February 25, 2020

Creating a captivating photoshoot inspired by the vibrant and alluring world of the Tropical Queen is a journey of creativity, inspiration, and meticulous planning. In this blog, I'll take you through the steps I took to design and bring to life a Tropical Queen photoshoot that could grace the pages of any high-end fashion magazine. With the power of online inspiration and the allure of glossy magazines as my guiding lights, I set out to create an unforgettable visual masterpiece.

Step 1: Finding Inspiration

The first step in the process was to immerse myself in the vast ocean of online resources. I scoured Pinterest, Instagram, and fashion blogs for images and ideas that encapsulated the essence of the Tropical Queen. Lush jungles, sun-kissed beaches, exotic flowers, and vibrant colors were recurring motifs that caught my eye. One of the key aspects of this step was creating a mood board that would serve as my creative blueprint. It included everything from color palettes to makeup and wardrobe ideas. Pinterest boards became my treasure trove, housing visuals that would fuel my creativity throughout the entire project.

Step 2: Mood Board Creation

Armed with a comprehensive mood board, I began the process of conceptualizing the photoshoot. The Tropical Queen, in my vision, was a fierce, empowered, and stylish woman who was in perfect harmony with her surroundings. This led to brainstorming ideas for props, wardrobe, and locations. I was aiming for a mix of luxury and nature, with a focus on glamorous yet tropical settings

Step 3: Selecting the Location

A crucial aspect of any photoshoot is choosing the right location. To embrace the tropical vibe, I scouted a botanical garden with lush greenery, exotic plants, and water features. The location's natural beauty aligned perfectly with the theme, and it offered an array of settings for us to work with. In this case, I decided to go more minimalistic backdrop or magazine quality and have the subject stand out.

Step 4: Assembling the Team

A successful photoshoot often requires a team effort. I collaborated with a talented team, including a makeup artist/hairstylist, and a model. We discussed the mood board and shared our ideas, ensuring everyone was on the same page regarding the concept and vision. Clear communication and teamwork are key to making a project like this come to life.

Step 5: Styling and Wardrobe

Fashion plays a significant role in a photoshoot, especially when you're aiming for a specific theme. We selected a range of outfits that reflected the Tropical Queen concept. Flowing dresses, vibrant floral prints, and accessories like flower crowns and statement jewelry were essential elements to achieve the desired look. I decided to go with a green dress to compliment the model’s skin tones and I also created a massive headdress with foliage since we were going with a plain backdrop instead.

Step 6: Setting the Scene

Now the day we shot this shoot, there was snow on the roads leading up to the studio, which most of our cars made it in low gear. I had the HMUA keep her hair natural and the makeup minimal to not distract too much from the model’s natural beauty. We opened the windows and listened to the snow melt off the building. We also received most of our lighting from the massive windows that helped illuminate the studio.

In conclusion, designing and creating a Tropical Queen photoshoot was a rewarding journey filled with inspiration and creativity. Drawing from online sources and magazines, as well as collaborating with a dedicated team, allowed us to bring our vision to life. Remember, photography is an art, and it's not just about capturing images but also telling a story and evoking emotions. So, whether you're an aspiring photographer or someone passionate about creative endeavors, use the power of inspiration to design your unique photoshoot and make your vision a reality.