High Fashion Photography
Photography is a fascinating genre of work that commands nothing less than perfection when it comes to what the camera can capture in a millisecond. A camera needs to be of a good make, since only something that is built to capture high-definition beauty is what people will buy. Magazines like Vogue, GQ, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle know how to embody a certain aura of fashion that demands only appreciation and respect from those that buy it. It's not easy to hold a camera and be well versed with which lights would work best for a shoot, what kind of setting would translate aptly what you're trying to convey, how to make a fashion designer's clothes stand out, even if they seem like the sort of thing ordinary people wouldn't buy.
It's all about selling what you have to portray, and reeling in an audience that appreciates the world of fashion. High fashion photography is an upcoming arena in the photography world, that is gaining popularity among the young as the next big thing. It truly is a market to tap into although it isn't as easy as it may sound. It isn't all about just picking up a camera and shooting a series of photographs but rather feeling it more than working out the ropes in your head.
How to Take Fashion Photographs
Famous fashion photographers the world over have their photos trapped in still life that is both revered and looked upon as inspirational. These tips should help you while working on your shoot.
Team Up with the Right Contacts
If a small time designer wants you to hop on board and help out with the fashion photography that he / she has in mind for their line, then go for it. Don't be afraid to start small, since that is where all the greats began as well. Build upon your contacts be it hair stylists, designers, companies who want to show their products and so on to help you gain popularity among those who will stumble upon their respective portfolios.
Be Prepared
It's good to have a plan of action in store and worked out in your head, or even down on paper. Position the shoot in your mind and have your models randomly placed in a make-believe set that you can visualize and see if what you envision, works. Think about the concept and what theme you want to convey to your readers. Mix and match the colors that you have on hand and try to merge the two and come up with a thematic setting. Like say for example, the clothes you've been given are summer-y and have vibrant shades that scream that particular season. Bring in elements of those colors to your setting and keep away anything that would tone down lighting or seem drab.
Play with Light
Depending on where you're having a shoot be it indoors or out, it is important to know what kind of light to play around with. The best time to take shoots outside, is just before the sun sets to catch that deep yellow blaze tinged with orange that brings out the skin's tone. It will work well for shoots where you want to highlight colors that are deep-set. For colorful shoots, play around with lighting that sharpens the image making it really pop. Glossy pages work best when bringing out the photographer's work, so keep that in mind and eliminate hazy, bad lighting shots. Remember that lighting is of utmost importance and counts when doing a shoot.
Work with Angles
I remember in college when we were asked to take photographs of simple things in nature, we'd play around with the camera zoom and move out in different angles to capture one single element. Similarly you need to be on your toes at all times to get that perfect angle. Compare shots and try to draw in the right kind of feedback; if not then keep trying until you're happy with the final shot.
Dump Mediocrity
No one wants models clad in great outfits ordinarily posed in front of the camera. You have to know which move works best for them by familiarizing the way their bodies twist and turn. Find a balance with the set and have the model get into that very atmosphere and position them in a way that makes you happy. Be sure to brush up on makeup or any set flaws that could hamper the outcome of your fashion shoot.
Networking and Books
It is important to stock up on books that are fashion related including fashion magazines that will give you an idea on how the big names in the business work, and keep you updated on the latest in fashion trends. Mold your techniques in the same way and try to execute what you have similarly for your own high fashion photography ideas yet staying true to what is original. Networking is important to help spread the word that you and your work exist. Upload your portfolio to sites that have photo streaming and take full advantage of the current websites that are making it big in the networking world. Everyone who is anyone is on these sites and you need to build up on your contacts in this way as well.
High fashion photography is not an easy line of work to get into, although if you have a knack of knowing how to get around the problems of multiplying your contacts and exposure, you'll be getting there faster than most. I hope that with these photography tips and techniques, you'll be soon making your way to the top!
