Fashion Photography Tips #1 – Look and Learn
When it comes to fashion photography, it is great if you as a photographer can make it a habit to look at photographs and paintings often. Not just to look at them but also to learn and observe so as to sharpen your creativity so that you will be able to create photographs that capture the eyes of viewers.
Capture photographs whenever possible. If you are starting off your fashion photography attempt with a single kit lens, what you ought to do is to notice and learn the different type of effects produced on your photographs when you use wider and longer lenses.
The effects produced could be the distortion of your subject’s proportions. It may also result in a cast and wider scenery.
The reason why you have to observe and learn the various effects produced with wider and longer lenses is to discover which effect works best for you. This creates a sense of style on your photographs, giving you confidence. This will also help you determine the type of lens you need most when in need to purchase one later.
Fashion Photography Tips #2 – Keep It Simple
There are a number of lucky photographers who started out their career in fashion photography with a team of talented hair stylists and makeup artists. Fashion photographers will often need their initial portfolio work to look simple, yet classy. Yes, simple and classy will do just fine.
One thing you ought to do is to ensure that the setting and look is maintained looking clean and light. This refers to the makeup, styling, etc. Make it a habit to capture photographs that are simple and good. Only then will you be free to go on experimenting and elaborating your shots.
Fashion Photography Tips #3 – About Lighting and Shadows
The recipe to capture photographs with great lighting really is ‘experience’. Therefore, gain the experience of working with lights. This definitely does not mean that you have to go through a lot of difficulty and complication.
All you need to do is to play around with the settings. Try combining about 3 to 4 different settings and experiment the settings with test shots. You will see the different effects of every setting. Master just one setting for the time being and this will help you go a long way.
Also, be careful; look out for shadows when conducting fashion photography. Always be on the lookout for shadows. Whether you like it or not, unwanted shadows in your photographs have the tendency to ruin your shots.
Fashion Photography Tips #4 – Hiring Models
Now, we all know that a model portfolio holds the purpose of helping the model get a job. However, referring solely on the models’ portfolios can be misleading.
Most models who are professionals have begun their modeling career at the age of 12 to 13 years old. By the time you want to hire them, they could be 20 years of age by now. So what? How does that affect anything?
Well, about 7 years ago, the portfolio photos of the model might show that she had blonde hair. However, now that she turns up at your studio, her hair has become raven black. Another example is that, you might be going for a model with a super skinny look, but the model who should be able to pull off that look based on her portfolio photos may turn up at your studio with an extra 7 kg which she gained from a holiday a few months ago.
To avoid all these trouble that normally occur, it is best to hold castings. Otherwise, you can make requests from the models’ agency for the latest polaroids of the model you plan to hire. However, if you are in attempt to hire a freelance model, arrange an appointment and meet up with him/ her. That way, you can assess your model’s current look.
Therefore, always perform casting sessions, and demand for up-to-date photos of the model from model agencies. If you are appointing with a freelance model, make an appointment to judge his/her current look.