Behind the Scenes: Creatively Curating a Photoshoot For British Vogue With Kids

When British Vogue requested campaign photos for my ad spots, I knew the fashion had to be noteworthy. But it didn’t have to be expensive! I turned to preloved quality pieces paired with popular fast fashion to create a city look for kids that was effortlessly Vogue-worthy. Read on to get a step-by-step guide to curating your own magazine look!

Setting Off on My Vogue Journey

The story of my Vogue journey begins with an unexpected email that came one afternoon as I was preparing lunch at the cottage. Seeing the subject line from British Vogue, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement. Quickly, I called out to my best friend Cindy, sharing the news with wide eyes filled with anticipation.

But when I looked closer, Vogue’s invitation seemed too good to be true. After all, I had only been running my small business Huggabeau for five months. Disheartened, I returned to preparing sandwiches, thinking that was the end of it.

Little did I know, fate had other plans in store for my brand!

A year later, in the chaos of a pandemic-style summer with all three kids in tow, I got a similar email. Despite the distractions of diapers to change and children clamoring for attention, I took a chance and called the number in the email signature.

To my surprise, at the other end of the line was a woman with a poised British accent. She offered me three ad spots in British Vogue and a highlight on their retail website! In that moment, as a top-bun-wearing mompreneur who had started her small shop sewing in her basement nook, I felt truly recognized. It was a validating feeling, especially when so much of my daily work as a mom often goes unseen and underappreciated.

Crafting Fashion for the Photoshoot

Contrary to common misconceptions, my Vogue photoshoot was done on a budget. Having already invested in several brand shoots, I needed to be resourceful about managing my small business expenses.

High-quality photos typically require hiring a professional photographer and we have worked with many that are absolutely worth the cost. But this time a talented friend, Sean Egerton-Foreman, generously offered to snap some photos of my kids for the shoot, for which I was immensely grateful.

Here’s how I kept the photoshoot within budget:

1. 1. Choosing a Free Location: I opted for the steps outside Holy Name Parish, a Catholic church near my home in Toronto.

1. 1. Selecting Complementary Colours Using Colour Theory: I meticulously curated a colour palette, to ensure it went well with the church’s backdrop.

1. 1. Shopping at My Favorite Preloved Children’s Store: I scoured minicycle.com, a Montreal shop known for its recycled fashion line, and selected pieces that aligned with my colour palette. With a budget of $40 per child, I managed to spend even less.

1. 1. Accessorizing with Items I Already Owned: I incorporated my brand Huggabeau‘s fashion dolls, solid-coloured t-shirts from Old Navy and O’s and Oakes, and Converse footwear that we already had in our possession.

For further insights on colour theory and my preferred preloved stores, check out my other blog post, “How to Plan a Shoot.”

Navigating the Photoshoot with Kids

With fashion curated and location selected, the challenge remained: managing the unpredictable moods of child models.

Timing was crucial. Despite the ‘witching hour’ coinciding with golden hour, I decided to embrace it for the sake of capturing the perfect shots. Here are the strategies I employed for shooting with kids during this magical time:

1. 1. Bringing a Set of Wheels: To conserve energy and accommodate tired little legs, I brought a stroller to transport the kids to the location, which also worked as a handy place to keep accessories.

1. 1. Packing Snacks: Armed with non-messy snacks, I enticed cooperation with promises of post-shoot treats, leveraging the time-tested strategy of bribery to ensure successful poses.

1. 1. Incorporating Stylish Toys: A classic wooden skipping rope not only entertainment but also added dynamism to the shots, creating captivating action scenes.

1. 1. Enlisting Adult Support: With multiple children to manage, having friends around to help was really important. They helped with things like getting the kids ready for photos, opening snacks, and tying shoes when needed.

The Culmination: The Final Prduct

In the end, the endeavor cost me no more than $200 to outfit three kids—a budget well within reach for this project. By blending high-end children’s labels with accessible brands like Old Navy and Converse, I achieved a look that was both affordable, easy, and stylish.

To sum it up, my experience with Vogue has taught me valuable lessons on creativity, resourcefulness, and self-belief. I am eager to pass on these insights to fellow moms and small business owners facing similar challenges, such as finding chic playwear on a budget and capturing great photos with kids!