They do more than take picture of clothes. Fashion photographers set trends in photography, fashion, and the arts. Their iconic images have created stars and redefined the careers of models, film stars, and celebrities. That’s why fashion magazines have always been a great resource for photographers. 

We’ve compiled this list of the most famous fashion photographers working today to fire-up your imagination. With incredible images from the hottest fashion photographers, there’s plenty of inspiration to get you excited.  

Fashion Photographers You Should Know

Here are our top choices of famous fashion photographers to check out. We’ve included links to these photographers’ websites and Instagram accounts, so you can see more of their fabulous fashion photography.

Our list is in no particular order. It’s just a collection of fashion photographers we’re really excited about, and we’re sure you’ll be excited about them too. 

Julia Hetta

Julia Hetta‘s photos could be confused for Rembrandt paintings. Unlike many fashion photographers today, she mostly uses natural light. This gives her fashion portraits an unusual yet recognizable style.

Hetta calls herself a romantic person, which is evident in her portfolio. This often features textures, soft light, and models that look like they live in an alternative universe.

Hetta’s unique style can be found in magazines like British Vogue and brands like Gucci and Alexander McQueen.

Instagram: @juliahetta

Giampaolo Sgura

Giampaolo Sgura is a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. He has almost 20 years of experience under his belt. And he’s confident and innovative in an industry filled with clichés.

Sgura believes in authenticity. He never starts a shoot without getting to know his team and the clothes his models will be wearing. This familiarity helps him take visually appealing but honest photos.

He also prioritizes style over fashion. He believes this is timeless compared to fleeting trends. Sgura has photographed many celebrities, including Katy Perry, Irina Shayk, and Ryan Gosling.

Instagram: @giampaolosgura

Cass Bird

Cass Bird embraces diversity through her elegant fashion photos. Her photos feature men, women, and children who all seem comfortable in their skin.

Bird has also produced videos for Vogue, Revlon, Dior—and more! Her storytelling technique lets her take sensitive, candid, and vulnerable photos of her models.

Her clients include American Eagle, Zara, and Calvin Klein. She often photographs famous actors and models in very refreshing ways.

Instagram: @cassblackbird

David Roemer

David Roemer has an eclectic mix of interests. They include psychology, film, painting, and fashion photography. With a strong focus on color, he aims to create expressive portraits.

Roemer’s portfolio is as eclectic as his interests. Some photos are creatively overexposed, while others are perfectly lit.

Roemer has photographed famous actors and models, including Barbara Palvin and Jessica Chastain.

Instagram: @david_roemer

Lina Tesch

Lina Tesch is one of the most popular fashion photographers, both online and offline. Her 200,000+ loyal followers on Instagram alone prove she cares about quality content.

Tesch’s photos stand out because they’re fearless, dramatic, and powerful. Her unique style has led to collaborations with Puma, Dior, Swarovski—and more!

Another factor that contributes to her appeal is her own love of fashion. Tesch often poses as a model for other fashion photographers, and successfully so.

Instagram: @linatesch

Paul Bellaart

Paul Bellaart captures humanity at its finest. His portfolio is filled with hundreds of monochrome and colored portraits. All of them are romantic and expressive.

Bellaart focuses on details and atmosphere at the same time. Some photos feature specific parts of the human body. Others zoom out and focus on intimate moments shared by friends and family.

He does all of this while emphasizing the beauty of fashion.

Bellaart finds inspiration in real people and their stories. His open-mindedness and romantic style has allowed him to work with Hermes, Levi’s, Marie Claire, and more.

Instagram: @paulbellaart

Olivia Malone

Olivia Malone is a familiar name in the fashion industry. Her photos often feature elegant women surrounded by inviting landscapes.

The softness and empowerment in Malone’s work makes her an outstanding fashion photographer.

She’s also a filmmaker who has shot a few famous music videos, including Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop” video. In addition to that, she directs videos for other artists.

Instagram: @oliviamalone

Cole Sprouse

Also known as an actor, Cole Sprouse is often featured on magazine covers and photographed by the people on this list. But he’s also a rising star in the photography world.

His photos incorporate fashion, landscapes, and atmospheric settings. The film world has clearly influenced his photography, as he has a cinematic style.

If you scroll through his Instagram, you’ll notice that most of his posts are accompanied by in-depth stories written by him.

Sprouse often photographs his famous co-stars. He works with well-known brands like Adidas and takes photos for magazines.

Instagram: @colesprouse

Elizaveta Porodina

Elizaveta Porodina discovered photography when she was studying to become a psychologist. Thanks to her self-awareness, she fell in love with her camera and quit psychology.

One of Porodina’s main sources of inspiration is science fiction.

Porodina cares about empathy and emotions. Her photos are vibrant, sharp, and impossible not to analyze. Some of the colors in her photos are so vibrant that it’s impossible to print them.

Instagram: @elizavetaporodina

Bruce Weber

Bruce Weber is one of the most famous fashion photographers in the world. At 73 years old, he has a never-ending list of clients that includes Calvin Klein, Revlon, Rolling Stone, and many other top names.

Weber stands out from other fashion photographers because of his style. Most of his portraits are in black-and-white.

Despite this, he has over half a million followers on Instagram. And he regularly inspires his fans with expressive photos of famous models.

Instagram: @bruce_weber

Tim Walker

Tim Walker‘s models have been gracing the covers of famous magazines for many years. His unusual and dreamy style makes him an icon in the world of fashion photography.

Walker’s photos are a beautiful combination of fine art, fantasy, and fashion. Every photo looks like it was taken out of a fantasy film.

Walker regularly works for Vogue. He also makes short films.

Alexandra Nataf

Alexandra Nataf is a freelance photographer. She takes intimate and empowering photos of women.

She has photographed celebrities like Elizabeth Olsen. And she’s worked with companies like Bobbi Brown, Matteau, and more.

She’s also the founder of Unconditional Magazine. This community focuses on groundbreaking stories about women and their lives.

Instagram: @alexandranataf

Daniel Jackson

Daniel Jackson graduated with a degree in sculpture. It’s perhaps his knowledge of shapes that helped him light his models in the most flattering ways possible.

Jackson has worked with professional models like Gigi Hadid and Doutzen Kroes.  His work has been featured in i-D, VMAN, and more.

Instagram: @studio_jackson

Lara Jade

Lara Jade discovered her interest in photography at the age of 14. She started posting self-portraits and photos of others. These posts quickly caught people’s attention. And they provided Jade with an abundance of popularity.

Jade’s love for self-portraiture evolved into a love for fashion photography. And then it turned into a successful business.

She now photographs celebrities like Gemma Chan and Zara Larsson. She also works with companies like Avon, Monsoon, and more.

Instagram: @larajadephotography

Jeff Bark

Jeff Bark can be described as a fashion photography painter. His photos resemble surreal paintings of unique people and locations.

Bark often builds his own sets. His love for the technical side of photography makes him an outstanding figure in the fashion industry.

His work has been featured in Dazed and Confused Magazine. And it is included in several museums, including the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Instagram: @jeff_bark

Ellen von Unwerth

Ellen von Unwerth first entered the fashion world as a model. After 10 years of modeling, she received a camera as a gift and fell in love with photography.

She has worked for Vanity Fair, Dior, Ralph Lauren, and more. In 1998, American Photo Magazine named her one of the most important people in photography.

Von Unwerth prioritizes atmosphere and confidence in her photos.

Instagram: @ellenvonunwerth

Mert and Marcus

Mert Alaş and Marcus Piggott are best known as Mert and Marcus. They are a fashion photography duo who often collaborate during their photoshoots.

Their photos focus on beauty, fashion, and female power. They’re a source of inspiration for both portrait photographers and fashion enthusiasts.

Mert and Marcus have worked with every famous brand imaginable, including Vogue, Dior, and Givenchy.

Instagram: @mertalas | @macpiggott

Zhang Jingna

Zhang Jingna got into photography at the age of 18. Shortly after, she became a powerful influencer in the photography community. She’s worked with renowned companies like Harper’s BAZAAR.

Now, she’s one of today’s leading female fashion photographers. She has been featured in Vogue. And she was named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in Asia.

Zhang’s photos are emotional and feature magical elements. Her portfolio appeals to a wide variety of artists.

Instagram: @zemotion

Mario Testino

Mario Testino is one of the most influential fashion photographers in the world. He is known for photographing famous faces. But he is also the founder of a museum, a creative director, and more.

Testino’s clients include Chanel, Burberry, and Versace. He has also photographed royal families worldwide, including Princess Diana.

His photos are candid and fearless. They’re easy to recognize and impossible to ignore.

Instagram: @mariotestino

Pamela Hanson

Pamela Hanson is one of the first women to succeed in fashion photography. She has over 20 years of experience. And she has become an irreplaceable part of the photography community.

Hanson has an impressive list of clients that includes Vogue, L’Oreal, and Victoria’s Secret. Plus, she has published three books, all of which focus on human beauty.

Her photos are bright and emphasize her models’ natural skin textures. They also have a beautiful, candid feel to them.

Instagram: @pamela_hanson

Conclusion: Famous Fashion Photographers You Should Know

Fashion photography has and seems like it always will shape the way we think and live. Through this genre, we can learn about photography, trends, and other people’s stories.

To improve your fashion photography skills, look through these famous photographers’ pictures. Let them teach you how to take outstanding fashion photos.

Today, we will guide you through a number of different photographic approaches to fashion photography. Understanding how these styles are created will help you create your signature style! 

We will cover different fashion photography genres and look at multiple editing approaches you can take to achieve different styles. Each section has a dedicated article. So, if you want more information on any subject, click the links! 

