My experiential learning project allowed me to fully plan and style an editorial photoshoot from start to finish. It gave me hands-on experience with creative direction, wardrobe styling, and coordinating models and locations.
Final Project Outcome
This was a SUNY Oneonta open lab project and was created to submit my website.
What I did
For this project, I took full responsibility for planning and styling our editorial photoshoot for HEM. I sourced 5–7 complete looks from a thrift store, prepared the wardrobe, and selected models who reflected diversity and the university’s brand identity. I secured our shoot location, organized lighting, and coordinated hair and makeup to ensure the photos looked polished and cohesive. I also gathered props, styled each outfit head-to-toe, and directed the models during the shoot to bring the concept to life.
What I learned
Through this project, I learned how much planning and organization goes into producing an editorial fashion photoshoot. I gained hands-on experience with styling full looks, coordinating models, and managing details like lighting, wardrobe preparation, and props. I also learned how important it is to style with a brand and target audience in mind, especially for a university publication. Overall, the project helped me understand the creativity and teamwork required in professional fashion styling.
What’s next for me
Next, I plan to continue developing my styling and creative direction skills by working on more small editorial shoots and experimenting with different fashion trends. I want to build a stronger portfolio that reflects my growth and range as a stylist. I also hope to collaborate with more models and photographers to expand my experience. Ultimately, I plan to pursue a career in fashion marketing and PR, so these projects help me practice the skills I’ll need in that field.
