I have come to learn more and more what success a shot can be when its actually off a model! It is quite a painstaking process, but when you can visualize what you want, it is easy, and becomes more about the technical aspects of how to make the items do what you want them to do.
So a crazy notion I once thought, this off model approach. But in fact, by creating shots in this way you can fit in more products, maintaining the concept of styling ideas, and actually create a beautiful composition that grabs the eye. It also helps to break up pages of similar looking model shots. It certainly provides more for the designers to work with, in creating high quality marketing or sales material.
It is part of a process of showing a collection for sure, and balance is everything. But there is nothing better than a crisp shot, with an arrangements of delectable items. People doing it extremely well out there already are: http://www.jcrew.com/womens-clothing.jsp
Of course it always helps to have great items to play with. Here the range of Simon Carter 'Carnaby Street collection' shirts and ties are shown.
Emily Grice
Off model styling