Fashion Photography Ideas

Fashion photography is a powerful force that not only defines generations but also disrupts its traditions. Striking a balance between the timeless and the contemporary in fashion photography can be a fascinating challenge, one that is enriched by a deep understanding of its history. 

If you are starting out in fashion photography, we recommend you try out every style to see which one you prefer. It is also worth trying out the styles you don’t like, as you may learn techniques that help you create your visual language. 

Editorial

Editorial photography is the staple mark of fashion photography. These are the photoshoots that exist in fashion magazines and online websites. It is important to know what has been done previously so you can bring your new and fresh ideas to the table. Let’s look at some key points to consider when shooting editorial fashion photography. 

Start with a clear idea for your fashion editorial photoshoot. Write down keywords and find photos for inspiration. This will keep your photos consistent.

You should also collaborate with a team of talented make-up artists, stylists, and hairstylists. Guide them so everyone’s on the same page during the photoshoot.

Find 1-2 locations that fit your theme and won’t distract from the model. Many fashion editorials are shot in studios, beaches, or parks.

Also, use different angles and poses to keep your photos exciting. Take your model’s advice on poses they feel confident doing. Break photography rules to develop your own style.

To learn more about the creative process behind editorial fashion photography, check out this in-depth article.

Runway

Runway photography is an exciting way to capture the latest fashion trends. To get started, attend small, local fashion shows and observe how they operate. Bring a camera that’s allowed, such as a point-and-shoot with zoom if professional gear isn’t permitted.

Choose a fast lens with a wide aperture like f/1.8 for low light and blurred backgrounds. Set your camera to Aperture Priority mode and use an ISO between 500-800. Focus on the models’ eyes and include details of the outfits to highlight the atmosphere.

Move around to photograph from multiple angles when possible. As you gain experience, build a portfolio and contact event organizers to get a media pass. Runway photography takes practice, but with these tips, you’ll be mingling with the pros in no time.

High Fashion

High fashion photography captures the essence of luxury and glamour. It’s all about creating beautiful, dreamlike images that showcase high-end style.

To shoot high fashion, you’ll need to understand the different genres and styles. Editorial photography tells a story through a series of images, often revolving around a theme. Beauty editorials focus on the face and top half of the model to highlight jewelry, hairstyles, and makeup.

Catalog shots are simple, with minimal styling and plain backgrounds to bring focus to the outfit. Lookbooks combine catalog and lifestyle photography to show different ways to wear clothes in everyday situations.

Click here if you want to learn more about high fashion photography.

Vintage

Vintage photography is making a comeback. To create your own vintage photos, study the limitations of old film cameras and lenses. They produced soft images with grain and little contrast.

Choose a theme for your photoshoot, like 19th century portraits or 1920s group shots. Shoot with classic compositions using the rule of thirds. Pose your subjects in a rigid, static way or have them be silly and spontaneous.

Imperfections make vintage photos authentic. Don’t fix light leaks, dust, or grain in editing. Instead, use programs like Photoshop or free alternatives to lower contrast, desaturate colors, or add a sepia tone. Stage your scene with vintage clothing, props, and locations while avoiding anything modern. Vintage photography is a time machine to the past.

Lookbook

A fashion lookbook is a great way to showcase clothing in a lifestyle setting. Unlike catalogs with plain backgrounds, lookbooks feature models in real-life backdrops.

To create a lookbook on a budget, ask friends to model or use websites like Model Mayhem to find beginners who need portfolio work.

Make the most of props you already have to complement the clothing and create different styles. Keep things simple to avoid overpowering the featured product.

Find backdrops that match the vibe of the clothes, like urban areas for streetwear or cozy cafes for a relaxed feel. Stick to clean backgrounds with few distractions.

Use natural light during the golden hour for a beautiful glow, or shoot under bright artificial lights at night.

Keep poses simple, with the model standing casually or interacting with the environment. Lookbook photography is a great way to learn fashion photography without the intimidation of editorials.

Artistic

Let’s now take a look at how we can create more artistic fashion photoshoots. You should use your location to find unique angles and perspectives. Shoot from high up or down low to show a point of view people don’t usually see. Try the dutch tilt by shifting your frame sideways for an edgy look.

Experiment with vintage film lenses for unusual effects like soft focus or beautiful bokeh. Prisms can also create kaleidoscopic effects, soft focus, and glints. Use color gels on your lights to enhance the mood of your photos.

Capture motion with long exposures or combine multiple exposures for creative results. Selective coloring can highlight the model’s clothes. And don’t forget about the classic, nostalgic look of black and white.

To learn more, read this in-depth guide on artistic fashion photography.

Black & White

Black and white fashion photography is a timeless art form that can create striking and emotive images. By removing color, the photographer can focus on the subject’s expressions, textures, and the interplay of light and shadow. This creates a raw and honest perspective that draws the viewer into the photograph.

To capture the best black and white portraits, it’s important to plan your shoot carefully. Consider the lighting, location, and your model’s posing to create the mood and story you want to convey.

Experiment with different apertures and ISO settings to create separation between your subject and the background, and to add dramatic grain to your images.

When editing your black and white portraits, you can use tools like filters, curves, and clarity to deepen shadows, brighten highlights, and add contrast to your photos.

You can also add subtle grain or scratch textures for a vintage film effect. With practice and experimentation, you can learn black and white portrait photography and create stunning, soulful images that capture the essence of your subject.

Low Key

Low key black and white photography creates moody, atmospheric images. It’s often used for portraits and fine art nudes. The key is controlling the light to produce deep shadows and highlights.

Use a single main light considerably brighter than the ambient light. Carefully position the light and subject to reveal or hide details with the shadows. Remember, your camera captures a narrower dynamic range than your eyes see.

When editing, darken the shadows to eliminate unwanted detail captured by your camera. Adjust contrast, blacks, whites, and highlights to exaggerate the low key effect. Be careful not to overdo the adjustments, which can degrade image quality.

Low key black and white photography requires precise exposure and thoughtful editing to achieve the signature high contrast look.

High Key

High key portraits with a tight frame, high contrast, shadows on the cheeks, and a white background are the hallmarks of the Platon photography style. While you may not be photographing celebrities, you can still create stunning portraits using this technique.

To achieve this look, you’ll need a couple of flash guns, light stands, and a small umbrella. Position the main light slightly above and in front of the model for a butterfly lighting effect. Use flags on either side of the model to deepen the shadows on their cheeks.

When editing the portrait, crop tightly, convert to black and white, and whiten the background. Adjust the brightness and contrast, and dodge and sharpen the eyes. Experiment with different angles and props to add your own creative touch to this classic portrait style.

To dive deeper into creating platon photography portraits, we have a comprehensive guide that covers everything from gear to editing.

Fashion photography can seem like a very specialized world, impossible to get into. Fashion shoots look like they involve large teams of people, and lots of specialist, expensive gear. But there are ways of getting started, and lots of tips and techniques to learn along the way.

Getting Started

There are some basic things you can learn to ease your way into fashion photography. Learning to shoot with your cameea tethered to your computer, for instance. It might well cost nothing, but makes a world of difference to your shooting experience. And being confident with poses for your model is another bonus. We’ve gathered a load of tips together for you to consider and learn from.

Tethering Your Camera

Tethered photography is when you connect your camera to a computer. This allows you to see photos on a bigger screen as you take them. You can easily fix mistakes and reshoot without leaving your computer.

To do tethered photography, you need a USB cable and software. Lightroom Classic has a built-in tethering feature that’s simple to use. Just connect your camera to your computer, open Lightroom, and go to File > Tethered Capture > Start Tethered Capture.

Lightroom’s tethering toolbar lets you change camera settings like shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance. You can also apply Lightroom presets as you shoot. Click the shutter button in Lightroom to take a photo, then edit it right away in the Develop module. Tethered photography is a great way to get the perfect shot.

Best Poses

Fashion photography is all about capturing the perfect shot of a model to show off the latest trends. While many elements go into taking a great photo, the model’s poses are essential. Here are some of the best model fashion poses to use in your next shoot.

If you’re working with a beginner model, they may feel uncomfortable. It’s your job to make them feel at ease. Give them simple poses instead of complex high-fashion poses.

Facing the camera is a straightforward pose that makes the model’s beauty and facial expressions the center of attention. Leaning against a wall is a casual pose that doesn’t take much effort. Having the model reach out toward the camera can add a sense of depth. If you’d like to learn more about fashion poses, we have a detailed guide that covers the topic in depth.

Composition

Composition is key in fashion photography. The rule of thirds is a popular technique that involves dividing the frame into a 3×3 grid and placing the subject on one of the intersecting points. This creates a balanced composition.

Sometimes, breaking the rules can work too. Placing the subject in the center of the frame can be effective, especially if you use elements like flowers or the model’s hair and arms to add balance.

Props and interacting with the environment can also enhance your composition. Most importantly, always prioritize showcasing the outfit by avoiding obstructions and creating movement to let the fabric flow. By adapting these fashion photography composition techniques, you’ll take your images to the next level.

Some Important Fashion Photography Niches for You to Try

Fashion photography covers a very wide range of styles. We’ve looked in some more detail at several of the fashion photography niches, to help you navigate your way through them.

Artistic Fashion Photography

There are some ways to make your fashion photography more artistic. These include shooting from uncommon perspectives like high or low angles to show your subject in a new way. Or you can step away from classic poses and let your model interact with the environment. Use vintage film lenses with an adapter to add unusual effects like soft focus or unique bokeh patterns.

Prisms create kaleidoscopic effects and soft focus when you shoot through them. Color gels enhance the mood by adding splashes of color to your images. Try a long exposure to capture beautiful motion blur in the model’s clothes or body.

