Behind the Scenes: What Really Happens During a Fashion Shoot at SAM Studio (Abu Dhabi)
A complete, cinematic, step-by-step walkthrough for models, brands & creatives
By SAM Studio – Abu Dhabi’s hub for fashion, modeling, production & creative talent.
Read Time: 12–14 minutes
Category: Fashion Photography | Modeling | Creative Industry UAE
By SAM Studio – Abu Dhabi’s hub for fashion, modeling, production & creative talent.
Read Time: 12–14 minutes
Category: Fashion Photography | Modeling | Creative Industry UAE
🌟 INTRODUCTION: WHERE FASHION COMES TO LIFE
Fashion shoots always look effortless from the outside — flawless poses, glowing skin, sharp lighting, perfect compositions.
But behind each iconic frame is a world of creativity, coordination, and precise technical execution.
This is the side most people never see.
At SAM Studio Abu Dhabi, every shoot is a carefully crafted balance of:
artistic direction
technical lighting
styling
makeup
posing guidance
set design
storytelling
premium production workflow
This is a full behind-the-scenes tour of exactly what happens inside SAM Studio during a fashion shoot — from the moment the model arrives… to the final polished image.
Whether you're a model preparing for your first shoot, a brand planning a campaign, or a creative curious about the process, this article reveals EVERYTHING.
But behind each iconic frame is a world of creativity, coordination, and precise technical execution.
This is the side most people never see.
At SAM Studio Abu Dhabi, every shoot is a carefully crafted balance of:
artistic direction
technical lighting
styling
makeup
posing guidance
set design
storytelling
premium production workflow
This is a full behind-the-scenes tour of exactly what happens inside SAM Studio during a fashion shoot — from the moment the model arrives… to the final polished image.
Whether you're a model preparing for your first shoot, a brand planning a campaign, or a creative curious about the process, this article reveals EVERYTHING.
1️⃣ PRE-PRODUCTION: THE SHOOT BEGINS LONG BEFORE THE CAMERA TURNS ON
Before anyone steps into the studio, the planning begins.
Fashion photography is 50% pre-production, 30% execution, 20% post-production.
Here’s how SAM Studio builds a shoot from idea → vision → execution.
Fashion photography is 50% pre-production, 30% execution, 20% post-production.
Here’s how SAM Studio builds a shoot from idea → vision → execution.
📌 Step 1: Creative Direction & Moodboard
Every shoot starts with a creative vision.
We create a moodboard that includes:
Color palette
Poses & expressions
Lighting style
Wardrobe & styling
Set design (cyclorama vs stairs vs mobile arch)
Hair & makeup references
Overall emotion
We create a moodboard that includes:
Color palette
Poses & expressions
Lighting style
Wardrobe & styling
Set design (cyclorama vs stairs vs mobile arch)
Hair & makeup references
Overall emotion
🎨 Example Moodboard Themes Used at SAM Studio
Desert Gold Editorial (clean light, matte skin, strong jawline)
Chromatic Fashion (colored gels on the cyclorama)
Minimalist Couture (all-white staging, elegance, long lines)
Urban Luxury (mobile arch + textured wall + bold poses)
Editorial Shadows (hard light from Neewer CB-200, deep contrast)
Desert Gold Editorial (clean light, matte skin, strong jawline)
Chromatic Fashion (colored gels on the cyclorama)
Minimalist Couture (all-white staging, elegance, long lines)
Urban Luxury (mobile arch + textured wall + bold poses)
Editorial Shadows (hard light from Neewer CB-200, deep contrast)
📌 Step 2: Wardrobe Coordination
Brands often bring clothing. For model test shoots, we guide the outfits:
✔ Clean basics
✔ Monochromatic outfits
✔ Statement pieces
✔ One editorial fit
✔ One lifestyle casual look
“How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi”.
✔ Clean basics
✔ Monochromatic outfits
✔ Statement pieces
✔ One editorial fit
✔ One lifestyle casual look
“How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi”.
