Want to discover how to do trend-setting fashion photography?

Fashion photography must convey elegance, be contemporary and must be able to reflect the idea that the designer, the model or even the creator of a new product wants to highlight.

If you like fashion shoots and you would love to become a professional fashion, catwalk and/or product photographer, this article will explain what fashion photography is, some of the different disciplines you can specialise in and some tips and tricks to achieve images that will make an impact on today’s consumers. In this article we are going to explain what fashion photography is, some of the different disciplines in which you can specialise and some tips and tricks to achieve images that make an impact on today’s consumers.

“If you want your images to be published in the most important media and magazines, learn how to make creative fashion photography with your personal stamp”.

What is fashion photography?

In fashion photography, the photographer must know how to highlight the wardrobe, the accessories or even the jewellery worn by the model over the rest of the elements. They must also have the ability to adapt the style of photography to the type of media in which the images will be published, such as: written press, television commercials, advertising posters, etc…

Within catwalk photography it could be said that, in addition to taking into account the trends of each season, it is also important to take into consideration influences from the world of art and culture.

“To make good fashion photography you have to keep up with the latest trends, look for inspiration in great works of art and capture your own personal style in each image.”

History of fashion photography

Although fashion photography began in the mid-19th century. Just a few years after the first fashion magazines appeared in France, the cradle par excellence of the fashion industry and where prints were still used. It was not until the 20th century that, thanks to advances in colour printing, fashion reports began to be included in magazines and to cause a sensation among their readers.

As a curious fact, the first fashion photographs were not taken for advertising purposes, but so that designers and major firms could keep a graphic record of all their creations.

Nowadays, this type of photography has come a long way and it is very common for photographers in this discipline, as well as focusing on the wardrobe, accessories and poses of the models, to take special care with the decoration that accompanies them. In this way they manage to create a small but intense story in each of their fashion images.

Types of fashion sessions

Fashion photography is not only about going to a catwalk and covering the event or doing a photo book in a model’s studio. Nowadays there are many different types of photo shoots related to the world of fashion.

Here we are going to introduce you to some of the reports in which you can specialise within the fashion and advertising sector.

Backstage session

Before each fashion show, backstage is a hive of activity for designers, models, make-up artists and hairdressers. Capturing all these preparations before the big show will be of great use to both the magazines and each of the brands taking part.

If you are lucky enough to have access to the backstage of a fashion show, keep in mind that discretion, creativity and allowing other professionals to work will be 3 basic requirements that will open many doors for you.

Catwalk photography

Attending a fashion show is like attending an awards ceremony. Lots of famous people, a spectacular setting and professional lighting.

If you want to make your mark at these popular events, your mission as a fashion photographer will be to capture the essence of each collection and the glamorous atmosphere surrounding the show.

Editorial report

In editorial photography, in addition to capturing the models, it is important to create a scene to accompany them. Here creativity and originality will be essential to create small works of art for magazines.

Within editorial photography, it is also a trend to go out into the street and dispense with more elaborate sets.

Advertising or product photography

Normally in this type of sessions the protagonists are the products themselves, so in many cases a model is used to show them off and in others “still lifes” are created for the photo shoot.

The purpose of these photographs is commercial, either for use in advertising or even in the brand’s own shops and catalogues.

What equipment do I need for fashion reportage?

When it comes to any kind of fashion shoot, it’s important to be well prepared and well equipped. Here are some of the essentials you can’t afford to be without during your photo shoot.

• Light meter.
• Light window.
• Light box.
• Reflectors.
• Flash.
• Tripod.
• Telephoto lens.

These are some of the basic materials in any professional photography studio. Ideally, you should adapt your equipment to the type of reportage you want to specialise in.

>> How to set up a photo studio?

How to plan fashion reports?

When facing a fashion shoot, it is essential that you do a thorough pre-planning. Normally, especially if you are covering a big event or the brand’s own design and marketing team.

During the fashion photography session:

• Take care of the lighting as much as possible.
• Make sure that part of the pre-production team will be accompanying you (make-up artists, hairdressers, wardrobe managers, etc.).
• Follow a previously established script where you have well marked and programmed aspects such as: type of lighting, changes of costume or hairstyle, etc.

And when you finish the exhausting photo shoot, don’t forget to take extra care with post-production.

Tips and tricks for fashion photography

To ensure that the fashion photo shoot is a success, it is important, as we mentioned before, that you don’t leave any detail to improvisation. Plan the session beforehand and have all kinds of last minute unforeseen events scheduled.

But the photography that triumphs in the world of fashion and the catwalk goes far beyond well-prepared images. In fashion shoots you have to take risks, innovate and create, always ensuring the quality and the final objective of the report. That’s why studying the great fashion photographers of the past and everything to do with art will help you to set your own style.

When working with models, try to connect with them before and during the shoot so that they can give their best. Be patient but determined.

Experiment with light to create different moods and move around a lot. This way you will get less overlooked shots.

How does Arcadina help you sell your fashion and product sessions?

demonewyork.arcadina.com

If you want to be a fashion photographer and you need to make yourself known and sell your work on the Internet, you need to create a business model where your online presence is evident.

At Arcadina we offer you a series of business solutions with which you can:

• Show your portfolio in an attractive and professional way.
• Explain how you work and your professional background.
• Sell your advertising photographs to any interested party.
• And offer your clients a private space where they can interact with the photographs of their photo shoot.

Here we leave you more information about the new plans that we offer you in Arcadina.

>> Find out about Arcadina’s new Business and Web plans

If you want to see some of the colleagues who are fashion photographers and have their online business with us, in the following article we leave you a selection of the 6 best fashion photographers who trust Arcadina.

>> Fashion photographer: 5+1 fashion photography websites that will surprise you

What are you waiting for to take up fashion photography?

If you want to specialise in fashion photography:

• It studies its history over the years.
• Be inspired by the world of art and culture.
• Learn from the best.
• Choose the types of fashion shoots you would most like to do.
• Get trained and get all the necessary material.
• Plan your photo shoot.
• Create an online business to turn your passion for fashion shoots into a livelihood.

Today we are pleased to share with you the opinion of photographer Eugenio Piña from GNO Fotógrafo.

>> Eugenio Piña of GNO Foto talks to our team

And to say goodbye for today, we would like to ask you a question. Which of the fashion reports do you like the most? We’ll read you in the comments.

Arcadina goes with you

Creativity goes with you, offering you the best service goes with us

Fulfil your dreams and develop your professional career with us. We offer you to create a photography website for free for 14 days so that you can try our platform without any commitment of permanence.

Arcadina is much more than a website, it is business solutions for photographers.

If you have any queries, our Customer Service Team is always ready to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We listen to you.