Combine multiple exposures in-camera or in post for an artistic effect. Use selective coloring to make the model’s outfit pop. And don’t forget about the classic and nostalgic look of artistic fashion photography in black and white.

Black and White

Black and white portrait photography is a timeless art form that can create striking and emotive images. By removing color, the focus is placed on the subject’s expressions, movements, and textures. To achieve the best results, careful planning of camera settings, lighting, location, and posing is essential.

When editing black and white portraits, experimenting with filters, curves, and clarity tools can help to enhance the image. The Green filter in Photoshop or adjusting the Orange and Red sliders in Lightroom’s Tone Curve can improve skin tones and add contrast. Adding subtle grain or dust textures can also create a beautiful film-like effect.

Mastering black and white portrait photography requires practice, communication with your subject, and an eye for striking elements like textures and negative space. By embracing the unique challenges and opportunities of this genre, you can create powerful and timeless images. To dive deeper into the world of black and white portrait photography, explore our comprehensive guide.

Runway Fashion

Runway photography is an exciting way to capture the latest fashion trends. To get started, attend small, local fashion shows at universities or colleges. These events are more casual, giving you the freedom to move around and talk to models and designers.

Before attending, research the event’s camera rules. Some shows only allow certain types of cameras, while others prohibit them entirely. If you can bring a camera, choose a lens with a good zoom range and a wide maximum aperture for low-light shooting.

When photographing models, focus on their eyes and use a shallow depth of field to blur the background. Don’t forget to capture details of the outfits and accessories to highlight the atmosphere of the show. Move around to shoot from multiple angles for a variety of images. With practice and persistence, you can build a strong portfolio and eventually earn a coveted media pass to photograph alongside professionals in the pit. To learn more about runway photography, we have an in-depth guide that covers everything you need to know.

Editorial

To shoot professional editorial fashion photography, start with a clear idea to keep your photos consistent. Gather a creative team to make your photoshoot as professional as possible. Find 1-2 locations that bring your idea to life without distracting from the models.

Use mood boards to inspire yourself and your team. Give detailed instructions throughout the photoshoot to ensure every part complements your vision. Experiment with different angles and poses to keep your photography exciting.

As you experiment, don’t be afraid to break general photography rules to develop your individual style. Once you submit your photos to fashion magazines, avoid sharing them until they get published. To learn more about editorial fashion photography, check out this in-depth guide.

High Fashion

High fashion photography captures the essence of luxury and glamour. It often features supermodels and celebrities wearing designer clothing in elegant or conceptual settings. Top brands hire famous photographers to create premium quality images for their advertisements, which are usually seen in magazines like Vogue.

To learn more about the different types of high fashion photography, check out our in-depth article. It covers various styles such as editorial, beauty, catalog, and street fashion photography. Each type has its own unique approach to showcasing clothing, accessories, and models.

The Lookbook

A fashion lookbook is a great way to showcase clothing in a lifestyle setting. To create one on a budget, start by browsing examples online for inspiration. Pay attention to the model poses, backdrop, and overall vibe of each lookbook.

Next, ask friends to model for you or use websites like Model Mayhem to find beginners willing to trade their service for photos. Gather props and accessories to complement the clothing you’re featuring, but keep things simple to avoid distracting from the main product.

When choosing a backdrop, look for locations that match the style of the clothes. Shoot during golden hour for the most pleasing natural light, or use bright artificial light sources at night. Keep poses simple and casual, with the model interacting with their environment. Try different looks by styling the same garment in various ways. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a lookbook photography on a budget.

Low Key Black and White

Low key black and white photography creates moody, atmospheric images. It’s often used for portraits and fine art nudes. The key is controlling the light to produce deep shadows and minimal tones.

Position your subject and a single main light source carefully. The angle of the light reveals more or less detail. Squint to see how the highlights and shadows will look without a wide tonal range.

Expose for the brightest parts of the composition. In post-processing, darken shadows and adjust contrast to achieve the low key effect. Low key black and white photography is an illusion our eyes never see naturally, so get creative and have fun with this dramatic style.

High Key Portraits

To create high key portraits in the style of Platon, you’ll need a couple of flash guns, light stands, and a small umbrella. Position the main light above and in front of the subject for a butterfly lighting effect, creating shadows under the nose and chin.

Use flags on either side of the subject to control the light and deepen shadows on the cheeks. Place the subject away from the background and light it separately for a pure white look.

When editing, crop tightly on the subject and convert to black and white. Whiten the background, even out the brightness, and boost contrast. Dodge and sharpen the eyes for a striking final portrait. We have more tips on platon photography in our in-depth guide.

Vintage Cool

Vintage photography has a distinct, nostalgic character. To replicate this style with modern equipment, study the limitations of old film cameras. They produced soft images with low contrast and lots of grain.

Choose a theme for your vintage photoshoot to keep the style consistent. Stick to classic compositions with clear vertical and horizontal lines. Pose your subjects in a rigid, static way or capture candid, spontaneous moments.

Imperfections like light leaks and dust on the lens add authenticity to vintage photos. Use a soft, matte look with lower contrast. Black and white or vintage photography with a sepia tone are great choices. Complete the look with vintage clothing, props, and locations.

Smartphone Fashion Photography

There are times when you don’t need anything more than your smartphone. After all, they now have some amazing cameras in them! To make the shoot go well, you need to follow some guidelines. Develop a theme and create a mood board to plan your shoot. Find an excellent location that fits your concept, whether it’s a public space or private property. Make your phone more ergonomic with a pop-up holder or tripod for added stability.

Prioritize good lighting, shooting early morning or late afternoon for the best results. Mind your composition, using the rule of thirds to frame your subject. Use AE/AF lock to ensure sharp focus on your model’s face or other key elements.

Communicate with your model, giving clear directions on poses and expressions. Experiment with different angles like low, high, and Dutch tilt for more engaging shots. Try portrait mode to blur the background and make your subject stand out. Have fun with detachable lenses like wide-angle and fisheye for creative effects. Use props sparingly to emphasize the clothes without overpowering them. Edit your photos with apps like VSCO or Adobe Photoshop Express to perfect the final look.

With these tips, you can take your fashion photography with a smartphone to the next level and create impressive images that showcase your unique style.

How to Find Models for Your Fashion Shoot

The internet has helped to make finding models easier, and has made the process safer for models as well. There are specialist sites, or there are Facebook groups available for finding models. In your early days, you might want to opt for a TFP (Trade for Print) arrangement. This is where photographer, model, and (if used) make-up artist work for free, to help build up their portfolios.

Free Models

Finding models to work with is essential for aspiring portrait and fashion photographers. One option is to photograph amateur or inexperienced models. They may not be the best, but they’re free and can help you practice your skills.

You can also photograph friends or friends of friends. Carry business cards to look professional when approaching potential models. Self-portraits using a tripod and timer or remote are another option if you’re struggling to find people.

Aspiring actors and dancers always need headshots and can be great to work with. Use model release forms to protect yourself legally. Searching for models on websites like Model Mayhem or joining TFP/TFCD groups on Facebook are also good options. When contacting potential models, be professional and offer ideas for the shoot. To learn more about finding models, check out our in-depth guide.

Model Mayhem

Model Mayhem is a popular website for finding models and other talent for photo shoots. It has a large pool of people to choose from, including models, photographers, makeup artists, and more. Most of its features are free to use.

To find the right model, use the Browse section to narrow down your search. You can filter by location, compensation, experience, and even physical characteristics. Be sure to read reviews and look for Verified Credits to avoid scams.

When communicating with potential models, provide details about the shoot and your portfolio. Discuss compensation upfront, whether it’s paid or trade for photos. If a model doesn’t show up, try confirming with them multiple times beforehand. For serious photographers, a paid subscription offers more features like unlimited messages and a larger portfolio. To learn more about model mayhem, check out our in-depth guide.

TFP Models

TFP modeling is a great way to build your photography portfolio without investing money. You collaborate with models to create amazing images that enhance everyone’s portfolios. It’s the perfect solution when you don’t have paying clients yet.

Working on a TFP basis helps you find models, collaborate on a vision, and do the photo shoot. This process makes you better prepared for working with paying clients. TFP projects also help you grow your photography network by connecting you with models, make-up artists, hair stylists, and wardrobe stylists.

Treat TFP shoots like professional ones. Present yourself professionally with a website and work samples. Be respectful when communicating with potential models. Have a clear vision for the project, but stay open to collaborating on ideas. Screen models to find the best fit for your project. Deliver final high-resolution photos to everyone involved by the agreed deadline. To learn more about working with TFP models, check out this in-depth guide.

Editing

However good your photography skills are, you will need to edit your images. Even more so if you shoot in RAW (and you should!). You will want to develop your own style and ‘look’, but there are some great tips out there. You can also find plenty of presets to download for Lightroom to make the process quicker.

Retouching

Retouching is an important part of commercial fashion photography. Most photographers use Capture One Pro or Lightroom and Photoshop to edit their images.

Start by choosing a color profile in Lightroom before making any other adjustments. Then correct the white balance and make basic edits to the highlights, shadows, whites and blacks. Use the vibrance slider instead of saturation to avoid an unnatural look.

In Photoshop, clean up the image by removing dust, blemishes and imperfections. The healing brush and clone stamp tools are great for this. Dodge and burn to improve highlights and shadows, but keep the opacity low to avoid a fake look.

Developing your own workflow takes time, but these tips will help you improve your commercial fashion photography retouching skills.

Fashion Photography Inspiration

There is no problem finding fashion photography inspiration, in terms of quantity. But maybe it’s harder to be sure what are the best examples. Not to worry, we have put together some photographers and images to get you started.

