The Real Reason Why Clients Tell You To Do Your Thing

If you’re a Photo Stylist, Photographer or Creative, you have probably heard this phrase coming at ya a time or two  . . . JUST DO YOUR THING. Let’s chat about those clients who send you photos from Pinterest with the vague statement ~ “You’re a Stylist, you know what to do!  or gives you a vague concept and says . . . "just do your thing”.

OR THESE SIMILAR STATEMENTS:

▪︎ Do whatever you think.
▪︎ However, you think it should be styled.
▪︎ I’m not the Stylist, (creative) you know best.
▪︎ We’re giving you card blanche.
▪︎ You do you.

Might sound like a dream . . . but actually it can be a nightmare.  You might be thinking . . . They love my styling .  .  . I can do anything ~ that’s SO great! I’m excited! 

OR, IT COULD MEAN

▪︎ They are too lazy to do a shot list. (Just #keepingitreal here)
▪︎ They don’t know what to tell you.
▪︎ They don’t know how to organize a photo shoot.
▪︎ They have not thought about concepts, palettes, objectives to tell you.
▪︎ They have no idea or concept for their project.
▪︎ They have no vision for the shoot.
▪︎ They will “know it” when they "see it”
▪︎ They think you're a mindreader! lol!

Or they could think (its easier) or that it’s ok to say (when you have already styled) that. . . “yes” I like it “no” I don’t and keep going with that process, instead of giving you style directives for the project upfront.

Or WORST, the “decision maker” of the assignment or campaign is not on set, sees the images after the photo shoot is completed (doesn’t like them) and calls for a reshoot and blames you for not styling the way they wanted!  What!?!  It happens!

To avoid this always, always ask for the following: (It could be called many things within the company. Common names are:)

▪︎ Brand Guide
▪︎ Style Guide
▪︎ Style Directives
▪︎ POV (Point of View) Guide
▪︎ Plan-o-Gram  (Retail)

So, get any of the above and heck, it could be just a link to inspiration images in Dropbox or Wetransfer!  Just get images, directives, concepts of how they want their imagery to look (and feel!)

In fairness, you could be styling/working with a small company or new brand that is new to doing photo shoots.  Help them, guide them, show them images that may help them in the process. But, do get directives confirmed BEFORE you ever begin the process of styling for them.

Have a story like this to tell?  Please do tell!  Reach out and connect with me [email protected]

Bonnie ~

Image Credit ｜ Boris Jovanovic via Stocksy