Styling and wardrobe play a vital role in fashion photography. But why is that? How do these elements contribute to capturing the perfect shot? And what makes the choice of clothing and overall styling crucial to the success of fashion photographs? Well, when models are dressed in the right outfits and styled appropriately, it enhances the story and concept behind the photo. The clothing, accessories, and overall styling choices can effectively communicate a specific mood, theme, or message to the viewers. Furthermore, a well-organized wardrobe adds depth and visual interest to the image, highlighting fashion trends or designs in the best possible way. Let’s take a closer look.
Tips For developing your unique fashion photography style
Here are some helpful tips for creating a fashionable photoshoot:
Tell a Story:
One common mistake new fashion photographers make is forgetting to tell a story through their photos. Observing fashion magazines, you will notice that the pictures have a connecting theme. Even without words, these photos convey hints about what’s happening, capturing people’s attention and allowing them to comprehend the story.
Maintaining a consistent idea in your pictures will draw people to view each image. Your theme doesn’t require a complete story with a beginning and end. Instead, focus on capturing small moments and composing your photos skillfully. For instance, while photographing a model in the city, you can portray them walking on the streets or visiting a café. Including interesting elements in the environment adds hints and enhances the engagement of your photos.
Find the Suitable Background
Remember to pay attention to what’s behind your subject when taking pictures. The background plays a significant role in how your photo looks. Consider how the elements in the background will impact the overall balance of your picture, not just the placement of the person or object you are photographing. Additionally, ensure that the style of your picture complements the clothes of the fashion model posing. Avoid using a background that has a color or pattern too similar to the clothes.
For example, if the clothes have various patterns, opt for a simple background. On the other hand, if the clothes are plain, you can choose a more elaborate background that complements them well.
Ensure that the background helps direct the viewer’s attention to the main subject. Utilize lines and curves in the background to guide focus toward the subject. In city settings, streets, rails, and stairs can serve this purpose effectively. Moreover, you can use squares and rectangles to create a frame around the subject. Be cautious of buildings, trees, or light poles that might appear distracting behind the subject.
Include Props
Props play a crucial role in creating a theme in fashion shoots. They provide valuable clues and add intrigue to the pictures. When a scene appears dull, incorporating a prop like a skateboard can significantly enhance its visual appeal. Props can work together with the model’s pose to frame their face, guiding the viewer’s gaze to the focal point of the image.
To create unique and unconventional scenes, consider placing unusual items near your main subject. However, if you want access to a wide range of props and equipment, booking a photo studio is a preferable option. A well-equipped studio provides the flexibility to experiment with various props and ensures you have all the necessary items at your disposal for a successful fashion shoot.
Engage With The Environment
To make your picture look more interesting, don’t let your model just stand still. Encourage them to move and have fun in the space they are in. This will make posing easier and create a more exciting picture. For example, you can ask your model to get inside a car if you are taking photos on the street. Even though taking pictures in vehicles can be difficult, you can use the car’s windows, doors, and mirrors to make the image look better. You can also find artificial structures around you and have your model sit on stairs or lean against a handrail. This helps them feel more relaxed and less formal.
Try Different Angles
When taking photos, don’t limit yourself to just one angle. Look around and think about different spots to capture your subject. You can try taking pictures from above or below or slightly tilting your photography equipment. But be aware that changing the angle can greatly change how the photo feels. Think about the specific emotion you want to show in your picture. Then, frame it carefully to express that feeling. Consider that each angle has advantages and disadvantages, so think about how they will affect your audience. Try shooting from a lower angle to make your subject appear dominant in the photo. This will make them look bigger and highlight their outfit. Just be careful not to get too close, as it may make them seem intimidating.
You can shoot from a higher angle for a close and personal look. Being closer to your subject’s eyes creates a stronger emotional connection. Taking pictures from a higher position can also give a sense of freedom.
Highlight Fashion
Fashion photo shoots distinguish themselves from regular portrait photography by their focus on highlighting clothing in their pictures. Always prioritize showcasing the outfit in your images, regardless of the context or setting. Make sure that clothing details are not blocked or hidden when posing your subject. Your responsibility as a fashion photographer is to ensure that viewers can notice and appreciate the standout features of the clothing. Avoid using props that might divert attention from the fashion and get close enough to the subject to clearly display patterns and intricate design elements.
Wrapping Up
When you start delving into fashion styling and photography, you can certainly utilize your existing photography skills. However, keep in mind that you need to adapt your approach to meet the specific requirements of this genre. Flexibility is key, and always remember that the primary focus should be on showcasing the outfit.
By keeping these essential fashion photography tips in mind, your images will continuously improve with each shoot. For further information and creative ideas, don’t hesitate to Contact us!