How does one go about seeing the clothes before the shoot?  Meet up, email and text images of the clothes, etc. ?

How important is the pre planning before the shoot to you?

Depends who is supplying the clothes.


If it's a third party client then usually the sizes are enough. Unless its haute Couture, most samples tend to be on the bigger size but you have clips. I don't need to see them if I am being paid , though if I know colours etc and there's no stylist. I may have ideas for accessories or props.

If there's a stylist, I am going to trust their judgement.

If it's editorial, then we don't get paid much as the tear is considered in our interest. But it's not in my interest if the clothes are horrible so I will want to see a few samples from the press office/ designer that you have been sent so I know if I am interested. Yes I'm picky. I'm not doing cheap lingerie for eg when I have always done premier brands. Again often I can source other wardrobe to match if I see beforehand that can add something to the shoot.

Likewise if its a paid shoot by the photographer for portfolio development etc. I am not wearing certain wardrobe unless I see it upfront. Emailed pics are fine. I can generally come with something better. I'm not wearing a pink ra ra skirt end of.  He who pays the piper calls the time has some limits! So I need to see what you are planning for me to wear! Photographers in my experience don't often have much idea when it comes to fashion. Neither for that matter do all models of course. But it's good if one party does , to follow their advice. I've worked best with photographers who have good fashion knowledge and also trust mine. And again exchange photos by email beforehand.


Similarly with locations. This series of shoots which was subsequently published, was by Sheradon Dublin. He got to shoot a fashion collection ny a top designer on the strength of the series in his portfolio. He sent me multiple images of every location down to the angles he wanted to shoot. I thus knew.exactly where to pose, how to pose, and what wardrobe to wear to suit the brutalist architecture. Similarly the hair stylist, Ceri Cushen from Robert Masciave, knew how to style my hair to suit and Marina Angel the kind of make up required. It all clicked immediately thanks to Sheradons meticulous planning and comms with emailed images. I had this shot minus me in it before the shoot. So planning like this  is invaluable.