Budget-Friendly Photoshoot Tips for Swimwear Brands

Want to launch your swimwear label with confidence, without overspending?

Launching a swimwear label means your brand visuals need to do a lot of the heavy lifting, especially online. Your campaign shoot isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about storytelling, brand identity, and building a connection with your audience.

But when you’re just starting out, it can feel overwhelming trying to create high end content on a limited budget.

The good news?

It’s absolutely possible to produce beautiful, professional campaign imagery that elevates your brand, without spending thousands.

Here are 8 proven tips to help you create stunning swimwear content without breaking the bank:

1. Plan Your Creative Direction Ahead of Time

Before reaching out to models or booking a location, get super clear on your creative vision:

• What’s the mood and tone? (Minimal, beachy, editorial, bold?)
  

• Do you need studio or lifestyle content—or both?
  

• What story are you trying to tell?
  

Use Pinterest or Canva to create a mood board. This will help everyone on your team align with your brand aesthetic and keep the shoot focused.

2. Use Ghost Imagery for a Clean, Affordable Catalog

Ghost mannequin imagery is a cost effective way to present your products with a polished, professional edge. A ghost image is a product photo where the swimsuit appears to be worn, but the model or mannequin is digitally removed - creating a clean, “floating” look. This style of imagery highlights the fit, shape, and structure of the garment without distractions, giving a clear view of how it sits on the body.

Many brands use ghost images alongside lifestyle shots to maintain a clean, cohesive visual identity. The best part?

They can cost as little as $30 per style, making them perfect for swimwear startups.

Want to know more about ghost images? Message us on WhatsApp

3. Use a Small but Mighty Team

You don’t need a large crew to get incredible results. For a streamlined, professional shoot, aim for:

• 1 photographer who understands your aesthetic - provide them with a call sheet
  

• 1–2 models who align with your brand identity -

  provide them with a call sheet

• A friend or assistant to help with styling and behind-the-scenes content

Models know what looks good on them and how to do their own hair & make up, they want to look good and feel good in the shoot as well so take advantage of their skills rather then over paying on make up artists and hair stylists to stay all day, Give your models a call sheet example - clean nails, bronzed skin, no eye shadow, please bring your make up kit to the shoot for touch ups - LESS IS MORE

Tip: Many photographers offer half day packages or startup discounts, especially if you’re flexible with your shoot date.

What is a call sheet? Contact us on WhatsApp for more info

4. Location, Location For Free

Think outside the studio. Public beaches, natural landscapes, Airbnbs, or even your own villa in Bali can be incredible backdrops.

• Shoot during golden hour for flattering light
  

• Check for permits if needed
  

• Ask friends or family if you can use their spaces
  Bonus tip: Co-share studio space with another brand to split costs.

5. Prep Your Products Thoroughly

Your samples should look flawless. Steam everything, check stitching, and pack items in shoot order. Don’t forget:

• Safety pins
  

• Lint rollers
  

• Backups of best-selling styles
  

• Thread cutters / Small scissors

Shoot hero pieces in multiple colors, it’s an easy way to stretch your content without extra effort.

6. Prioritise Key Shots

Time will fly on shoot day. Create a shot list that includes:

• Product front/back on models
  

• Lifestyle scenes
  

• Close up details
  

• Behind-the-scenes content for socials
  
  

Prioritising key shots ensures you walk away with the must haves even if things run behind.

7. Create Reels and BTS Content

Capture content while you shoot, don’t wait for later.

Behind-the-scenes Reels and TikToks help tell your brand story and build hype around your launch.

8. Collaborate Where Possible

Photographers, models, and stylists may be open to collaborative shoots, especially if your brand concept is strong.

Offer value in return: product trade, shoutouts, or professional credit and always confirm expectations in writing.

Use UGC creators - this can significantly cut marketing costs because you’re leveraging authentic, creator made content rather than investing in expensive studio shoots or large production teams. UGC delivers real, relatable storytelling that feels genuine to audiences boosting engagement at a fraction of the price of traditional ads.

