What really goes into a Blogger Photoshoot

As some of you may or may not know, I have a full-time job outside of blogging (except for that time I was laid off and relied on blogging to survive). I am a Physical Therapist working 42 hours a week. That doesn’t leave much time for blogger events and blogging but I somehow manage to make it work. I’ve implemented a few rules for myself which has made the process easier but even so I have my stressful moments. Good thing I’ve adapted pretty sufficient stress relieving techniques over the past few years which have served me well. So let’s get into how I actually manage to do any blog related things while working a full-time job. Thank God for weekends and getting off early 3 days a week.

WHEN DO I SHOOT?

I hardly ever shoot outfit looks during the week. My job just won’t allow me enough daylight hours to ever do that. I usually shoot 3-5 looks every two weeks and almost always on a Sunday morning. I’m so lucky to have a really wonderful photographer who is reliable and super talented over the last 2 years. Yes, Rose, if you’re reading this I’m talking about you! Make sure to check her out for all your photography needs in and around New York City!

PLANNING IS KEY

I plan all my outfits in advance. I am just type A that way and don’t go to enough functions to be able to take outfit of the day photos regularly. I also don’t have an awesome full length mirror…yet. Most of the outfits I blog I do actually wear to events and functions though. It also helps when I have to pack a bag before driving to our shoot location (Rose has a car as well). Planning in advance helps me to keep all my accessories, shoes and jewelry straight as well. I’m sometimes extra anal and write every outfit down on a piece of paper too. Especially when I’m planning my travel looks.

WHERE DO I SHOOT?

Rose and I shoot everywhere. If I’m feeling lazy, it’s just around my apartment. But once a month I like to get out and shoot in different areas around the city. My favorites are around Morningside Park in Harlem, Soho, West Village and Brooklyn. But really we just ride around and when we see cool streets we write them down and plan to return for a shoot.

Photography by Rose Lazard || Editing by Monroe Steele

Capulet Bodysuit via Shopbop (Check out their 25% Off Sale Items with Code: SCORE18) | Fame & Partners Skirt get similar Here | Indigo Pony Earrings | Raffia Bag get similar Here | Attico Mules

GET THE LOOK

[one_half padding=”0 15px 0 0″]On the day this outfit was shot, it was at least 85 degrees and sweltering. I had 4 looks I needed to shoot and one was a collaboration for a brand. Rose and I started around my apartment but she didn’t like how the photos looked so we headed over to Dumbo Brooklyn where I planned to shoot my campaign in the Waterfront Park. I was already dressed in my first look (this one that I wore to the Revive Brunch Party). After quickly shooting the first look in about 10 minutes, I hopped in the back of Roses SUV and changed into my next look which happened to be this one. Her car was sweltering and I was nervous because some tourists were standing right next to the car. Even though she has tinted windows I didn’t like that they were so close. It took me about 10 minutes to change and then I realized I got makeup all over this bodysuit. This was the first time I’d worn this bodysuit and I was upset.[/one_half][one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 15px”]At this point Deb had joined us and was watching me take photos. I’m actually still slightly shy when people watch me but it was all good. We shot this look in about 10 minutes. I then got back in the car and changed again and this outfit change took a lot more time because this top was so tricky to get on. I was also sweating so this skirt refused to come up over my butt cheeks while sitting so I had to get out of the car to pull it up enough for me to zip it. It was this look from my previous post: My Mr. Big got Married and then Came Back. Luckily, my last look was this thrifted maxi dress from my Buffalo Exchange Thrift Haul. It’s super light and airy and was easy to change into to shoot my Yellow Tail Rosé collaboration. All of this took about an hour and a half. I loved how all the photos came out though and to reward ourselves we went out for Cuban Food in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn afterwards.[/one_half_last]

This is the real deal. Changing in cars. Ruining your clothes with lipstick and foundation. Sweating all over the place. Being watched and some times harassed.

Aye Ma, can I take your picture? Aye Ma, you should smile more and pose like this!

*ROLLS EYES* 

But I love it so much. I try not to complain. Bloggers make it look easy. It’s anything but.

*FREE EVENT ALERT*

Join me tomorrow evening June 15th at Artists & Fleas Vintage Showcase Shopping Party hosted by Me! Refreshments and Tote Bags Provided. Come sip and do a little thrift and vintage shopping!
6-8pm
568 Broadway 

Hope to See You There!

xx

Monroe