Selecting the right models for your apparel product photography is crucial for showcasing your clothing in the best possible light and increasing conversions. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to pick models that will elevate your brand and boost your e-commerce success.

Define Your Brand Aesthetic

Before you start searching for models, it's essential to establish a clear vision for your brand's aesthetic. Create a mood board that encapsulates the desired visual style for your product photography[2]. This will help you identify the type of models that align with your brand's image and target audience.

Develop Style Guidelines

Specify aspects such as lighting, background, poses, and expressions to maintain a cohesive visual language across all images[2]. These guidelines will not only help you select models but also ensure consistency in your overall photography style.

Here's a tip based on our experience serving enterprise customers including Samsonite and New York and Company: try to capture more movement in your model's poses and have them smile a little bit to make the buyer feel happy while browsing through your catalog. Soft and warm lighting in a clean studio with a light gray background tends to do well.

Determine Your Model Requirements

Body Types

Consider the body types that best showcase your clothing. Ensure that the models you choose have figures that flatter your garments and accurately represent their fit[3]. Remember, using a variety of body types can help customers better visualize how the clothing might look on them. In recent years, showcasing more approachable body types in commerce photography has proven to increase sales.

Representation

Depending on your brand and target market, you may want to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in your model selection. Consider representing different ethnicities, ages, and body types to appeal to a broader audience[3].

Look and Personality

Decide whether you want models with a conventional, girl/boy-next-door appeal or those with a more striking, edgy appearance[3]. The models' personalities should align with your brand's identity and resonate with your target customers.

Finding and Selecting Models

Work with Agencies

Collaborate with reputable model agencies that can provide a pool of talent tailored to your brand's needs[2]. Agencies often have experienced models with diverse looks and can help streamline the selection process, although they can be expensive.

Use Talent Booking Platforms

Explore online platforms dedicated to booking models and makeup artists for photoshoots[2]. These platforms often offer a wide range of talent and make the booking process more efficient.

Leverage Social Media

Monitor major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to discover potential models[2]. Search relevant hashtags or reach out to models directly through direct messages.

Explore digital models

If you are a challenger brand that wants high-quality photoshoots without breaking the bank, look into platforms like Ise AI that offer a large library of digital models across diverse skin tones and body sizes with no recurring licensing fees.

Ise AI Face Library

Evaluate Potential Models

Review Portfolios

Examine the models' portfolios to assess their range and previous work. Look for models who have successfully worked with similar brands or have a versatile look suitable for your products[2].

Request Digitals

Ask for recent, unedited photos of the models to assess their current appearance and visual impact[2]. This will help you make more informed decisions about their suitability for your brand.

Consider Experience

While not always necessary, models or platforms with experience in e-commerce fashion photography may be better equipped to showcase your clothing effectively 1.

Prepare for the Photoshoot

Brief the Models (or your AI platform if you're using digital models)

Provide clear instructions about the desired poses, expressions, and overall mood of the shoot. Share your style guidelines and mood board with the models to ensure everyone is aligned with the brand's vision[2].

Create a Consistent Look

Standardize wardrobe styling, poses, and expressions to create a unified look across your product photography[2]. This consistency will strengthen your brand identity and make your e-commerce store more visually appealing.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to select models that not only showcase your apparel effectively but also enhance your brand's image and appeal to your target audience. Remember, the right models can significantly impact the success of your e-commerce fashion photography and, ultimately, your sales.