A swimwear campaign shoot doesn’t need to be big budget to make a big impact. With strong planning, a clear vision, and the right team, you can create scroll stopping content that builds trust and drives sales.

Start where you are, use what you have - just make it intentional.

You may be wondering what is a call sheet? Whats a Ghost image? Have any questions at all, or maybe just a little excited to start your own label! Click here to book your free curiosity call today!

Or message us on WhatsApp

When launching your first swimwear label, it’s tempting to go big - designing a dozen styles, offering countless colours, and dreaming up all the details. But here’s the truth: more isn’t always better.

After years of working closely with startup founders in the swimwear space (and from my own experience launching a brand), I’ve seen firsthand what works and what overwhelms.

So let’s get into it:

How many designs should you launch with?

The sweet spot is between 6 to 8 thoughtfully designed swimwear styles.

Here’s why:

1. Enough Variety to Establish a Brand Identity

Six to eight pieces give you just enough range to showcase your unique design style. This allows your audience to get a real sense of your brand, from the silhouettes and fabrics to the details and personality behind each piece.

In my experience any less than six, and your collection may feel incomplete or lack cohesion. You want your customers to feel excited and connected to your offering, not limited in choice.

2. Mix-and-Match Potential Increases Value

Swimwear thrives on versatility. Offering a range of tops and bottoms that mix and match can significantly elevate the perceived value of your collection. It’s not just 6–8 styles it’s multiple outfit combinations.

Start by designing staple pieces:

One or two classic bottoms
Two tops that suit a range of busts
One standout piece (like a statement one-piece or textured set)
A couple of variations to cover different fits, such as high-waisted vs. cheeky bottoms or adjustable tops

3. It’s Cost-Effective for Startups

Let’s be honest - every new label has a budget. Designing more styles = higher sampling costs, more materials, and more potential to feel overwhelmed.

You’ll also need to think about:

Grading (sizing for each style)
Photoshoot costs per look
Inventory planning
Fabric MOQs

Keeping your first drop tight allows you to invest more into quality over quantity, better fabrics, cleaner samples, and a stronger shoot.

4. You’ll Learn What Sells

Launching with a curated collection lets you gather real feedback. What styles are your customers gravitating toward? Which colours are converting? You can take that data and build your next range with even more confidence.

When I launched my own label, I made the mistake of designing too many styles, thinking I needed to offer something new every season. What was the ONE thing customer kept requesting The same staple pieces just in new colours.

5. You Can Always Expand Later

Remember: this is just your first collection, not your forever collection. Once you’ve built brand recognition and gained traction, you can introduce new styles or expand your range with limited edition drops, colour variations, or capsule collections.

Your first collection should feel intentional and cohesive, not overwhelming for you or your customers. Focus on designs that reflect your brand DNA, flatter your target customer, and can stand the test of time.

Start small. Stay strategic. Let your staples speak volumes.

When I first launched my swimwear label, I poured my heart (and bank account) into creating something beautiful, unique, and premium. Like many first-time founders, I assumed success meant constantly reinventing the wheel with new designs, new collections, and continuous evolving branding. But if I could do it all over again, I’d keep it simpler and smarter.

Here are the two things I’d invest in from day one:

1. Designing Staple Swimwear Pieces

I used to believe that every launch needed a fresh batch of designs - completely new styles to “wow” my customers. But after a few seasons, I noticed a pattern:

Customers kept coming back asking for the same designs, just in different colours.

That’s when I realised the value of staple pieces.

Well-fitting, flattering, timeless styles that become part of your brand’s DNA. These are the pieces your customers love, repurchase, and recommend.

Investing in staple pieces saves you money, strengthens your brand identity, and allows your customer to build trust with your label.

If you’re starting your swimwear label now, focus on:

• A flattering bikini top that fits a range of busts
  
  

• A signature bottom cut that becomes your best-seller
  
  

• A one-piece that blends fashion with function
  
  

• Styles that can evolve seasonally with colourways, textures, or subtle detailing
  
  

Design smart, not excessive. Fewer, well-designed pieces go much further than a constantly changing lineup.