📌 Step 3: Set Design & Props Preparation
Your studio has stunning modular setups.
Here’s how SAM Studio prepares:
Cyclorama cleaned and polished
Wavy Wood Sofa positioned (great for editorial poses)
L-Shaped Stairs adjusted based on shot direction
Mobile Arch rolled in and lit from behind
3D Mobile Wall Panel for fashion advertisement vibes
V-Flat placed to bounce soft controlled light
Image Placeholder 02: Set design preparation timelapse.
Here’s how SAM Studio prepares:
Cyclorama cleaned and polished
Wavy Wood Sofa positioned (great for editorial poses)
L-Shaped Stairs adjusted based on shot direction
Mobile Arch rolled in and lit from behind
3D Mobile Wall Panel for fashion advertisement vibes
V-Flat placed to bounce soft controlled light
Image Placeholder 02: Set design preparation timelapse.
2️⃣ WHEN THE MODEL ARRIVES: THE TRANSFORMATION BEGINS
📍 Step 4: Select Your Outfits (Crucial for UAE Market)
📌 Step 1: Warm Welcome & Space Orientation
The experience matters.
We walk the model through:
Changing room
Makeup station
Wardrobe area
Preview screen (for real-time tethering)
Light testing area
Set layout
We walk the model through:
Changing room
Makeup station
Wardrobe area
Preview screen (for real-time tethering)
Light testing area
Set layout
📌 Step 2: Hair & Makeup Prep
Makeup needs to be camera-ready, not Instagram-ready.
Makeup Focus for Fashion Shoots:
Matte finish
Defined jawline
Clean brows
Soft contour
Light blush
Hydrated lips
Hair Preparation:
Clean, natural texture
Light volume
Styled to match moodboard
Image Placeholder 03: Makeup artist working at your glam corner.
Makeup Focus for Fashion Shoots:
Matte finish
Defined jawline
Clean brows
Soft contour
Light blush
Hydrated lips
Hair Preparation:
Clean, natural texture
Light volume
Styled to match moodboard
Image Placeholder 03: Makeup artist working at your glam corner.
📌 Step 3: Pre-Shoot Briefing
Before shooting:
We show the model:
The moodboard
The shot list
The posing references
The lighting setup
The emotional direction
This builds confidence and speeds workflow.
We show the model:
The moodboard
The shot list
The posing references
The lighting setup
The emotional direction
This builds confidence and speeds workflow.
3️⃣ LIGHTING: THE SOUL OF A FASHION SHOOT AT SAM STUDIO
💡 Setup A: Clean Beauty Lighting (Soft + Perfect Skin)
Equipment:
120cm softbox
Fill reflector
Back hair light
Purpose: beauty shots / cosmetics / headshots
Result: glowing, smooth, commercial-quality skin.
120cm softbox
Fill reflector
Back hair light
Purpose: beauty shots / cosmetics / headshots
Result: glowing, smooth, commercial-quality skin.
💡 Setup B: Editorial Hard Light (Fashion Shadows)
Equipment:
Neewer CB-200
Optical snoot
Black V-flat
Purpose: high-fashion, European editorial
Result: sharp jawlines, dramatic mood, deep contrast.
Neewer CB-200
Optical snoot
Black V-flat
Purpose: high-fashion, European editorial
Result: sharp jawlines, dramatic mood, deep contrast.
💡 Setup C: Colored Gel Setup (Fashion Trend 2025)
Equipment:
PL60C RGB
CB-200 front fill
Gel backlights
Result: modern fashion look trending in UAE luxury brands.
PL60C RGB
CB-200 front fill
Gel backlights
Result: modern fashion look trending in UAE luxury brands.
💡 Setup D: Lifestyle Natural Soft Light
Equipment:
Large softbox
Minimal fill
Neutral background
Result: commercial-friendly, natural vibes.
Large softbox
Minimal fill
Neutral background
Result: commercial-friendly, natural vibes.
