Getting into Fashion Photography

Marcus has a wide experience in fashion having worked in it for many years, and then being a fashion photography lectures.

 

It’s a team sport
Fashion photography involves a team of people, not just the photographer. This might include hair and make up, stylist, model and assistant. Marcus says as a fashion photography there is no need to know anything about clothes. This is the job of the stylist.

Stylist As a fashion photographer you need to build relationships with a good stylist. We have a podcast episode where we interview mens stylist Nick Hemms.

Hair and make up people who are good at fashion shoots are hard to find. It’s important to note that fashion make up is very different from other types of make up.

Assistants are very helpful on a shoot. They mean you are able to focus on the model and the look, while the assistant is working in the background on the setup.

Models are a vital part of the fashion shoot. Marcus says fashion models often look a little different, have a striking look. It is vital to find a model that helps you get the end look you are looking for. The simplest way to find a model is to talk to a model agency. Marcus says they often have new models on their books who are looking for gaining images for their portfolio. But before an agency lets you work with them they will want to see some of your work.
Fashion vocabulary

Look book. This is a photograph usually with a plain background where the garment is front and centre.

 

Editorial This is a series of shots that often are telling a story
Shooting ahead In the fashion world the photography is for items coming out 6 months ahead. That means that in the summer you could be shooting ski wear and bikinis in the winter
Edging / street look vs. episode
Catwalk / print The look is very different
Call sheet This is a list of everyone on the shoot and all the information about the shoot.
Ready to wear vs haute couture Make sure yuo know the difference
The September issue – This is a film about the fashion world that Marcus recommends watching.