What Are Fashion Photos and How do They Differ from Ordinary Pictures?

Fashion is a special genre of photography that emerged with the advent of glossy magazines. The author of the first fashion photos is considered to be Edward Steichen, who published a series of artistic shots of the model in a dress by the designer Paul Poiret in 1911. Using revolutionary methods the photographer created a new concept of aesthetics. These pictures did not just show the beauty of the clothes, but emphasized the elegance and charm of the model, offering the viewer an appealing fashion image. Modern fashion photography also relies on the demonstration of a special lifestyle, and spectacular creative compositions.

Features of fashion-photography

• Deep retouching. Today, fashion photography differs from ordinary pictures not only in concept but also in through processing. For publication in magazines, every successful shot is deeply retouched. To experiment in a new genre or to style an ordinary photo shoot like a fashion photoshoot you don’t have to be a Photoshop virtuoso! It’s enough to use the face editor online!
• Creativity. If a classic portrait session aims to show the model’s naturalness, the main aim of fashion photos is to make the brand or the image memorable, to outline it in comparison with competitors by all means. Hence the abundance of spectacular, though unnatural poses, non-standard construction of the frame, pretentious makeup, and courageous work with light and contrasts.
• Special attention to detail. Fashion photography popularizes and sells images that are perfect in every way. Therefore, professional fashion photographers do not have a single superfluous detail in the frame. It often takes days of planning and up to 12 hours of continuous shooting to create one single “gem.”
• Teamwork. To create an original, “catchy” fashion-image one photographer is not enough! The participation of an experienced lighting designer, makeup artist, costume stylist, and decorator is required.
• Conformity to the spirit of the era. As fashion photographs are commercially oriented, they should embody modern ideals, play on hidden desires, and immerse the viewer in a unique atmosphere of style.

Types of fashion photography

• Fashion photography proper

Fashion photography in its pure form — these are pictures that can be seen on the pages of glossy magazines. They are created with the participation of famous models, less often – music and movie stars. The main task is to create a special attractive atmosphere, to promote the concept of a certain brand or person. Photographers and stylists work together to prepare for the shoot, creating a specific story, and selecting a model and location. Prepare in advance the style and mood board, and select clothing. The ready concept needs to be approved by the client (brand, magazine, etc.).

• Life Style

This category includes shots of the models showing an ensemble of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories against a neutral background. Nearby there is usually a collage of used closet items with names and prices. Collections of such pictures can usually be seen under the headings “Shoe Trends of the Season”, “Must have Spring”, and “Top 5 Images for a Date”, etc. To select things and create holistic images you will need a stylist.

• Street Style

These can be photos of stylish passers-by on the street (taken with the consent of the “models”, of course), used to fill a personal blog about fashion. In this case, the photographer himself must be able to see trends and have a taste in clothes.  Also, the street style category includes shots of models and celebrities, who casually demonstrate pre-selected images. In this case, a photographer could collaborate with a stylist separately.

• Reportage pictures from the shows

It is impossible to imagine the analysis of current trends in fashion magazines without reportage shots from the shows of the best designers. The photographer must capture every image presented on the runway. You don’t need a stylist for such shooting, but you will need an invitation to the show, the ability to choose informative angles, and to work fast, because the model will not linger on the catwalk, especially for those who didn’t have time to make a good shot.

• Commercial photos

The main accent is on the demonstration of clothing. Images are chosen to stimulate the viewer to buy. Such shoots are usually ordered by Internet stores, fashion designers, and manufacturers.