Fashion Photography: The Art of Capturing Style
What is Fashion photography? Fashion photography is an exciting and glamorous genre of photography that focuses on capturing the beauty and style of clothing, accessories, and models. This genre has evolved over the years to encompass various styles and techniques, making it an ever-changing and dynamic field.
Different Genres
Fashion photography has several sub-genres, each with its unique approach and aesthetic.
Editorial Fashion: This genre is often seen in fashion magazines and focuses on telling a story through a series of images. This style allows for more creativity and artistic expression, as photographers like Guy Bourdin have shown with their unique and provocative images.
Commercial Fashion: This genre is centered around advertising and selling products, with images that showcase clothing, accessories, and models in the most flattering way possible. Mario Testino is a prime example of a photographer who excels in this field.
High Fashion: High fashion photography features top models and couture clothing, often displaying avant-garde and boundary-pushing concepts. David LaChapelle is known for his surreal and visually striking high fashion images.
Street Style: This genre captures fashion in its natural habitat - on the streets, where photographers document the latest trends and styles worn by everyday people.
by Guy Bourdin
History
The history of fashion photography can be traced back to the late 19th century, but it truly began to flourish in the early 20th century with the rise of fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Photographers such as Edward Steichen, George Hoyningen-Huene, and Cecil Beaton were instrumental in establishing fashion photography as an art form. As the genre evolved, so did the styles and techniques employed by fashion photographers, with artists like Helmut Newton and Herb Ritts pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable and beautiful in fashion imagery.
Techniques
Fashion photography often involves a combination of artistic vision, technical skill, and a keen understanding of fashion trends. Some essential techniques used by fashion photographers include:
Lighting: Mastering lighting is crucial in fashion photography, as it can dramatically affect the mood, texture, and overall aesthetic of an image. Photographers often use both natural and artificial light sources to create a desired effect.
Composition: The arrangement of elements within the frame, such as the model, clothing, and background, plays a significant role in creating a striking and visually engaging image.
Posing: Working with models and directing them to achieve specific poses is a crucial skill in fashion photography. A photographer must understand how to accentuate the clothing and create a visually pleasing image through the model's pose and expression.
Post-Production: Editing and retouching are essential in fashion photography to ensure that the final images are polished and meet the desired aesthetic. This can include adjusting colors, lighting, and removing any imperfections.
Photography Gear
Some essential gear used by fashion photographers includes:
Camera: High-quality DSLR or mirrorless cameras with a full-frame sensor are the go-to choice for many fashion photographers. Brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony offer models such as the Canon 5D Mark IV, Nikon D850, and Sony A7R IV, which are popular for their excellent image quality and performance.
Lenses: A variety of lenses are used in fashion photography, depending on the desired effect and shooting situation. Common choices include prime lenses like 50mm and 85mm for portraiture and 24-70mm and 70-200mm zoom lenses for versatility.
Lighting: Studio strobes, speedlights, and continuous lighting equipment are all used in fashion photography to create specific lighting setups. Brands like Profoto, Elinchrom, and Broncolor offer a range of professional lighting options.
Modifiers: Light modifiers such as softboxes, umbrellas, and beauty dishes help shape and control the light, allowing photographers to achieve their desired look.
Backdrops: Backdrops, whether seamless paper or fabric, are often used in studio settings to create clean and uncluttered backgrounds that focus attention on the model and clothing.
Important Photography Books
There are numerous photography books that can inspire and educate aspiring fashion photographers. Some of the most influential ones include:
"Sumo" by Helmut Newton: This oversized book is a collection of Newton's most iconic fashion images, showcasing his unique and provocative style.
"Women" by Herb Ritts: This monograph features Ritts' stunning black-and-white portraits of women, highlighting his ability to capture both strength and vulnerability in his subjects.
"In Your Face" by Mario Testino: This book offers an intimate look at Testino's work, featuring a mix of commercial and personal images that exemplify his glamorous and sensual style.
"Heaven to Hell" by David LaChapelle: This visually arresting book showcases LaChapelle's surreal and often controversial fashion photography, which pushes the boundaries of what is considered beautiful and tasteful.
by David LaChapelle
Legacy and Influence
Fashion photography has had a significant impact on the world of photography, inspiring generations of photographers to push their creative boundaries and redefine the concept of beauty. Some of the most influential fashion photographers, such as Guy Bourdin, Helmut Newton, and Herb Ritts, have left a lasting impression on the industry and continue to inspire new photographers to explore the genre.
Fashion photography is a vibrant and ever-evolving genre that combines art, technique, and an understanding of fashion to create stunning and memorable images. With its rich history and iconic photographers, fashion photography continues to be an essential part of the world of photography, inspiring and influencing new generations of artists. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring photographer, delving into the world of fashion photography offers endless opportunities for creative growth and expression.