2. A Cohesive Branding Package

I didn’t invest in proper branding for my swimwear label at first. I thought I could “figure it out” as I went, throwing together fonts, picking colours that felt nice, and relying on last-minute graphics.

But when I started my agency, I knew better. I invested in a cohesive branding package right from the start including logos, brand colours, font pairings, templates and then uploaded everything into Canva.

The difference was night and day.

Suddenly, everything I created looked consistent and professional. It saved hours of second guessing, boosted my confidence in marketing, and gave my business a polished, trustworthy feel.

When your branding is dialled in:

• Your packaging feels more elevated
  
  

• Your website feels more trustworthy
  
  

• Your campaigns look intentional and refined
  
  

• You can create content fast without compromising on quality
  
  

It’s not just about looking good, it’s about showing up consistently, which builds customer loyalty.

When you’re launching a swimwear label, it’s easy to think more = better. More designs, more visuals, more content. But the truth is: clarity and consistency always win.

If I could go back, I’d start with a refined core collection and a strong, cohesive brand presence. Those two investments would’ve saved time, money, and mental energy. This helped my label grow faster, with more intention.

If you’re in the early stages of starting a swimwear brand, let this be your sign to start smart.

Want help designing a staple collection or building your branding foundation? Let’s chat. I’m here to help bring your label to life, from concept to creation.

Lets Chat!

Should You Start a Swimwear Brand With Your Friend? Let’s Break It Down

Starting a business is no small thing and choosing who to go on that journey with is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. For many women, the idea of launching a swimwear brand with a close friend feels like the dream: shared passion, emotional support, and someone to celebrate the wins (and wine through the losses) with.

But after working in the swimwear industry for years and seeing countless start-ups navigate this dynamic, I can honestly say there’s so much more to consider beyond friendship.

So, would I start a business with a friend? Let’s break it down.

The Pros: Why It Can Work

1. Built-In Trust

You already know their personality, work ethic, and values. This kind of deep trust can be incredibly grounding in business especially when challenges come up (and trust me, they will).

2. Emotional Support

Having a friend by your side can make the rollercoaster of launching a swimwear label feel less isolating. You’ve got someone to bounce ideas off, vent to and laugh with when things go sideways.

3. Shared Vision

Often, friends team up because they’re aligned in their passions or lifestyle goals. That mutual drive can fuel a really values led swimwear brand and a stronger launch collection.

4. Complementary Skill Sets

Some of the best business partnerships I’ve seen are between friends who bring different strengths to the table one might be design-focused, the other is detail obsessed or business savvy. That kind of balance can be magic.

5. Higher Investment Potential

When you’re launching your swimwear brand with a partner, you’re able to pool resources and invest in more from the get go whether that’s branding, marketing, or developing multiple swimwear designs.

For example, I once worked with two best friends who launched their label together. By combining their funds, they were able to create a beautiful, well rounded collection, invest in strong branding, and produce a professional campaign shoot. That polish helped them stand out immediately and build trust with their audience from day one.

With a higher combined investment, you’re also more likely to meet a manufacturer’s minimum order quantity (MOQ), which gives you the flexibility to offer more styles, more colours, and better size inclusivity. That means more choice for your customers and a stronger first impression when your swimwear collection launches.

The Cons: The Hard Conversations

1. Blurred Boundaries

When friendship and business overlap, tough conversations can be avoided and that silence can cause bigger problems down the line. Clear boundaries are essential.

2. Uneven Workload

If one of you is contributing more time, money, or energy, resentment can quietly grow. Be honest about expectations and check in regularly.

3. Different Risk Tolerances

One of you might want to dive in full time, while the other prefers to ease in slowly. Misaligned ambition or commitment levels can create ongoing tension.

4. Money Talk Gets Awkward

From profit splits to budgeting, money conversations can be uncomfortable especially with a friend. But these conversations are critical, and should be had upfront, with clear agreements in writing.