Famous Fashion Photographers

Fashion photography captures the beauty of clothes, people, and locations. Here are 21 famous fashion photographers who have taken the industry by storm.

These photographers have unique styles, from Julia Hetta’s Rembrandt-like portraits to Elizaveta Porodina’s vibrant, science fiction-inspired shots. They work with top brands like Vogue, Dior, and Calvin Klein, photographing celebrities and models.

Their photos range from elegant and empowering to dreamy and surreal. Through their lenses, we see fashion in new, creative ways.

To learn more about these influential fashion photographers, check out their portfolios and be inspired by their unique visions.

Street Fashion Photographers

Street fashion photographers capture the latest trends on the streets. They’re always on the lookout for the next big thing in fashion. Here are ten of the coolest street fashion photographers to follow in 2024.

These photographers have unique styles and approaches. Some focus on high-end fashion, while others capture more urban and eclectic looks. Many of them travel the world to document different fashion scenes.

Following these photographers is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest street style trends. To learn more about the world of street fashion photographers, check out this in-depth article.

Inspirational Images

Fashion photography is a fun and challenging genre that requires creativity and inspiration. Richard Avedon’s iconic photos remind us to have fun with fashion photography, while simple black and white photos can catch attention with their sculptural quality. Experimenting with unusual poses, outdoor elements, and mirrors can add a surrealistic feel to your images.

Incorporating graphics, film edges, and complementary backgrounds can create quirky and compelling photos. Shadows and natural light can add dimension and depth to your images, while bold colors and limited color palettes can grab attention. Showing behind-the-scenes setups and experimenting with pictorialist styles can add interest and variety to your fashion photography portfolio.

Whether you’re shooting in a studio or on location, candid or staged, fashion photography offers endless opportunities for creativity and expression. For more fashion photography ideas and inspiration, explore the work of renowned photographers like Helmut Newton, Nick Knight, and Ellen Von Unwerth.

Tips for Working With Beginner Models and Fashion Poses

If you’re working with a beginner model, they may act uncomfortable and rigid. It’s your job as a photographer to make them feel comfortable and build up their self-assurance. Here are a few points to keep in mind with model posing.

Use Beginner Modeling Poses

You want to give the average person simple model posing instead of poses that a high fashion model use. More complex poses need greater attention to detail and awareness of all body parts.
For instance, a close-up image with a model’s hands near the face may require perfect hand positioning and the correct facial expression. It can be challenging for an inexperienced model to get right.
Candid shots also work the best for first-time models as they won’t have to “perform.”

Show Them Images as You Shoot

A great way to help direct an inexperienced model is to show them some of the first images while you shoot. Doing this allows them to see how they look in your style of photography.
It will help female and male models be more confident in their pose ideas, making the photoshoot smoother. You can also show them some final images to see what poses work best.

Create A Comfortable Environment

Find a way to make your model feel comfortable. Have a conversation and coffee at the beginning, or have a casual chat throughout the photoshoot. A relaxed atmosphere positively affects model posing and how your photos turn out.

25 of the Best Model Poses for Fashion Photography

Here are our top model poses to try in your photo shoots. The best poses will be a collaboration. So keep lines of communication open.

25. Facing Straight Towards the Camera

One of the most straightforward model poses is to have them stand directly in front of the camera and photograph them straight-on. Even though this is a simple pose, you find this in numerous fashion magazines worldwide.
That’s because you make the person’s beauty and facial expressions the center of attention. You may want to try and elicit different emotions depending on the type of mood you want to create in your photo. Plus, direct eye contact with the camera makes a strong connection with the viewer.

24. Standing Poses Above the Camera

If you want a powerful look in your modeling poses, photograph from down low so your model towers over you. The model’s stance will converge to a point at their head.
Standing poses work well when they have an interesting stance. Having them place more weight on one leg can change the image’s dynamic! It’s a famous classical pose, also known as a contrapposto pose.

23. Leaning on a Wall

Leaning against a wall is one of those model poses people are naturally drawn to. This casual pose doesn’t take much effort to get right. It also allows you to cycle through different poses while being in the same spot.
I like this pose because you can use the environment to its fullest. There are exciting buildings or walls in every city or rural area. Use this to your advantage! You may want to scout these locations beforehand to avoid wasting your subject’s time.

22. The Full-Length Shot

Full-body poses can be hard to get right. But they look amazing when done well. The full-length shot will require your model to be away from the camera and often works best with a 50mm or a long lens like an 85mm.
It’s one of those model poses that heavily relies on the person’s clothes. You must ensure the outfit falls perfectly on the entire body, as this is almost impossible to fix in post-production.

21. Hands Near the Face

You can also have your model pose with their hands up by their face. It’s one of those well-known fashion poses as it can create a simple, dramatic effect when the person performs it well.
Here, you want to focus on just the person’s face and hands. Don’t be afraid to get in close. If you try a full-body shot, you lose the viewer’s attention unless you frame the photograph perfectly. An elongated neck adds a regal and confident look.

20. Sitting on a Chair, Leaning Forward

Sitting poses are widely used in portraiture and fashion. You would have most likely seen this from your favorite musician or on the cover of high fashion magazines.
Have your model perch on the edge of a chair and lean forward slightly toward the camera. It’s often done with hands together and an elbow or hand resting on one leg. It’s one of those model poses that can be intense and casual. It’s also one of the top male model poses.

19. Head in Hands

A dramatic and often sad model pose is to have a person put their head in their hands or have their hands cover their face. It produces an exciting play between concealing and revealing key facial features like the eyes or mouth.
This pose will take some playing around with. So be sure to ask your subject to make slight changes in their expression and hand movements to get the best image possible.

18. Lying Down

Whether in a studio or out on location, having a person lie down can be one of the most playful model poses. The camera will most likely have a birds-eye-view of the person, producing a unique view we don’t see much in real life.
Again, you can also produce a wide range of emotions using this composition. Make sure the person is comfortable. Placing a cushion or blanket down may help.

17. Hands on Hips

Typically, a person with hands on their hips is one of those model poses you find on stock image websites. It has connotations to images of business people trying to be casual. If this is the look you’re going for, this could be the pose to use.
But recently, this pose has been increasingly seen in high fashion modeling. The pose is where the person has their hands on their hips with their elbows pushed forward, and their back has a slight bend. It’s pretty dramatic and produces a unique form in the body that is interesting to photograph… but nothing beats a person with fierce eyes!

16. Close-up on the Face

This next pose is a form of close-up model photography. This type of photograph is used for makeup brands and other fashion campaigns.
Zoom in or move close to the model’s face, and you almost turn the model’s facial features into a macro landscape. The model must remain reasonably still while adapting their expressions to produce interesting looks. Be careful not to make any awkward crops through body parts.

15. Playing with Hair

Are you looking for great female poses? Playing with hair is one of the best model poses. It produces natural action shots while also creating exciting shapes in the body.
I also really like this pose because there’s loads of room for play and experimentation. The person can hold their hair way above their head to show their face. Or they can pull hair in front to conceal their face.

14. Looking Over the Shoulder

A “look over the shoulder” is one of those dramatic model poses. It works very well in a studio or location. You want to have your model facing a different direction from the camera and then turn their face to look toward the camera.
It is best if their face isn’t directly facing the camera but turned slightly to the side. It will, of course, depend on the portrait lighting in your shot.

13. Back to the Camera

You can have your subject pose with their back to the camera for variation in your photoshoot. It highlights special features in clothing. But it also produces an interesting viewpoint.
Make sure you can still see the face of your model. You want them to turn their head slightly so you can photograph the outline of their face. A sharp profile works nicely here.

12. Hands Behind the Back

You may want to try some pictures with the model’s hands behind their back. It’s a pose often used by male models but works well for female models.
You want your model to be sideways to the camera with this pose. You may also want to play with how they position their head. It looks nice having the model’s head tilted backward when working with female models.

11. Action Shots

If your model poses are getting too stagnant, try giving the model an action or activity to do. Not only does this help beginner models feel more comfortable, but it also opens up a range of photographic opportunities.
An action could be something small like jumping or playing with a small object in their hands. Or it could be participating in a sport or exercise like tennis or lifting weights.

10. Hands in Pockets

Having hands in pockets is another one of those casual model poses. But you still see it often in commercial modeling. It is one of the go-to male poses as it portrays a laid-back character who likes to be comfortable and confident.
It also translates to female models. But female models have the unique ability to make this pose seem a bit more fierce. A great model can transform this pose from casual to catwalk… and a simple head tilt does wonders!

9. Hands Reaching Toward the Camera

Are you looking for a pose that adds a sense of depth to your photo shoots? Try having your model reach out toward the camera in various ways.
A way to amplify this depth is to shoot with a low aperture, giving the photograph a shallow depth of field. Make sure the focal point remains on the model’s face or eye, as this is where you should draw attention.

8. The Cat Walk

Even though you may not be on a fashion runway, pretend like you are! You can often get great images if your model has a serious strut and purposefully walks toward the camera.
You can either stay in one spot with a long lens or walk backward with the model walking toward you. If you choose the latter option, be sure you check your surroundings or have an assistant spot you for any hazards.

7. Crossed Arms

Another basic model pose—which can be great when executed right—is to ask the model to cross their arms. You can make this pose less rigid if your model has a slight lean in their stance.
It’s a fantastic model pose if the person is slightly awkward. It’s also beneficial if they don’t know what to do with their arms. Have your subject look away from the camera with an attitude for another layer to the pose.

6. Legs Spread On a Chair

You often see dancers or actors do this pose. It can be an over-the-top way to sit on a chair. The model pose can come across as a bit forward if you shoot it straight-on. But it’s great if your model is comfortable with it and knows what they’re doing.
It is one of the fashion poses that work well in black and white, especially with dramatic lighting.

