aligns with your creative vision.

10. Content Planning: What To Do With Your Images

Strategically distribute your photos across digital platforms. Use hero shots, behind-the-scenes moments, and close-ups for variety. A strong content plan ensures your visuals engage your audience and tell a compelling brand story.

By following these 10 easy steps, you can ensure a seamless and successful fashion photoshoot that captures your brand’s essence with precision. With careful planning, the right team, and a clear creative vision, you’ll walk away with high-quality images that elevate your brand and resonate with your audience.

Resources for Fashion Apparel Brands

This blog post provides the complete guide for e-commerce fashion photoshoots in 2025. Whether you're just starting or looking to elevate your brand image, these tips will help feel confident and prepared as you step into your next photoshoot.

Thank you to our client, The Decided Collection, for trusting us with your brand’s apparel design and creative direction. Shop The Decided Collection for the ultimate pajamas for tween girls!

If you’d like assistance designing, producing, and marketing your fashion apparel collection, ARD Fashion Consulting is a full-service design and production firm that helps clients launch their brands from concept to creation. We work in all of the areas of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel with decades of industry experience at the corporate level.

Check out our website at ard-consulting.com to schedule a discovery call or read more informative blog posts like this one!