To book a place, or for any queries not covered on this website, email contact@fashionshootexperience.com
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FAQ
Is this is a workshop?
The Fashion Shoot Experience is a bridge between a conventional workshop and a real fashion shoot. It is important to note that it is not a 'workshop' where we hold your hand and tell you what to do. Rather, we push you forward. There is no teaching structure to the event. We lay on the location, models, styling, props, and a meticulously-timed schedule that allows you to shoot each and every model, and every available part of the venue.
You need to be confident shooting with your own initiative, but you are not on your own. Most shooting pairs on the day will find that their shooting partner on the day becomes their assistant, although this is by no means not obligated.
Because every event is truly a new adventure with unique locations, models and costumes, we have a high number of 'repeat customers' that come back to shoot again and again to join the FSE family!
Who runs it?
The Fashion Shoot Experience is run by Miss Aniela Ltd. We are, in essence, a passionate photographer couple! This is myself (Natalie Dybisz/Miss Aniela) and partner Matthew Lennard. We began running the Fashion Shoot Experience in 2011 in London, We took it to New York in 2012 and since then, to LA, France, Spain, Italy and Iceland!
In London we have a familiar network that includes stylists, MUAs, hairstylists which we hire regularly from, and we aim to use new models every time. We've also developed a base of contacts in NY and LA and a strong connection with our go-to US stylist, Leonid Gurevich.
Whilst I'm the photographer and the 'artist' behind the Miss Aniela name, Matthew is the more silent partner - in my view, the producer genius, able to bring together locations and teams overseas in a way that I would fall on my face even trying to. Then, there's our stateside stylist extraordinaire Leonid, who brings together the models and styling with 100% reliability, 1000% creative zest and zero ego - sustainably, over years - which is unheard of in this industry. We make, in essence, a rather good team!
Is this event just about fashion?
The models are styled in beautiful and avant-garde costumes, so the event certainly lends itself well to fashion. I myself (Miss Aniela) am not strictly a 'fashion photographer' but a photographer who enjoys creating artistic images as well as fashion. Shooting on these events myself, I have done both: shooting straight 'fashion' shots and stories, as well as more conceptual or artistic images. With so much potential in the locations we use, there is scope for different interpretations. We've also had some fantastic beauty-based images from photographers on the events.
In fact, I have just published a book of twelve years of imagery - mostly created on the Fashion Shoot Experience! - for my globally selling fine-art collection, Surreal Fashion. You can check out the book here.
I've been to zillions of workshops. This one doesn't sound cheap. Why should I attend?
When we first conceived this event over a decade ago, we wanted to provide something to those photographers who have been to enough workshops, and are looking for the next level! Our venue-based events we try to steer away from 'paparazzi' style shooting and facilitate an environment for independent thinking.
One of the main differences is that the work you create is real work: images to which you are assigned commercial rights to use your images for publication, exhibition and portfolio, seldom offered by group events of this nature. What's more, the professional structure on the day is second to none. We're strict on timekeeping to ensure you get your full, equal shooting time with each model.
We poured more of the budget than any other photography workshops would dare to spend on extravagant production. The price for a place is highly reasonable for the value you get in return; you can walk away with a portfolio of shots for half the cost of hiring just the venue for that day itself. For this price you experience a real fashion shoot but with us taking care of all the hard organisation.
I've never even attended a workshop. Should I go to this?
Because the Fashion Shoot Experience is not a workshop, you need a certain level of confidence to look after yourself on the day. However, working in pairs, you are not alone, left wondering how to fill every moment with the sound of a shutter going. You get chance to help the other person, think and compose your next shot. You might just find however, that in the style of ‘on the job training’, you ‘learn’ more than at a workshop!
Also, it’s normal to feel a little nervous! We’ve had attendees who start off jittery and soon get into the swing of it, and by the end of the day, have stopped from sheer exhaustion! We never want you to leave 'wanting', but instead so full from the feast that you've had enough!
"I felt completely overwhelmed and intimated and for a while I wondered why on earth I’d signed up. However, this day turned out to be an amazing, awesome, fulfilling and emotional experience – probably the best day I’ve ever had with my camera!" - read more of what Rachel Twigger had to say.
How is the day organised?
A typical shoot runs as follows: arrive 9am for breakfast and tea, mingling and location browse, followed by a brief introductory talk from the hosts Natalie & Matthew. We split you into your designated pairs, divide into the first location points and start shooting at roughly midday with the first model. There are three sessions between morning and lunch, an hour with each of 3 models. Then we have a lunch break (lunch spread provided) and the models get touch-ups.
After lunch we shoot 2-3 further set-ups, each an hour, followed by a group shot at the end. We then pack away to leave the venue.
We provide a more in-depth itinerary in your info PDF. Before the event we also send you a preview of everyone involved including pictures of the models and costumes. Afterwards, you get a full credits list with contact details of everyone on the shoot. We always stress the importance of professionally crediting the team.
What kind of lighting do you provide? And can I bring my own?
We've had several sponsors through the years and we used to provide lighting equipment. However, from spring NY 2025 onwards, you must provide your own lighting if you wish to use it.
How do I book and pay? What is the cancellation policy?
As a general rule, places are secured by full payment of the event price. Please enquire about payment plans. Once you email to state your interest, and we confirm there is a place available, we send you an invoice along with a PDF of payment terms. Payment is free for bank transfer. There is a small charge for Paypal or credit card to cover the fee.
You will receive the info PDF at least 2 weeks beforehand. A preview of the team list follows, usually a week before the event.
The PDF of payment terms, that we send along with the invoice, details the cancellation policy. Terms which will be detailed in your PDF of terms sent with your invoice. Please be sure to read fully.
If you have any doubts about payment procedure or the policy, please enquire.
What do I need to bring?
Your camera, tripod, plenty of memory cards, laptop if you want to offload your cards through the day.
Do you have a mailing list?
I am working on a new mailing list system, but meanwhile please email us direct; we'll save your details. And if you're on facebook, join the Fashion Shoot Experience Facebook group.