5. Kneeling or Sitting on Knees

Experimenting with having your model at different heights is always beneficial. It is something that a professional photographer will do naturally while on a photoshoot.
Placing your model in a kneeling stance evokes a spiritual and submissive feel. It is often seen in prayer or in a time of self-reflection. The pose will produce a soft and quiet vibe to your photographs.

4. Sitting in a Backward Chair

Are you looking for an edgy or fun photograph? How about having the model sit on a chair backward? This pose became common through boy bands of the early 2000s, but female models have taken this pose and made it powerful.
You may want to direct the model to rest their arms against the back of the chair. You can also ask them to do a range of other poses while in this position.

3. Incoporating a Prop

Using a prop to enhance a pose is another excellent way to bring creativity into a fashion shoot. Everyday objects like mirrors or blankets can completely transform how we see the image. Some props may take a bit of experimentation, but it is worth it if you want to add a new dimension to your photograph.
It’s also great for inexperienced models because the model will direct their attention toward the prop. If they think less about their bodies, the less rigid they will be in the photographs.

2. One Leg Up

A great casual pose is to have your model recline with one knee up, and the other leg bent or straight while sitting. Legs crossed is another option. This model pose is often seen with male model fashion shoots as it gives a casual and reflective look to the model.
It’s also a pose that relies on your surroundings. You can find great views and backdrops from window sills or benches, even if it’s just a nicely colored sky. So use them to your advantage!

1. The Squat

The squat is a great pose for edgy shoots currently a hit amongst street-style fashion lookbooks. That’s because it looks fantastic while also showing off an outfit nicely. You can photograph this from many different angles and heights.
Have your model squat down and exude an attitude toward the camera. You can take the shot without that mood. But this pose doesn’t work as well as a “nice” photograph.

Photography Tips

There are multiple ways to take fashion photos. Here are a few tips for your next photoshoot!

Check Photo Composition and Elements

If you’re shooting on location, ensure you don’t get too distracted directing your model for the best pose. Pay attention to the composition and execution of the image as well. Small factors like objects and leading lines in the background can ruin or make a shot.
An easy way to avoid this is to check images on your camera. I don’t suggest doing this every shot. That breaks the flow of the photoshoot. But be conscious to check once in a while. You may regret not checking when you get around to editing!

Use a Color Card and Reflector

Camera equipment like a color card or a reflector can go a long way when working in model photography. You want to make sure you’re capturing correct skin tones and taking away unwanted shadows for a sharp profile. Make sure you have these on hand to get the most out of your photography poses.

Conclusion

We see a whole range of different photography poses for you to try when working with a model. Many of these simple poses allow people to make slight variations and sometimes combine them. Keep those poses moving!
The best approach is to have your model practice posing in their spare time. When they have found their best side and angle, they will easily find the poses they are the most comfortable in. And, if a model feels comfortable, you will get the best out of their expressions and model poses.
Try out our Fairytales Portrait course to hone your posing techniques even further!

Flat Lay Photography Clothing: What is Flat Lay Photography?

We think of flat lay photography as shooting overhead. And overhead means shooting from above with the camera either pointing at an angle or straight down.
But flat lay isn’t just shooting from above. It’s also shooting straight down. That means you can’t technically call a photo a flat lay if it’s even at a slight angle.
When creating flat lays, you can just stand on a step ladder and take photos from above. But if you need to take many pictures, we recommend you use a tripod that can point your camera straight down.
What’s the secret to taking excellent flat lays? Make sure your camera is pointed downward at a 90° angle. You can either do that by simply eyeballing the perspective of your camera or by using your tripod’s spirit level. This kind of shooting technique is especially suitable for product photography, as well.
Now that we have a general idea of flat lays—let’s dive into more specific tips for clothing!

7 Clothing Flat Lay Tips

1. Iron Clothing for a Sharp Look

This tip may seem too obvious to some, but many people doing clothing flat lay often forget to iron clothes. So before you start your shoot, you better plug in your iron or steamer and remove those wrinkles!
Even after ironing your clothes, the garments could still end up looking wrinkly as you style them. It’s crucial to iron and re-iron clothes even when you’re in the middle of styling them.
So feel free to iron the items even as you decorate your flat lay set. Thankfully, it’s not going to be too challenging since you’re photographing the clothes on a flat surface anyway.

So what happens if you don’t iron your garments thoroughly? Well, let’s say you’ll find it challenging to edit the images of clothes.
In other situations, using the Patch and Spot Healing brush tools in Photoshop does a great job of removing minor blemishes. But when it comes to textured items such as garments, fixing flaws will result in a messy situation. Editing wrinkles out of garments results in blotches that look unnatural.
So if you want to avoid reshooting your flat lay photos of clothes, do your best to keep everything wrinkle-free!

2. Allow Clothing to Look Natural

Okay, we know we said to keep everything wrinkle-free in the last section, and we mean it! But that doesn’t mean you should force all clothing to look uniformly ironed. There are some exceptions.
When doing a flat lay photo session of clothing, you’ll notice that different materials look and feel different from each other. Wool has distinct characteristics compared to cotton or satin. And you’ll see that in your images right away.

Look at the cotton-linen scarf below. Do you notice that it looks a bit wavy, especially at the edges? The cotton-linen used for the scarf is so thin that it’s virtually impossible to iron out the wrinkles.
But that’s a good thing because it’s the natural state of the scarf. If you ironed this garment to look smooth, you’re not showing what the product looks like in real life. Allow the distinct characteristics of the clothing’s material to stand out.

3. Ensure Correct White Balance for Accurate Colors

When it comes to flat lay photography involving fashion items, you must correctly capture the clothing’s colors. You don’t want to receive complaints from customers saying the color of the actual product is different from the image.
So how do you ensure the color of the product in your flat lay is accurate? You adjust your white balance with the help of a grey card or color checker.

4. Style Clothing So Their Details Are Recognisable

A lot of people think that styling clothing is easy. But the truth is that it’s one of the most challenging skills to learn in product photography.
First, clothes are enormous. Even the small-sized shirts are at least about two feet long. Of course, the more space they occupy when they lay flat, the more challenging they will be to style. Even when you’re only working with two items, you will still need about four square feet of space, so everything fits in.

Second, some types of clothing can be challenging to recognise when you fold them the wrong way. For instance, there is no way for people to know what a coat might look like when folded.
So how do you style clothes properly? The secret is to arrange them in such a way that you can show their most crucial details. So if a T-shirt has a print, make sure to display it prominently in your product photography.
And if you have to fold items for a flat lay photo session, make sure you do so in a way that people would still know what they are. So don’t fold long-sleeved shirts the way you would regular t-shirts. Show people that the item has long sleeves. It’s essential to arrange clothes a certain way so people would recognise them easily.

5. Use Lower-Angle Lighting to Add Depth and Details

When doing a flat lay shot of clothes, it can be quite challenging to show the three-dimensionality of the items. Since they’re lying flat on the surface, the clothing tends to end up looking like paper cutouts.
To make sure your clothes would still pop from the background, light the items from a lower angle. Doing so allows you to add some shadows to the natural wrinkles of the products. These shadows add dimension to your image and bring out the textures of the garments.

In most cases, lighting a flat lay at a 45° angle is enough. If you go any lower, you typically end up with long shadows that can be too distracting. And if you go any higher, you risk making your shot appear flat due to the lack of shadows.

6. Use a 50mm Focal Length or Higher for Less Distortion

You can use just about any lens when doing flat lay shots of clothes. You can even freely choose between prime lenses and zoom lenses.
Nevertheless, you must refrain from choosing a focal length lower than 50mm for flat lay photography. Why? Because anything lower than 50mm would technically be considered a wide-angle lens.
One of the features of a wide-angle is to distort the elements in the frame so it can fit more in a photo. Now, that may be appealing if you’re a landscape photographer, but not when you’re doing flat lay shots.
When there’s too much distortion, your flat lay images will appear off. In effect, you’ll end up showing people a photo of a product that looks very different in real life. So stick to focal lengths 50mm and above to make sure that doesn’t happen.
In our experience, we often choose between 50mm and 85mm prime lenses. Why? Well, a 50mm lets you shoot flat lay without having to step on a ladder to get all the elements in the frame. Meanwhile, an 85mm offers the best distortion-free results, even if it means you have to get the camera higher to take pictures.

7. Use Our Recommended Camera Settings for the Best Results

There are no fixed camera settings when it comes to flat lay photography. But we will give you a few guidelines to help you achieve the best results when shooting clothes.
For ISO, the best setting is between 100 and 200. Why? Because these values produce the least amount of image noise. If you use high ISO, you’ll end up with grainy results that will affect the quality of your images.
For aperture, it’s best to use anything between f/11 to f/16. These values have a deep depth of field which means they produce the sharpest results.
Now you’re probably asking, why not choose the maximum aperture of f/22 or f/32? The simple answer is that using the maximum aperture causes your images to become blurry. If you use such small openings, you could end up with lens aberration, which stops you from getting sharp results.

When it comes to shutter speed, it all depends on the ISO and aperture you choose. To make it easier for you, feel free to select Aperture Priority as your default exposure mode. Doing so allows your camera to automatically select the correct shutter speed based on your selected ISO and aperture settings.
If you’re working in low light conditions, your camera might select a long shutter speed that could last a few seconds. But you don’t have to worry about motion blur since your camera is on a tripod anyway.

Conclusion

Doing flat lay photography with clothing is surprisingly difficult to do for the uninitiated. But the tips we offered will allow you to photograph fashion items like a professional. The secret is to use what you learned immediately to help you develop healthy habits. And once you get used to photographing clothes, you’ll see that it can be easy now that you know what you’re doing.
Check out our Products in Focus e-book if you want to create simple but dynamic photos that sell!

