Being a fashion photographer might seem like an easy job full of freedom. Though, the reality is quite different. While techniques, inspiration, and creativity are very important, it also requires a great deal of preparation, tough deadlines, and lots of working hours. Here I have gathered a few essential tips for fashion photography passionate for getting ready for a photoshoot.
Photos by: Radek Bayek
#1 Get Inspired
Inspiration is essential in order to produce awesome pictures. Study the work of other photographers, share your ideas, and brainstorm with others. Pay attention to details and every-day light effects, colors, and environments.
#2 Vision
Know where you are heading to. Whenever you start a photoshoot, be prepared: you must have your own vision on how you want the final outcome to be. Plan, study, and revisit, but then, leave room for changes, new inspirations, or improvements.
#3 Location
Before shooting, once again, be prepared. Choosing the desired location in advance is of utmost importance. Walk around in the space; study the colors and objects/buildings in the area. Try to picture how you would like the models to pose, what should they transmit with their looks and poses. Focus on details: a stone, a column, a traffic light, whatever can provide a specific imprint in your photo.
#4 Models
Models should be carefully selected by you. Make sure they possess traits and qualities that would enhance your photos. The model itself can change the entire result of your shoot, therefore is crucial to find models that reflect your vision.
#5 Lighting
Make tryouts changing lights within the same picture. Try different apertures, shooting speed, or experiments in post-production. It´s important to master the light, avoid unwanted shadows, and be able to re-create a certain kind of light with filters, reflectors, or lamps: play around until you find the spot on the lighting you were looking for.
#6 Harmony
Each picture should have its purpose. All the elements and colors in a picture should make sense and be in harmony with each other. Strong contrasts are also good when voluntarily searched and with some kind of meaning within the photograph.
#7 Equipment
The right equipment should always be ready and at disposal. Better bringing some unnecessary tools than finding yourself in trouble because you realize you forgot that special lenses that would have been awesome right at that moment.
#8 Move in the space
You might have prepared and set up the entire scene according to plans; although, leave room for improvement. While shooting, move around in the space, find new and different angles: experiment!
#9 Direct
You need to communicate with your co-workers and models, what exactly is the final effect that you want to achieve. Let them participate in your vision and planning. Do not be afraid of asking precisely what you want. As a fashion photographer, you are the director of the stage. Those working with you will be able to help you better and be more focused if they know what the final outcome you want to achieve is.
Keep confidence at all times, if you show your stress and uncertainty, your co-workers and models will pick it right away, resulting in a poor outcome.
#10 Break the Rules
At one point you need to forget all the technicalities and all the theories you have learned. They are good for initial inspirations or to know how to get the exact effect from your pictures, but remember not to get stuck with them. Experiment, discover, and try out the best ideas and shoots always come by “accidental” trials.
#11 Have fun
Don´t forget to have fun! Being a fashion photographer is a very stressful job with many deadlines and after-hours work. Though, it is also a very cool and inspiring job, where you can free your creativity and be in charge of your own visions.