What I’ve Seen Work Best?

Partnerships that thrive whether between friends, sisters, or even strangers, are built on three things: clear boundaries, defined roles, and mutual respect. A shared Google Doc won’t cut it, set up a formal business agreement, get legal advice, and treat your label like the serious business it is.

Even if you’re working with your bestie, you both need space to grow individually and professionally. Protect the friendship by respecting the business.

My Advice?

If you’re thinking of launching your swimwear label with a friend, sit down and have the real conversations early:

• What are your expectations?
  
  

• Who is contributing what - money, time, skills?
  
  

• How will decisions be made?
  
  

• What happens if one of you wants out?
  
  

If you can move through those conversations with honesty, excitement, and alignment you just might be on to something beautiful.

And if not? That’s okay too. Your friendship doesn’t need a business to thrive.

Launching a swimwear brand is more than just designing a collection, it's about building a brand that tells a story and resonates with your audience. A well thought out design concept and branding strategy help create consistency, recognition and trust! Here's how to get started

1. Define Your Swimwear Brand’s Identity

Your swimwear brand identity is what sets you apart in the competitive swimwear industry. Ask yourself:

• What is your brand’s core mission and aesthetic?

• Who is your ideal customer? Are you targeting luxury swimwear, sustainable swimwear, or affordable beachwear?

• What values do you want to communicate? (e.g., ethical swimwear production, size inclusivity)

A strong identity ensures that your designs, messaging, and marketing align with your audience’s expectations.

2. Create a Mood Board to Develop Your Swimwear Aesthetic

Visual consistency is key in swimwear design and branding. Start with a swimwear mood board that includes:

• Color palettes that reflect your brand (neutral, bold, tropical, pastel)

• Design inspiration for swimwear cuts, prints, and silhouettes

• Branding elements like fonts, textures, and logo inspiration

This process helps create a cohesive swimwear collection that speaks directly to your target market.

3. Choose the Right Swimwear Fabrics & Materials

Selecting high-quality materials is essential for swimwear longevity and comfort. Consider:

• Sustainable swimwear fabrics like recycled nylon or ECONYL®

• Performance swimwear materials with UV protection and chlorine resistance

• Swimwear lining and elastics that maintain fit and durability

Your choice of fabric plays a huge role in brand perception and customer satisfaction.

4. Develop Your First Collection (Start with 6 to 8 Core Designs)

Launching a swimwear line with fewer than six styles can limit variety and mix-and-match potential, making it harder for customers to visualize your brand’s aesthetic. A collection of 6 to 8 well-designed swimsuits allows:

• A balanced mix of bikinis, one-pieces, and resortwear

• Stronger brand storytelling and visual identity

• Increased upselling opportunities (matching sets, add-ons)

5. Invest in a Strong Branding Package

Brand consistency is key for a successful swimwear business. This includes:

• A professional swimwear logo design

• A cohesive color palette and typography

• Luxury packaging elements like debossed or embossed swing tags, woven labels with thoughtful quotes, and sleek, neutral-toned packaging

A strong swimwear branding strategy helps build customer recognition and trust.

6. Ensure Branding is Consistent Across All Platforms

Your branding package should be applied across your swimwear website, social media, and marketing materials.

• Use consistent templates for Instagram posts, email newsletters, and ads

• Ensure your swimwear ecommerce website matches your brand identity

• Implement branded packaging that enhances the unboxing experience

Brand consistency increases brand recall and encourages repeat customers.

Ready to bring your swimwear vision to life? Let's chat about how we can turn your ideas into a cohesive, high quality collection. Whether you're just getting started or need a little help refining your brand, I'd love to support you on your journey. Reach out anytime!

Create a business plan and budget.

I spent over 5 years researching and researching and researching.  Believe me when I tell you the amount of hours and $$$ I spent learning the craft of how to start and run a Swimwear Label has been exhausting but most certainly worth it! There are many things you need to look at when starting your own label. It’s not just about the swimwear.