Commercial Fashion Photography: What Software Should I Use to Retouch Photos?

Most commercial fashion photographers retouch in Capture One Pro or Lightroom and Photoshop.
Lightroom is a global editor. It’s best for culling and organizing your photos and for applying edits to the whole image. There are targeted adjustment tools that allow you to work on small portions of the picture. But Lightroom is best at tackling adjustments to the entire image at once.
For high-end photography, you need Photoshop to clean up the image and refine it. Fashion photography is about creating an idealized image. It needs to look polished and bring out the best in the clothing and the model.

Retouching Fashion Photography in Lightroom

You can do all your retouching in Photoshop, but many photographers find it easier to do most of their editing in Lightroom. You can then open up the image in Photoshop to give it that polished look.
Lightroom helps you stay organized. This is one reason why it’s so popular and so many people use it in tandem with Photoshop.

Choose a Color Profile

Once you have chosen the photographs that you want to retouch, start by selecting your preferred Color Profile in Lightroom. This is where your camera’s color profiles will appear.
You should do this before you start editing, as it will have a significant effect on the decisions you make. Your choice will make a considerable difference in color and contrast.

Use The Basic Panel in Lightroom for Small Changes

The next step is to correct your White Balance. Keep in mind that White Balance can be set in-camera to be 100% accurate, or can be used creatively. For example, if your style is warmer in tone, you can push your white balance above 6000+.
Then make your edits to the Highlights and Shadows, and Whites and Blacks in the Basic Panel.
If your image doesn’t look correctly exposed in these areas, then you can adjust the exposure, but I don’t recommend to start there.
These basic adjustments can make a big difference in your image. It’s best to tweak them individually rather than boosting the brightness of the whole picture right out of the gate.
Adobe intends for you to work your way down the panels for the recommended Lightroom workflow. But you’ll find that you may have to jump back and forth between panels and sliders to get the final look that you want.

Which Elements to Adjust in the Presence Panel

When retouching in Lightroom, I recommend using the Vibrance slider instead of Saturation.
Vibrance lifts the mid-tones. Saturation boosts all the color in the image, which can make it look unnatural and clownish. If you do choose to use the Saturation slider, watch how it affects your picture as you move the slider. A maximum of +10 is usually more than enough.
Be sure to add Clarity, which will boost the contrast in the image. The best retouching is often the result of layering various effects at low numbers, rather than adding a high amount of any one tool, such as Contrast.
To create contrast, you can use a combination of Contrast, Clarity, Texture, and the Tone Curve.

Tweak The Tone Curve

A lot of new photographers tend to shy away from the Tone Curve in Lightroom, but this is the single most powerful tool you can use.
The Tone Curve is a graphical representation of the tones found throughout your image. By making tweaks to the curve, you can greatly influence how the shadows and highlights look.
The most common tweak to the Tone Curve is a shape that resembles a soft S.

Start by lifting up the curve in the middle when in the Point Curve. This will give a boost to the mid-tones and brighten the image. Pull the curve down in the bottom quarter of the curve or so, to deepen the shadows. These simple tweaks can make your image immediately look more dynamic.
If you’re new to the Tone Curve, try playing with the sliders in the Region Curve. This won’t give you as much control as the Point Curve but will help you make significant changes to the aesthetic of your image.

Adjust the Color in the HSL Panel

Whether you choose to adjust in Lightroom or Photoshop, the color will have a huge impact on your image. Color is an aspect of composition and has a huge impact on the aesthetic of your photo. You may like a desaturated look to your images or images with deep color and a lot of contrast.
Unless your aesthetic is quite warm, you might want to bring the orange saturation down a bit in your photos. It tends to look too strong. Also, pay attention to the Luminance sliders. They can have a bigger effect on the look of your image than the Saturation sliders as they control the brightness of individual colors.

Use Split Toning for Highlights and Shadows

Split Toning is a Lightroom tool that you can use to great effect when it comes to post-processing. Split Toning adds color toning to the highlights and shadows individually, based on luminance.
However, note that a little goes a long way.
To add split toning, hold down the >Alt/Option key while you move the sliders for Highlights and Shadows. This will allow you to see the variations for each color and pre-visualise how it will look applied to the image. ,
Dial-in as much saturation as you feel appropriate for the image. This is usually a low number. A small amount is often all you need to make your images pop.

In the image below, split toning was added to give the image a different feel by adding warmth.

Sharpen Selected Areas With the Sharpening Mask

A good default for sharpening in Lightroom is +50. But to have more control over the amount of sharpening that is applied to your photo, use the Sharpening Mask.
Sharpening Mask will allow you to sharpen only the parts of the photo that need it. In photography, you don’t necessarily have to sharpen every part of the photo, like the background. You can simply concentrate the sharpening on your subject. This is where Sharpening Mask comes in.
Set your Sharpening Amount to around +50. Hold down the Alt/Option key while you slide Sharpening Mask to the right. You’ll see that your image turns to black and white, kind of like an x-ray. The white part is showing you what is being sharpened.
Choose the amount that looks good to you. Perhaps somewhere between 70-90 might be adequate.
Sharpening should be the last step in your Lightroom edits.

How to Perfect Your Image in Photoshop

Once you have completed these steps in Lightroom, it’s time to open the image in Photoshop.
Go up to >Photo and choose > Edit In 
Choose >Edit in Photoshop from the dropdown menu. This will open the image in Photoshop.

There are many tools and options for retouching your fashion images. The foundation is a clean image, so start with cleaning techniques.
Zoom in on your image at 100%. Remove any dust on the sensor, and blemishes and imperfections on the model’s skin. The best tools to do this are the Spot Healing Brush, the Healing Brush, the Patch Tool, and the Clone Stamp Tool.

The Healing Tools

The Spot Healing Brush and the Healing Brush tool are both incredibly useful when it comes to cleaning up your images, with a small difference. With the Spot Healing Brush, you don’t need to select sample pixels from a particular area to fix a small blemish. Photoshop does that for you, allowing you to touch up dust and small areas rapidly. Lightroom has a similar tool, but using it repeatedly will slow down its performance by a lot. It’s better to do this type of cleaning technique in Photoshop.
Be sure to remove even the smallest blemishes from your image. Once you get rid of all the small flecks, you’ll be surprised at what a difference it makes and how polished your photo will look.

For example, in the image by below, I removed the freckles on the model’s skin using the Spot Healing Brush. I used the Healing Brush to make selections on the tip of the nose for a smoother look, as this area was more shadowed. Otherwise, the Spot Healing Brush is more than enough for this type of correction.

Here is a close up of the model’s face. Simply removing the freckles made the image look more polished without making the skin look unrealistic.

The Patch Tool

The Patch Tool is one that you’ll use again and again. It’s perfect for quickly removing larger flaws in your image with a selection from another part of my photo. I often use it on backgrounds to get rid of any flaws, as well as larger blemishes on a model’s skin.
With the Patch Tool selected, draw around the area you wish to heal and drag it over to an area that you’d like to replace it with. Then hit +Ctrl/Command + D to Deselect it.

In the image below, the patch tool was used to get rid of the tattoo on the model’s arm. Sometimes a tattoo is unwanted or inappropriate for the desired look. Here the patch tool removed it easily, as the skin was pretty consistent.

The Clone Stamp Tool

The Clone Stamp Tool is one of the most used tools in Photoshop. It is indispensable to fashion photography retouching. It copies and pastes pixels from one part of the image to another and allows you to adjust the opacity of the pixels. I use the Clone Stamp to get rid of stray hairs, clean up the skin and background, and correct any flaws in the clothing.
Select the option for “Current Layer and Below”. Keep the Flow at 100% but adjust the Opacity as needed. A very soft brush and a low opacity work best, but it depends on your image.
To use the Clone Stamp tool, hold down the Alt/Option key and select pixels from the image that you want to copy. Use brushing motions with your mouse to copy the pixels where you want them. Crosshairs will signify the sample area: be sure that it doesn’t veer into any unwanted areas.

In the image below, I used the clone stamp tool to smooth the model’s skin. It removed some file lines and the hairs around her face.
In fashion and beauty retouching, a lot of attention is paid to the skin! For example, you may spend a lot of time smoothing the underarm area.

Dodge and Burn

Dodge and Burn is an important technique. It can help you clean up and fix issues where lightening or darkening the pixels will improve them. You can work on the highlights and shadows in your image to add some dimension. You can touch up the catchlights in the eyes and smooth out the lips.
Zoom in to see the areas you may want to retouch using this technique. You might want to do this once you have cleaned up your image with the tools mentioned above.
When using the Dodge or the Burn tool, be sure to use a very low opacity (under 10) to avoid a fake and heavy-handed effect.
Create separate layers for Dodge and Burn so you can see what effect each tool is having on your image. Work zoomed in to retouch your image with precision. Be sure to zoom out to assess how it looks overall and how you might need to adjust it further.

Conclusion

A high-end, polished look distinguishes commercial fashion photography. It requires subtle but skilled retouching.
Over time, every photographer develops their workflow and preferred way of working. These tips will help you refine your commercial fashion retouching skills.

Editorial Fashion Photography: Common Questions

What Is an Editorial in Photography?

An editorial is a set of images that tell a story. These photos are made to accompany a certain piece of text. Unlike commercial photography, editorials are all about storytelling.
This gives editorial photographers more creative freedom during their photoshoots.

What Is the Difference Between Fashion and Editorial Photography?

Fashion and commercial photography try to sell a product. Editorial photography focuses more on storytelling than on advertisements.
Even though editorial photography features different brands, its goal is to sell a story.

