What's Included in a Lookbook Shoot Service in New York City? A Full Breakdown

A lookbook isn't a product shoot and it isn't a full editorial campaign. It sits in between, showing how pieces work together and move on the body, styled as a cohesive collection.

Here's what a proper lookbook shoot service in New York City should include.

1. Creative Direction and Concept Planning

Before any shooting happens, a lookbook needs a point of view: how the collection should feel, how pieces pair together, and what story the sequence of images tells as a whole.

2. Model Casting

Lookbooks are shot on real models, chosen to fit the brand's identity and the collection's intended customer. The Materealist team handles casting as part of production.

3. Styling

Beyond simply dressing the model, styling for a lookbook means deciding how pieces layer, pair, and repeat across looks.

4. On-Model Photography

The core of any lookbook is on-model work, showing how garments move, fit, and fall on a real body, shot consistently across every look in the collection.

5. Hair and Makeup

Consistent hair and makeup direction ties the whole lookbook together visually, especially across a multi-look, multi-hour shoot day.

6. Retouching and Sequencing

The Materealist team retouches every look in-house for a consistent finish, then sequences the full set into a cohesive final lookbook.

About Materealist

Materealist offers full-service lookbook production in New York City, creative direction, model casting, styling, hair and makeup, on-model photography, and in-house retouching, all coordinated under one team across three New York City studio locations.

The Bottom Line

A real lookbook shoot service handles everything from first concept to final retouched sequence, all under one production team.

FAQs

Q1. How many looks are typically included in a lookbook?

This varies widely by collection size, from a handful of key looks to a full seasonal range.

Q2. Do I need to provide my own models for a lookbook shoot?

No. The Materealist team handles model casting as part of the production.

Q3. How is a lookbook different from a full editorial campaign?

A lookbook focuses on clearly presenting a collection's pieces and how they work together. Editorial work leans further into mood and creative concept.

Q4. How long does a lookbook shoot take?

This depends on the number of looks and any outfit or location changes. Full-day shoots are common for a complete seasonal lookbook.

Q5. What's delivered at the end of a lookbook shoot?

Retouched, sequenced images ready for use across a brand's website, social platforms, and marketing materials.