Behind the scene: the photo shoots

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The photo shoot is a key step in the process of creating a sewing pattern. The one and only thing that represents months of work and development are the PHOTOS! They must clearly show the garment, its different details and drape, but they must also represent the style of the brand and its aesthetic.

The choice of fabrics used for the prototypes is important. It’s best to avoid black and white because they don’t highlight garment details. The fabric is also chosen for its ability to catch the light, to match the model’s skin colour and hair and, of course, for its drape.

It’s an event that requires organisation and planning. In my last photo shoot, for example, I had to work around four people’s schedules (including Audrey, who came specially from Marseille), book train tickets, organize shuttles, etc. Of course, before the photo shoot itself, several fittings were scheduled to find the perfect match of model/pattern/fabric/background and to make various adjustments.

On the big day, when all the outfits are ready, ironed, hung, and the models have arrived and are radiant, it’s pure joy. Everything happens peacefully and naturally, with no hairdresser or make-up artist. It’s this very philosophy I’d like to share with you.

The 5 Mantras

Mantra Number 1: No make-up. Without imposing anything drastic, I invite my models to not wear make-up. I’m not a huge fan of make-up. I don’t think it’s necessary for a photo shoot for casual clothes, designed for everyday wear. Less is more. Same goes for nail polish or jewerly.

Mantra Number 2: No sophisticated hairstyles. For my first photo shoots, I posed alone. I went to the hairdresser in the morning, before the session, and asked for ‘wavy’ hair. Since I launch the Jazz pattern, several women have joined the shooting adventure and they are only available on Mondays. As hair salons are closed on Mondays (I live in the country and that the only hair salon open on a Monday is in the shopping mall of the closest town...), it was the ideal moment to go even more natural. So, after removing the make-up, I also removed the hairstyling. I asked my models to come as if it were ‘a good hair day’. 

Mantra Number 3: Bare feet. It’s so much easier than trying to find shoes that match the outfit, in the right size and colour. Furthermore, I find it more natural, uncomplicated, and we can focus on the garment. 

Mantra Number 4: Movement. I design clothes that are made for every day, and every day is made of movement. The best way to represent my designs is to move during the photo shoot. More specifically, we put on music and dance! We get up, we get down, we jump, we exercise. After several hours taking photos, we all feel exhausted, but great.  

Mantra Number 5: Always be accompanied by my photographer Lorette. We’ve been working together for two years. We needed a few sessions to get used to each other, to understand each other and to get the chemistry that we have now. 

And what about photo retouching? It’s only required to touch-up the background and light, rarely for skin, and never for garments. 

Comments

Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Marjolaine Mathière Comment Link
Merci Raphaëlle ❤❤❤
Voilà qui résume et explique pourquoi j'aime tant vos créations ! Je me retrouve totalement dans cette philosophie
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Agnes Comment Link
Bodypositive !!!!!
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Katie Comment Link
Thank you for all your efforts on updating your size range.
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Léna Comment Link
Merci pour ce naturel, c'est plus facile de se projetter !
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Eloise Comment Link
Oui #bodypositive ! Ce qui est agréable, c'est de voir que ça semble naturel pour vous et que ce n'est pas du marqueting à la Dove ;-) On sent que ça fait partie de votre caractère et de vos valeurs profondes.
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By pascale Comment Link
Ah, voilà le secret dévoilé ! Je comprends maintenant ce que je ressentais confusément : ce qui me rend accro à ton style, c'est l'épure. Et cette épure est le reflet de ce que tu es. Bravo Raphaëlle, tu es formidable.
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Emmanuelle Bidault Steffens Comment Link
Voilà, c'est ça, c'est complètement ça, l'harmonie ! Merci d'être ce que vous êtes
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Clotilde Comment Link
Raphaelle... merci pour nous permettre d'accéder aux coulisses. Tes choix, et ta marque se sont affinés ses derniers temps et je te l'ai déjà dit, mais plus ça va, plus ça me correspond en tous points .. alors je suis tellement heureuse !
Created On mercredi, mai 13, 2020 Posted By Florence Comment Link
Joli partage que ces coulisses de shooting. C'est le sentiment de plaisir et de liberté qui prévaut sur ces photos, et ça donne envie de porter le vêtement, en effet!

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