I was feeling a little down after renting a photo studio down in Salt Lake city and not being able to book it completely for my valentines mini sessions, but I decided to change that result.

I started to think what was something I've always wanted to photograph but has never had the chance to do. Luckily for me the answer was fashion. After a friend of mine showed me @johanaortizofficial page on instagram I've found myself scrolling and scrolling over her work countless of times. She is my source of inspiration, the rawness of her work, the colors, how natural and in tone with the scenario her clothing pieces are, it's something I trully admire.

Ok, but having a source of inspiration is not to make you feel down or less, your art is valuable and as I keep telling my kids, the more you do it, there better you become at. So, let's say that the first step in how to plan your first Fashion Editorial Photo session is:

1. Find your source of inspiration.

Ask yoursself what is something I would like to photograph completely new from what I'm photographing now? What do you find yourself looking on pinterest? Is it fashion, is it food, is it interior design, is it architecture, is it wedding photography? Whatever your answer is, this first step can be applied to any type of photography you want to dig into.

2. Do your homework and find some great artist in that photography industry.

In my case is Johana Ortiz, but in your case try to find someone your resignate with, someone who is not starting but have a lot of experience on the field, then study their work, how do they do it, is there movement, is it more static and posed, is it candid and free type of style? Ask yourself what you like the most about the artist work and what does it make you feel?

3. Find a Place.

Set up the theme you want for your shoot. Most editorial style of shoots, are very minimal, but if you are thinking in something more elavorated, look for Airbnbs, if you are someone into colors, or neutrals look for that right place.

4. Find the models.

Luckily living in Utah, we have a facebook page where we can post about the idea for our shoot, and ask if anyone is willing to help as a model. They will comment on your post and let you know, so that's how I set up models for my shoots, but remember , if this is not an option where you live, you can always ask friends, or friends of friends, or even find some local people on instragram from the place you live and reach out, that's the key. Reach out, the wost answer you can get is a no anyways.

5. Buy/rent the pieces of Clothing you want to use.

In my case I like to choose between different styles and varieties so I will go online, and buy the pieces I want with the model size (I try to find very affordable pieces in this case cause it was my first one), but renting is another great option, or thrift store at some of your local places, why not? Remember this shoot is for you, nobody is judging you, and there is not right or wrong way to do it, and yes it will take time on the planning, but you won't regret going out of your confort zone.

6. Find accesories to go a long if you want.

In my case with fashion I added the shoes, earings and makeup. This time I asked my models if they could use their own makeup and shoes that will fit the dresses I bough, so I just asked them and they were super helpful and came ready for the shoot. Feel free to ask to do their hair if you need too, of course with common sense as long as it's not over elavorated for them.

7. Send invites with the date and time two week ahead.

I find google calendar super helpful, so I sent all my models a google invite for the event, with the date, time, location, and extra information in case they need to find a parking place. Make sure they have all that information on hand and in advance.

8. Day of the shoot.

Be on time, be grateful, show them your appreciation. One way to do this is by delivering the photos fast. But on the day of the shoot just make sure you are punctual with everyones time.

9. Have fun in the process.

Things can always go better than planned, but just hug yourself cause this time you did it and next time will be even better.

I hope you enjoy reading to my process and looking at the result

Love - Yana

Model: @ajarytting

Place: @studionoirenoir