4️⃣ SHOOTING PROCESS: THE MOMENT WHERE ART MEETS TECH
📌 Step 1: Camera Setup
Canon R6
Lenses: 24–105mm, 100mm macro, 85mm 1.2, 50mm
Settings (recommended):
ISO 100–200
f/4 – f/8
1/160 or 1/200
RAW format
White balance set to flash
Lenses: 24–105mm, 100mm macro, 85mm 1.2, 50mm
Settings (recommended):
ISO 100–200
f/4 – f/8
1/160 or 1/200
RAW format
White balance set to flash
📌 Step 2: Directing the Model (This Is Where SAM Studio Shines)
Models don’t just pose. They perform.
You guide them through:
Expression Prompts:
“Relax your jaw.”
“Give me confidence in the eyes but softness in the lips.”
“Think of someone watching you walk into the room.”
Movement Prompts:
Micro-walks
Hair flips
Shoulder rolls
Hip shifts
Slow turns
Editorial Posing Prompts:
Sharp angles
Asymmetry
Chin variations
Elongation
You guide them through:
Expression Prompts:
“Relax your jaw.”
“Give me confidence in the eyes but softness in the lips.”
“Think of someone watching you walk into the room.”
Movement Prompts:
Micro-walks
Hair flips
Shoulder rolls
Hip shifts
Slow turns
Editorial Posing Prompts:
Sharp angles
Asymmetry
Chin variations
Elongation
📌 Step 3: Shooting by Sets
Set 1 — Cyclorama Wall (Clean Editorial)
Full body
Walking poses
Profile shots
Strong fashion silhouettes
Set 2 — Mobile Arch (Luxury & Shadows)
Backlit from behind → creates dreamy diffusion.
Set 3 — Stairs (Cinematic Structure)
Perfect for long dresses & couture fashion.
Set 4 — Wavy Wood Sofa (Artistic Sitting Poses)
Organic shapes → editorial feel.
Set 5 — 3D Decor Wall (Commercial / Magazine)
Texture adds dimension.
Set 6 — Colored Gels Setup (Trending)
Pink + cyan
Amber + blue
Purple + teal
Add a PL60C gel behind the model → instant magazine-worthy backdrop.
Full body
Walking poses
Profile shots
Strong fashion silhouettes
Set 2 — Mobile Arch (Luxury & Shadows)
Backlit from behind → creates dreamy diffusion.
Set 3 — Stairs (Cinematic Structure)
Perfect for long dresses & couture fashion.
Set 4 — Wavy Wood Sofa (Artistic Sitting Poses)
Organic shapes → editorial feel.
Set 5 — 3D Decor Wall (Commercial / Magazine)
Texture adds dimension.
Set 6 — Colored Gels Setup (Trending)
Pink + cyan
Amber + blue
Purple + teal
Add a PL60C gel behind the model → instant magazine-worthy backdrop.
5️⃣ LIVE TETHERING: REAL-TIME IMAGE REVIEW
The model, client, or stylist can watch the images live on the preview screen:
⚡ Lighting fix
⚡ Pose correction
⚡ Hair adjustment
⚡ Wardrobe tweaks
This is what makes your workflow premium.
⚡ Lighting fix
⚡ Pose correction
⚡ Hair adjustment
⚡ Wardrobe tweaks
This is what makes your workflow premium.
6️⃣ BREAKS, OUTFITS & SHOOT FLOW
📍 Step 9: Submit to Agencies (UAE-Specific List)
Fashion shoots typically follow:
Warm-up set
First outfit
Second outfit
Third outfit
Bold editorial look
Beauty set (close-ups)
Final dramatic lighting set
Models rest between looks; makeup touch-ups happen constantly.
Warm-up set
First outfit
Second outfit
Third outfit
Bold editorial look
Beauty set (close-ups)
Final dramatic lighting set
Models rest between looks; makeup touch-ups happen constantly.
