In the competitive world of fashion, the way your apparel looks online or in print can make or break a sale. Whether you’re a designer, brand owner, or retailer, investing in professional apparel product photography is essential. But great photography starts long before the shutter clicks. Properly styling and prepping your garments before they enter the apparel photography studio can dramatically enhance the final images, making them more appealing and consistent for lookbooks, catalogs, and e-commerce stores.

This guide covers everything you need to know to get your garments lookbook ready and ensure a smooth, professional apparel photography service experience, whether you’re shooting apparel model photography or flat lay apparel photography.

Why Preparation Matters for Apparel Photography

Professional apparel product photography is more than just pointing a camera at clothes. It’s about presenting your garments in the best possible light — literally and figuratively.

When your garments arrive well-prepared:

The studio can spend more time on creative shots rather than fixing issues.

Photoshoot turnaround times improve, reducing your costs.

The final images require less post-production editing.

The garments look fresh, polished, and true to life, increasing buyer confidence.

Poorly prepped clothing can result in wrinkles, misplaced tags, and inconsistent presentation, which diminishes your brand’s professional image. Let’s dive into how to avoid these pitfalls.

Step 1: Inspect and Prepare Your Garments Before the Shoot

1. Quality Check: Ensure Flawless Apparel

Before sending your products to the apparel photography studio, carefully inspect each garment for defects such as:

Loose threads

Missing buttons or fasteners

Fabric pulls or snags

Stains or discoloration

Correct or remove any damaged items. Remember, photographs highlight details — imperfections are more visible under studio lighting.

2. Clean and Steam or Iron Your Garments

Wrinkles and creases can distract from the garment’s true fit and design. For a flawless look:

Wash or dry clean your apparel as needed.

Steam or iron each item thoroughly just before the shoot.

Use handheld steamers on delicate fabrics to avoid damage.

Proper steaming helps fabrics fall naturally and look crisp in photos.

3. Remove Unwanted Tags and Labels

Studio photographers usually remove or digitally erase price tags or branding tags during retouching. However, avoid shooting with hanging tags still attached, as they can obscure details and create shadows.

Detach or tuck in any tags, unless the tag is part of your branding and you want it visible.

Step 2: Plan the Styling for Your Lookbook

1. Choose the Right Style for Your Brand Identity

Decide on the overall look you want to achieve. Your styling choices should align with your brand’s identity and target audience.

For casual streetwear, consider relaxed fits and natural poses.

For luxury brands, use elegant draping and controlled lighting.

For activewear, emphasize movement and functional details.

Discuss these goals with your apparel photography services provider so they can tailor lighting and model direction accordingly.

2. Use Models or Mannequins to Showcase Fit

Depending on your budget and brand positioning, you can choose:

Apparel model photography: Live models wearing the clothes to showcase fit, drape, and styling. This is ideal for creating lifestyle or editorial looks.

Mannequin or ghost mannequin photography: This highlights the product shape without distraction, perfect for catalogs and e-commerce.

If you opt for models, coordinate with the studio about casting options and clothing fits to ensure garments flatter the model’s body type.

3. Accessorize Thoughtfully but Minimally

Avoid cluttering the look with too many accessories that might steal attention from the apparel itself.

Use subtle accessories that complement the garment.

Keep styling clean to highlight the product’s features.

For flat lay apparel photography, use props sparingly to maintain focus on the garment.

Step 3: Prepare the Garments for Delivery to the Studio

1. Package Garments Carefully to Prevent Damage

When shipping or delivering:

Fold clothes neatly or hang on padded hangers.

Use garment bags or acid-free tissue paper to avoid creases.

Label packages clearly, indicating the style and shoot order.

This helps the studio organize and prioritize your order efficiently.

2. Provide Styling Notes and Shoot Instructions

Include a detailed style guide or notes specifying:

How you want each garment presented (e.g., sleeve rolled up, collar buttoned).

Any special features to highlight (embroidery, buttons, fabric texture).

Preferred angles or looks (front, back, close-ups).

This ensures the photographer captures the garment as you envision.

Step 4: Communicate with Your Apparel Photography Studio

1. Share Reference Images

Visual examples of styles, lighting, and poses help the studio understand your vision.

Provide lookbook examples or mood boards.

Highlight preferred photography styles: whether apparel model photography or flat lay apparel photography.

2. Confirm the Studio’s Capabilities and Equipment

Ensure your studio has:

Professional lighting setups for apparel.

Experienced retouchers to handle post-processing.

A variety of backgrounds and shooting options.

If you’re targeting e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon or Daraz, confirm that the studio can deliver images meeting their specific guidelines.

3. Discuss Timelines and Delivery Formats

Ask about:

Expected turnaround time for the photos.

File formats and resolutions.

Rights and usage licenses for your images.

This helps you plan your marketing or sales campaigns without delays.

Step 5: Styling Tips for Different Apparel Photography Types

Apparel Model Photography

Fit garments to the model carefully to avoid bunching or sagging.

Use pins or clips at the back if needed (photographers can edit these out).

Prepare multiple outfit changes to showcase variety.

Communicate the desired mood and poses with your photographer and model.

Flat Lay Apparel Photography

Use clean, neutral backgrounds to avoid distractions.

Arrange garments smoothly with all edges visible.

Use weights or clips under fabric to maintain shape.

Complement with minimal props like accessories or fabric swatches for context.

Step 6: Final Checks Before the Shoot

Do a last inspection for lint, hair, or dust on garments.

Confirm garments are steamed and wrinkle-free.

Ensure all accessories and styling props are ready and clean.

Double-check packing and labeling to avoid confusion.

Bonus: What Happens After the Shoot?

Professional Post-Production

After the shoot, your studio will:

Remove any visible clips, pins, or wrinkles digitally.

Correct colors to match real garments.

Adjust shadows and highlights for a consistent look.

Crop and resize images per your e-commerce or print needs.

Conclusion: Get Lookbook Ready with Confidence

Styling and prepping your garments carefully before apparel product photography sessions can elevate your brand’s visual storytelling and speed up production timelines. Whether you choose apparel model photography for a dynamic look or flat lay apparel photography for clean product shots, preparation is key.

PPD (Product Photography Dhaka) is a leading apparel photography studio based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. They specialize in high-quality apparel product photography, including apparel model photography and flat lay apparel photography. PPD offers professional apparel photography services tailored to fashion brands and e-commerce businesses, delivering polished, consistent images that help brands stand out locally and globally.