Behind the Scenes of an Editorial Photoshoot: Planning, Challenges, and Creative Wins

Commercial and editorial photography is an art form that blends creative vision with logistical precision. Every successful editorial shoot requires thorough planning, a talented team, and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. At Digital Love, we specialize in bringing brand narratives to life through high-impact visual storytelling. In this post, we’re taking you behind the scenes of an editorial photoshoot, detailing the entire process from concept creation to final execution. Using our recent project with The Eliza Jane Hotel as a case study, we’ll highlight the steps involved in planning an editorial photoshoot and the creative wins that made this production a success.

Concept Creation: Crafting the Vision

Every editorial photography project starts with a clear and compelling concept. For The Eliza Jane Hotel, our goal was to capture the hotel's industrial-romantic design and European sensibility while showcasing its vibrant food and beverage scene. Our team worked closely with the client to ensure the visuals aligned with the hotel’s brand identity and marketing goals and the final deliverables they needed for an updated website and ongoing digital marketing strategy.

Key steps in this phase:

• Client Consultation: Understanding the brand’s vision, target audience, and unique selling points. 
• Creative Direction: Developing strong aesthetic mood boards based on the brand identity, drafting detailed shot lists, and finessing storytelling angles to guide the shoot.
• Talent & Styling: Sourcing models, wardrobe, and makeup artists to ensure the aesthetic matched the editorial vision.

Scouting Locations: Finding the Perfect Backdrops

‍For an editorial shoot, the setting is just as important as the subjects. With The Eliza Jane, the hotel itself provided a stunning backdrop. While working closely with the property, we identified the key areas on property that could entice potential guests and showcase the amazing experience at the hotel. Many of these areas are featured prominently in the final gallery, telling the hotel’s unique story.

• The Press Room Bar, with its rich textures and intimate lighting.
• Guest rooms, showcasing a mix of vintage and modern design elements.
• The lobby, featuring architectural details and cozy seating areas.
• Couvant, the hotel’s restaurant, where food and beverage scenes came to life.

Production Planning: Bringing the Vision to Life

‍With a tight four-day timeline, Digital Love’s team meticulously planned every detail to maximize efficiency and creativity. Our approach to planning an editorial photoshoot includes:

• Scheduling: Mapping out a detailed production schedule to ensure smooth transitions between scenes and maximizing our time capturing photo and video.
• Lighting & Equipment: Coordinating lighting setups to enhance the hotel’s natural ambiance.
• Set Design & Prop Styling: Collaborating with stylists to create immersive and visually captivating scenes. From the fully styled Press Room Bar to lux details in the guest room, our team’s attention to detail shows in every final frame.

One of the biggest challenges was working around the hotel’s daily operations and having a light footprint on property. We strategically planned our scenes during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting guests while still capturing authentic moments.

‍Directing Models & Capturing Authentic Moments

‍Editorial photography thrives on storytelling. Rather than posed images, we aimed for dynamic, engaging compositions that felt natural. Our approach included:

• Giving models light direction while allowing room for spontaneity.
• Capturing real interactions, such as bartenders crafting signature cocktails or guests enjoying a cozy morning in their suite.
• Using movement and perspective to create depth and energy in each shot.

One of the standout moments of the shoot was the bar scene at the Press Room. By timing our shoot to capture the natural sunlight streaming through the rafters, we created an inviting atmosphere that felt dynamic and intimate at the same time. Our lighting director supplemented the scene with additional ambient lighting, enhancing the golden hues of the bar.

‍Post-Production: Turning Raw Files into Magic

‍The magic continues long after the shoot wraps. Our post-production workflow ensures the final images are polished, cohesive, and ready for multiple marketing channels.

• Color Grading & Retouching: Enhancing images and footage to maintain a consistent editorial feel.
• Final Selection: Providing a preview gallery for the client to select their preferred images.
• Formatting for Use: Delivering optimized versions for web, print, and social media.

The images from The Eliza Jane shoot have since been used across the hotel’s website, social media, and digital campaigns, playing a key role in their rebranding efforts.

‍

‍Creative Wins & Final Thoughts

‍Every editorial photoshoot presents challenges, but with careful planning and a strong creative vision, those challenges become opportunities. We consider ourselves professional problem-solvers! Some of the biggest wins from this shoot included:

• Seamlessly capturing the hotel’s unique character while working within a tight timeline.
• Showcasing the rich textures and ambiance of The Eliza Jane through carefully curated lighting and styling.
• Delivering a diverse collection of visual assets that have elevated the hotel’s marketing efforts and solidified its place in the New Orleans hospitality industry.

At Digital Love, our expertise in editorial photography allows us to produce visually compelling stories that resonate. Whether capturing the essence of a boutique hotel, a luxury brand, or an emerging lifestyle product, we bring creativity, precision, and storytelling to every project.Interested in working with us?

‍

Let’s bring your vision to life—reach out today!