How Do I Submit to a Fashion Magazine?

The submission process is very simple. Find a few magazines that you like, read their requirements, and submit your photos before the deadline. Most fashion photography magazines look for a specific feel in their submissions.
To increase your chances of getting your fashion photography featured, make sure you look through the magazine to understand its individual style.

What Does Editorial Modelling Mean?

Editorial models are featured in fashion editorials. This is a prestigious job that affects fashion trends. As an editorial model, you have to tell a story in any location and in any outfit.
A few famous fashion editorial models are Natalia Vodianova and Anna Ewers.

How to Shoot Fashion Editorial Photography

Start With an Idea to Keep Your Photos Consistent

Before you look for models or make mood boards, you need to have a solid idea in mind. This can exist in the form of quotes, pictures, or even keywords that you find inspiring.
For example, you can start with a simple keyword like ‘summer‘. Write down everything that comes to mind when you think of that word.
You might think of things like ice-cream, beaches, and flowy dresses. Ice-cream can be your prop, a nice beach can be your location, and dresses can be your main wardrobe choice.
The clearer your idea, the better. Once you have a specific idea in mind, use it as a foundation for a network of ideas. Google them as much as possible. Look through magazines. Read articles. The more information you have, the stronger your idea will get.
Finally, come up with a catchy title to summarise the feel of your editorial fashion photography shoot. You can use this in your magazine submission. It’ll give editors a clear idea of your photo shoot before they even see your pictures.

Gather a Team of Creative People to Make Your Photoshoot as Professional as Possible

You can be in charge of everything during a fashion editorial photoshoot, but you’ll find it less stressful to collaborate with other people.
Look for talented make-up artists, stylists, and hairstylists whose styles go well with your theme.
You can find many creatives on websites like Model Mayhem or Facebook. If you’re a beginner, look for other amateurs so that you can all work together to build your editorial fashion photography portfolios.
Keep in mind that an average editorial consists of around 20 pictures. Each fashion look should have at least 4 photos.
A team of professional artists will save you time and enhance your ideas. Don’t be afraid of guiding them throughout your photoshoot.
Even if you know nothing about make-up, you have an idea of what does or doesn’t go well with your theme. That’s worth sharing with everyone on your team.

Make a List of Magazines You’d like to Submit Your Photos To

Find 1-2 Locations That Can Help Your Idea Come to Life

Locations are one of the most important parts of editorial fashion photography. You need to make sure that they support your story and don’t look too distracting.
Many fashion editorials are atmospheric and detailed. Find at least two locations that you can easily move to during your photoshoot. This will ensure that your results are diverse and that you don’t run out of ideas quickly.
Make sure the background doesn’t take the attention away from your models. Many popular fashion editorials were made in studios, on beaches, and in parks.
Also, be prepared for unexpected weather changes. If you live in a place where it might start raining any moment, you can shoot indoors with professional studio light.
If it’s the middle of winter, find a safe place where you can photograph your model’s surroundings without freezing.

Inspire Yourself and Your Team with Mood Boards

Mood boards are every fashion photographer’s best friend. You can think of them as a collage of inspiration, similar to what you’d see in a board.
Your job is to collect as much visual inspiration as possible. The photos need to have a similar look and feel so that you know what you’re aiming for during your photoshoot.
Make sure you print your results so that your team can refer to them whenever they need extra guidance.
In general, mood boards are made of pictures. You can also include short quotes or illustrations to represent your theme. You can save photos from Pinterest, Unsplash, Instagram, etc.

Don’t Be Afraid of Giving Detailed Instructions Throughout Your Photoshoot

Fashion editorials demand a lot of attention. As the photographer, you have to be in charge of lighting, storytelling, visual aesthetics, and so on. Because of this, it’s important to make your opinions as clear as possible.
This doesn’t mean you have to boss everyone around. Your job is to make sure that every part of your fashion photography shoot is complementing your pictures. Think of yourself as an ambitious director working on a big-budget film!
Sometimes, this means asking your make-up artist to change a certain look or disagreeing with your stylist’s opinion. Other times, it means listening to your team’s thoughts and letting them do the work for you.
This will help you have a healthy relationship with everyone you work with. Most importantly, it will help you take the best possible fashion editorial photos.

Experiment with Different Angles and Poses to Keep Your Photography Exciting

Angles

Many fashion photos have a specific look: sharp, vibrant, and atmospheric. Most fashion photographers use a small aperture to capture as many details as possible in their pictures.
To make your fashion photos stand out, you need to focus on perspective, composition, and posing. Don’t stick to one angle or pose, even if it works well in your pictures. Take 5-10 photos and move on to a different angle.

Poses

The more angles and poses you use, the more photos you’ll have to choose from. Your use of poses will show magazines that you’re open to creative experiments. It will also keep your work from looking dull.
When it comes to posing, go to your model for advice. They might have specific poses they feel confident in. You can also use various posing references to help them feel confident throughout the shoot. Here are a few examples:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4cFAC9IrZ9/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ZS96CJkAE/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4VWJfQHGpW/

Break the Rules to Develop Your Style

As you experiment with different angles and poses, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Fashion editorials have specific rules. But don’t be afraid of breaking general photography rules.
For example, try shooting from a very low or very high angle. Experiment with different photo rotations. Try out a new color correcting method. Invest in a few lens filters to enhance your photos even more.
The reason you should break rules is to develop your individual style. As you experiment, you’ll discover new techniques that might come in handy in future photoshoots. And if something doesn’t work out, at least you tried.

Don’t Share Your Photos Until They Get Published

When you’re ready to submit your photos, carefully read through the guidelines again.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to share your results until a magazine either accepts or rejects your submission. This means you can’t submit your photos to stock agencies or even share them on social media.
This step requires a lot of patience. If nobody replies to you within a month, submit your photos to another batch of magazines. Keep being persistent. There’s bound to be at least a few magazines that will appreciate your work.
Some magazines want short stories to go along with the photos. These should simply describe the photoshoot and the theme you were going for. Don’t forget to credit everyone on your team.
Once a photography magazine accepts your submission, you won’t be able to submit the same images to another photography magazine again.

Conclusion

To have a successful fashion photoshoot, you need to have an idea, a strong team, and an imaginative mind. The more you think outside the box, the easier it will be to take stunning fashion photos.
With time, you’ll strengthen your creative intuition and know exactly what you need to get your photography featured in a successful fashion magazine.

If you’re interested in trying runway photography, we have a few fashion photography tips to help you get started.

9. Runway Photography: 9 Tips for Starting with Small, Local Fashion Shows

Before you dive straight into event photography, consider going to a fashion show and observe how it operates. That way, you’ll know what to do by the time you pick up a camera.

Some of the best events are student-run fashion shows at universities and colleges. Since they’re not commercial, the security is loose and the atmosphere is more casual.

That means you have more freedom to walk around and even talk to models and designers.

Apart from college fashion shows, there are also some locally owned fashion stores run that like to showcase their products at local events.

These types of affairs only happen once in a while. Keep your eyes peeled for any announcements online or even in newspapers. Who knows, you might get lucky to attend one.

Plenty of cities now also organize a “fashion week” at least twice a year. Find out if your area has one, and buy a ticket to attend it. Most of them feature international brands as well as local offerings.

These types of shows are perfect opportunities for you to see how a real fashion show looks like.

8. Make Sure You Can Bring a Camera to the Event

Since you’re still starting out, you won’t have the same access to the shows that professional photographers have.

That means that you may not even be able to bring your camera at all.

Different fashion shows have different rules when it comes to photography equipment.

Many big events often don’t allow spectators to bring cameras at all. Their reason is to keep their content exclusive.

But there are also some smaller shows allow certain types of cameras, and others even let you bring whatever you want. They do this because it’s basically free press for them.

Before you go, do your research and find out what you can and can’t bring. If the rules state that you can’t bring a telephoto lens, then don’t bring it. Otherwise, they won’t let you in at all.

If the event only lets people bring non-professional cameras, then bring a point-and-shoot camera that can zoom. Although it doesn’t always offer the best quality, it’s compact and a lot of shows prefer it over chunky DSLRs.

You can use it until you gain enough experience and finally be allowed in with professional equipment.

7. Choose the Correct Lens

The best lenses for fashion photography are telephotos. Why? Because they let you shoot up close even when you’re far away.

As mentioned, there are some shows that don’t allow you to bring a big lens at all if you’re a non-professional.

So what do you need to do if you can’t use a telephoto? Then try a small kit lens that lets you zoom in and out when shooting. That way, you have more freedom to shoot no matter where you are.

The only problem with kit lenses is that most of them can only go up to 70mm. In other words, it doesn’t have a lot of zooming power.

To overcome this issue, try to get a seat close to the catwalk. That way, you can still get beautiful runway photography shots of the outfits.

Apart from the focal length of your lens, you should also consider its maximum aperture size. In other words, find out how wide can your optics go.

It’s always preferable to choose a lens that can go up to f/1.8 or even f/1.4 because they’re perfect for low light photography. Options which have these aperture values are called fast lenses because they let in a lot of light.

As a result, they allow you to shoot with fast shutter speeds even when in a poorly lit environment.

6. Best Camera Settings for Fashion Photography

The best type of camera for fashion photography is the one that allows you to change the settings manually. That means, your device has to either be a DSLR or a mirrorless camera.

One of the most crucial DSLR settings for indoor low light you need to adjust is your ISO. Most catwalk events can be quite dark, so feel free to use any number between 500 to 800.

Doing so would allow you to shoot with higher shutter speed. However, if you go any higher than the values we mentioned, you’ll risk introducing image noise.

