How to Run a Successful Photoshoot: Tips from Gaëlle Le Boulicaut & Team
Gaëlle Le Boulicaut
After a full week of shooting the new SLS Barcelona, photographer Gaëlle Le Boulicaut, stylist Erwan Le Boulicaut, and lighting expert Jean Philippe sat down with Everything Now—beer in hand, sun setting over Port Fòrum—to share what really makes a photoshoot run smoothly. Their insights? A mix of precision, creativity, and a little bit of controlled chaos. Here are their top recommendations for capturing the perfect shot.
1. Caffeine is Your Best Friend
If your shoot starts at 6 AM, the first thing you need isn’t a camera—it’s a double espresso. Then a flat white. Then another espresso. Repeat as needed. A well-fueled team is a happy team.
2. 97% of the Work Happens Before the Shoot
A successful shoot is all about preparation. The more planning you do beforehand, the smoother things will run.
Have a clear art direction document that outlines the brand’s visual identity, storytelling elements, and key shots.
Brief everyone—photographer, lighting crew, models, stylists, and the hotel team—so there are no surprises on the day.
The best shoots happen when the entire team is aligned before stepping on set.
3. The Client's Vision vs. Reality
Planning is crucial, but so is adapting on the fly. You can have a perfect shot list, but once you're on location, things shift.
A great photographer will help guide you on what’s actually possible in the space.
Be open to reworking the plan when needed—some of the best shots come from unexpected moments.
Consulting means making the client’s vision better, not just executing a list. Sometimes, the best decision is to challenge the original idea.
4. The Sun is King, but Flexibility is Queen
Artificial lighting helps, but nothing beats natural sunlight.
Keep an eye on how the light moves throughout the day and adjust accordingly.
Be flexible with your shot schedule—reshoot if needed.
Weather is unpredictable—embrace it.
Luxuriate Suite at SLS Barcelona. Shot by Gaëlle Le Boulicaut
5. Energy Management is Key
Photoshoots are long and exhausting. Keeping morale high is just as important as getting the right shots.
Expect high-intensity moments in the morning or late afternoon when the light is best.
Stay patient and keep communication open—a tired, frustrated team won’t get great results.
Housekeeping is your best friend—a perfectly made bed means less time spent in post-production.
6. Have a Full-Access Pass & Know the Space
If you’re shooting in a hotel, know the layout inside out.
A full-access pass helps avoid delays when moving between spaces.
Understanding the logistics of the building makes everything easier.
Gaëlle and Jean Philippe
7. Feed the Team (Well)
Photoshoots are physically demanding, and bad catering = bad moods.
Having a chef-prepared meal beats Uber Eats every time.
A well-fed team works harder, stays happier, and lasts longer.
8. Styling & Respecting the Space
Be organized with props—having everything ready saves time.
Clean up as you go—leave the space as you found it out of respect for the team and the location.
Housekeeping and maintenance teams are key players—acknowledge their work and involve them in the process.
Lora at SLS Barcelona, shot by Gaëlle Le Boulicaut
9. Keep the Vibe Right—A Happy Team = Better Shots
Photoshoots are stressful, but you’re not saving lives—you’re selling rooms. Crack a joke, lighten the mood, and remember why you’re doing this in the first place. A happy team produces the best work.
10. The Little Fixes That Keep Things Moving
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make all the difference:
A solid trolley to move equipment quickly and efficiently.
Power plugs that actually work—because nothing kills momentum like scrambling for an outlet.
Door wedges—keep doors open when moving between spaces without slowing things down.
A functional lighting control panel—so you’re not wasting time figuring out how to adjust room settings.
About Gaëlle Le Boulicaut
Gaëlle Le Boulicaut is a visual storyteller, transforming spaces into experiences through her lens. With work featured in ELLE DECOR, VOGUE LIVING, and AD, she has collaborated with leading names in luxury, fashion, and hospitality.
Her success is powered by a dream team: stylist Erwan Le Boulicaut and lighting expert Jean Philippe, ensuring every frame is meticulously crafted. From architectural masterpieces to culinary artistry, Gaëlle’s work is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about capturing the essence of a brand and making people want to be there.
Selected Collaborations
Publications: ELLE DECOR, VOGUE LIVING, MADAME FIGARO, HOUSE & GARDEN, AD, SUNDAY TIMES, GQ, DEPARTURES.
Luxury & Hospitality: HOTEL LUTETIA PARIS, RELAIS & CHATEAUX, COPPOLA FAMILY RESORT, WILDERNESS SAFARIS, MILLESIME COLLECTIONS.
Fashion & Lifestyle: JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, SONIA RYKIEL, PACO RABANNE, LEVI’S, KENZO HOME, CLARINS.
Design & Architecture: STUDIO KO, WILMOTTE & ASSOCIES, PIERRE FREY, ELITIS, ROCHE BOBOIS, FRITZ HANSEN.
Website: gaelleleboulicaut.com