7️⃣ AFTER THE SHOOT: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
📌 Step 1: Photo Selection (With Expert Guidance)
The model chooses + you recommend the most marketable shots.
📌 Step 2: Retouching
High-end fashion retouching includes:
Skin smoothing
Color grading
Dodge & burn
Hair cleanup
Background cleanup
Clothing corrections
📌 Step 3: Delivery
Your structure:
Polaroids
Edited Photos (8–20 depending on package)
Optional fashion film
Optional TikTok reel BTS
The model chooses + you recommend the most marketable shots.
📌 Step 2: Retouching
High-end fashion retouching includes:
Skin smoothing
Color grading
Dodge & burn
Hair cleanup
Background cleanup
Clothing corrections
📌 Step 3: Delivery
Your structure:
Polaroids
Edited Photos (8–20 depending on package)
Optional fashion film
Optional TikTok reel BTS
8️⃣ MODEL CHECKLIST (Downloadable PDF)
I recommend turning this into a PDF on your site to capture emails.
Before the Shoot:
✔ Hydrate
✔ Light skincare
✔ Clean hair
✔ Neutral nails
✔ Sleep early
✔ Practice poses
Bring:
✔ Nude + black underwear
✔ Heels / clean sneakers
✔ Simple accessories
✔ Lotion / oil
✔ Hairbrush
Before the Shoot:
✔ Hydrate
✔ Light skincare
✔ Clean hair
✔ Neutral nails
✔ Sleep early
✔ Practice poses
Bring:
✔ Nude + black underwear
✔ Heels / clean sneakers
✔ Simple accessories
✔ Lotion / oil
✔ Hairbrush
9️⃣ VIDEO RECOMMENDATIONS
🎥 “A Day at SAM Studio – Fashion Shooting from Start to Finish”
🎥 “How SAM Studio Builds Your Portfolio”
🎥 “Lighting Behind the Scenes – Editorial Look at SAM Studio”
🎥 “How SAM Studio Builds Your Portfolio”
🎥 “Lighting Behind the Scenes – Editorial Look at SAM Studio”
OTHER BLOGS
How to Build a Modeling Portfolio in Abu Dhabi (Step by Step)
Studio Lighting 101 — What Every Model Should Know Before a Shoot
The Business of Modelling — What Agencies Look for in 2025
Model Wellness & Mindset in UAE
Studio Lighting 101 — What Every Model Should Know Before a Shoot
The Business of Modelling — What Agencies Look for in 2025
Model Wellness & Mindset in UAE
🎯 CONCLUSION: WHAT MAKES SAM STUDIO DIFFERENT
Fashion shoots are not about pictures.
They’re about transformation.
At SAM Studio, every shoot becomes:
A learning experience
A confidence boost
A creative collaboration
A professional milestone
A personal evolution
From lighting to posing to styling — every detail is intentional.
This is why models leave not only with photos…
but with a story they lived.
They’re about transformation.
At SAM Studio, every shoot becomes:
A learning experience
A confidence boost
A creative collaboration
A professional milestone
A personal evolution
From lighting to posing to styling — every detail is intentional.
This is why models leave not only with photos…
but with a story they lived.
BOOK YOUR FASHION SHOOT AT SAM STUDIO
Your next iconic frame starts here.
⭐ Professional Portfolio Shoots
⭐ Fashion Editorials
⭐ Commercial Campaigns
⭐ Model Test Shoots
⭐ Creative Content Sets
⭐ Lighting Mastery Sessions
➡️ Book now at SAM Studio Abu Dhabi
📍 Photography | Modeling | Production
✨ Beyond Vision. Into Reality.
⭐ Professional Portfolio Shoots
⭐ Fashion Editorials
⭐ Commercial Campaigns
⭐ Model Test Shoots
⭐ Creative Content Sets
⭐ Lighting Mastery Sessions
➡️ Book now at SAM Studio Abu Dhabi
📍 Photography | Modeling | Production
✨ Beyond Vision. Into Reality.
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