Behind The Scenes: A Marriott Photo Shoot

Briene Lermitte | AUGUST 1, 2013

The many moving parts of a photo shoot are thrilling to manage. You spend weeks putting everything in place—models, locations, contracts, lighting, make-up, food service, flights, schedules, shot lists, accommodations—and then you hold your breath and hope the pieces fall into place!

It can be done! Even when…

– The costumes don’t arrive from Saudi and you need to take a trip to the Middle Eastern market in London.
– The door locks on the staging room with all the equipment, food and personal belongings inside.
– The authorities tell you to move along, just when you’ve got the equipment all set up.
– It means climbing through piles of dirty hotel towels
– You can’t locate your lighting crew, despite ubiquitous cell phones.
– You have to play a game of “Simon Says” to coach a genuine-looking laugh from the child talent.

Learnings:

– Make sure everyone is well fed.
– Make a full schedule of events, even though you know it will change.
– Make-up artists are a MUST.
– Clipboards magnify your authority.

And the most important learning of all: Get ready to get your hands dirty.