Steps for Fantastic Fashion Photography

Published 2008 | By Jessica Laird

Want to take fantastic fashion photos of your friends or your own clothing label? Here’s 10 Easy Steps that might just make the difference between you looking professional or just simply dorky!

INSPIRATION
Search through magazines and tear out images of model poses, colours, themes or ideas that you find inspiring. (These are called tear sheets.)

THEME
Your photoshoot could be pretty and feminine, edgy and dark, or specific to the trend you have chosen. It is important to make sure your team/friends know exactly what you want, so you’re all on the same page.

LOCATION
Find a new and exciting location that suits your idea. This could be in a room with white walls or at your local park. If you are shooting outside remember to think about power sockets you might need for steaming, curling irons or straighteners.

MAKEUP
Wear bold make up to accentuate eyes, cheeks and lips, and remember facial features can sometimes be lost on the camera. So vamp up!

CLOTHES AND PROPS
Choose clothes and props that complement your theme. If your theme was office, your props might include glasses, a desk and laptop. If you wanted to be quirky you could contrast the theme; the models could wear ball gowns in an office environment.

LIGHTING
Play around with exposure, effects and lighting. Photos can always be manipulated on the computer but it helps to have a strong photo from the beginning.

POSE
Don’t be afraid to try silly and unique poses that fit the theme.

ANGLES
Move around with the camera, never shoot from the same spot, and always play with different levels and angles. Always look out for the details and take another photo if it doesn’t turn out exactly how you intended.

THE MORE THE MERRIER
Take as many photos as possible, so you have more to choose from and don’t forget you can always delete them.

DON’T FORGET
Have fun with it!

TIPS

“Paint the back of lashes, so that when the model looks down, the lashes don’t get lost.” Jade Baird, Student at the Napoleon Make-up Academy

“Getting into character is very important; it helps you get the right look.” Paige Robertson, model from Vivien’s model Management.