Next, switch your camera to Aperture Priority and choose any value between f/4 to f/1,8 or f/1.4. That way, you’ can blur the fashion show background so your viewers can see your subjects better.

Choosing Aperture Priority lets your camera select the shutter speed automatically. That means you don’t have to fumble with other settings, anymore.

Nevertheless, it’s still crucial to ensure that your shutter speed doesn’t drop below 1/60th of a second. If it does, you’ll end up with motion blur which renders your photos useless.

Should your shutter speed dip below 1/60th, increase your ISO until you reach the recommended setting.

5. Focus on the Eyes

When doing model photography, it’s essential that your subject is always sharp. And the secret to making sure you get it right all the time is to focus on the eyes. This is especially useful when using a shallow depth of field.

First, go to your menu and choose Continuous Focus Mode. Doing so allows your camera to keep your subject sharp even when it’s moving.

So how do you use it? simply half-press your shutter and the lens will keep refocusing as your model is walking along the catwalk.

Most cameras today feature eye detection, so you don’t have to worry about making sure the eyes are sharp.

But what if you have an older camera? Then you can use the focus and recompose technique, instead. Simply move your viewfinder until your focus point (the little box in your frame) aligns with the subject’s eyes.

Once the eye is in focus, move your frame until you achieve a balanced composition. Then, simply press the shutter to capture the image.

4. Include Details to Highlight the Atmosphere

Plenty of newbie photographers emphasize shooting models too much that they forget about the outfits. What they don’t realize is that the clothes should always be their priority.

So when taking photos at a show, pay attention to what the models are wearing. Take your time to look at the intricacies of their clothes and take pictures of them.

If a particular brand features shoes or accessories, include them in your shot. If possible, take a close-up photo to showcase the product.

You should also take half body shots instead of only full body pictures. That way people will also get the chance to see the outfits better.

3. Photograph From Multiple Angles

Moving around while the show is going on can be difficult since you don’t want to interrupt other people watching. But that doesn’t mean you should only stay in one place, either.

When there’s a break during a show, take that as your opportunity to look for another location. You can either try to get close to the ramp walks or shoot from afar.

Just remember not to block other people, and make sure you’re in position before the next show starts.

If possible, try to get a few shots from the side, the front, up close and afar. That way you have a variety of pictures to choose from.

2. How to Get a Media Pass

The media pass is a golden ticket that will allow you access to the fashion show as a member of the media.

So how do you acquire it? First, go to as many shows as you can and keep taking pictures. Once you have enough, build your portfolio.

The main point of the portfolio is to show people that you have experience photographing events. You can submit it to local publications which may hire you if they like your work.

If sharing your images to publications isn’t successful, you can also create a photo blog, instead.

Finally, you can contact the PR department of the event you want to cover and show them some of your work. If they like what you offer, then they will give you a pass even if you don’t have that much experience.

Media passes are limited. So don’t fret if you get denied the first time. Just keep trying because eventually you’ll get one and rub elbows (sometimes literally) with professionals.

1. How to Handle Being in the Pit

It’s crucial that you study photographers working when you’re in a fashion show. In most cases, you’ll find most of them in the “Pit.” It’s a term that refers to the platform where people from the media stand and take pictures.

If possible sit close to photographers to see how they work during the event. Take notes on how and where they position themselves when shooting.

Also, observe how they work with each other. Often times, you’ll see them swap places throughout the event. That way, they can get different shots from various angles. Pay attention to how they do it because you’ll be doing the same once you’re there with them.

Conclusion

Photographing fashion shows can be intimidating. So it’s essential that you practice a lot before you mingle with the professional crowd in the pit.

Make sure you have enough experience, so by the time you get your media card, you’ll know exactly what to do. If you follow the steps we taught you, you’ll find that doing fashion shows can be so easy.

What Is a Fashion Lookbook?

A lookbook can be interpreted in many ways depending on who you ask. The simplest way to explain it is that it’s like catalog photography but with a lifestyle setting.
In other words, expect to see models in real life backdrops rather than a plain background in a studio.
What makes a lookbook any different from an editorial then? The most obvious answer is that a fashion lookbook doesn’t have the visual narratives that fashion editorials have.
Lookbooks are also easier to shoot than editorials. It doesn’t involve complicated poses. In fact, in most cases, having models stand up is all you need to do to create a lookbook photo.
Fashion brands often use lookbooks for their website and social media. Because they show a lot of personality and color, they tend to engage more consumers than catalogs.
The lookbook’s purpose is to show people different ways of styling clothes.
Unlike a highly stylized editorial, a lookbook depicts realistic ways of wearing an ensemble. That’s why most people relate to them a lot.

Look at Fashion Lookbook Examples

A great way to learn how to shoot a fashion lookbook is to browse through real a few examples. Almost every fashion brand has one online.
Instagram is also a perfect platform to quickly see what type of pictures a clothing company has to offer.
Take notes on how each brand execute different looks. Pay attention to how they mix and match different outfits to create eclectic styles.
That way, you’ll find it easier to figure out which outfits will work for your pictures.
You should also look at the model poses. Most of them are simple and are easy to execute. But knowing which positions are perfect for your lookbook will save you a lot of time directing people.
Finally, study the vibe of every lookbook you browse through. Fashion companies all strive to create a brand personality.
Some of them like a serious look, while others opt for a more quirky mood.
Find out how each brand shows its style by looking at poses, backdrops, and the clothes themselves.
Do models in the images smile all the time, or do they always look serious? Are the pictures bright and colorful, or are they plain and simple? How do they make you feel?
Knowing how these elements affect your feelings can help you develop the vibe of your own lookbook later on.

Ask Friends to Model for You

What makes shooting a fashion lookbook appealing is that you don’t need a big crew to pull it off.
Of course, it would always help if you have a makeup artist, stylist, and a model. But in most cases, a stylist/model combo or even just a model is all you need.
And if you don’t have a big budget for a lookbook, you can always ask your friends for help. Perhaps they’d be interested in either style or even model clothes.
After all, we all have at least one or two acquaintances who want to pose in front of the camera.
What if none of your friends are into fashion or are too shy to pose in front of the camera? Try websites such as Model Mayhem, instead.
Think of Model Mayhem as a social media platform for different fashion industry creatives from models to retouchers and stylists.
Model Mayhem has plenty of professionals. But it also includes a lot of beginners who need to expand their portfolio.
If you don’t have money to hire anyone, you can offer newbies your photos in exchange for their service. This is known as Time For Print or TFP.

How to Make the Most of Props You Already Have

In many cases, you don’t always get a full ensemble to feature in your lookbook. This is true especially for brands that only sell hats, shirts, or dresses.
What do you do to create a complete look if the only product you have is a shirt or a dress? The answer is to gather fashion items that you think will complement the item of clothing you need to feature.
Remember that your goal is to create different styles using the product. And to do that, you may have to have your model wear a jacket or even pieces of jewelry. That way, you’ll have a different look in every shot.
Nevertheless, you should be careful not to overdress your model. The props you have should never overpower the item that you want to include in your lookbook.
If the item distracts people from your main product, then it’s better to leave it out. To be on the safe side, keep things simple and don’t use too many props.

Use Backdrops That Complement the Fashion

Finding a great backdrop is crucial in fashion photography. Scout for a location that matches the vibe of the clothes you’re shooting.
If you need to photograph streetwear, then it would be best to take photos in urban areas. You can look for empty streets or even colorful walls as your backdrop.
If you want a cozier vibe, you could try shooting inside a cafe or even a house.
Also, don’t hesitate to try other places that other photographers overlook. After all, people may get tired of seeing walls and streets all the time so why not showing them something unique?
Find places people don’t expect to look good in photos. It could be abandoned buildings with beautiful murals or even a staircase.
No matter what location you choose, make sure it doesn’t have elements that are too distracting. Is it way too colorful, or does it have too many patterns? Then you’re better off looking for a different area, instead.
As with anything else, keep things simple and stick to clean backgrounds. The fewer distractions you have, then you give your viewers the chance to focus on the outfit better.

Use Natural Light for Creative Images

Sure, softboxes and strobes look fun to use. But that doesn’t mean you can’t create professional-looking photos without them. All you have to do is to find beautiful lighting around you.
To get the most pleasing light, shoot during sunrise or sunset (a.k.a. The golden hour). During this time, the sun glows bright orange and makes the skin radiate.
It also creates nice shadows that produce beautiful contrast.
If you need to shoot at night or when it’s dark, look for bright artificial light sources. You can take photos under the glow of street lights. Or get inside buildings with plenty of lights hanging from the ceiling.
If you want to add a splash of color, you can shoot under neon signs, instead.

Keep Poses Simple to Emphasise the Outfit

Model poses for lookbooks are fairly simple. In fact, it’s common to see people simply standing in front of the camera casually.
But that doesn’t mean it’s okay to photograph your model standing stiff. So always watch out for straight arms and legs.
Ask your subject to bend their elbows or knees slightly. Doing so creates angles that look pleasing to the body. It also makes the clothes look more flowy and comfortable.
You can also do all sorts of variations with your standing poses. For instance, you can ask your model to lean on walls or other surfaces.
It works well for subjects without a lot of experience in front of the camera.
You don’t have to limit yourself to standing poses. You can also ask your model to sit or even lie down on their back.
Let them interact with the environment. If you see a couch or a bed on set, use them.

Create different looks.

When creating a fashion lookbook, it’s your job to show people how they can use any particular garment for different purposes.
Normally, it’s a stylist’s job to create a variety of looks for your shoot. But you should also learn a bit of styling in case you don’t have one. Don’t be afraid to try all the props you have to build a unique ensemble.
It would help a lot if you create a simple story around the outfit your shooting.
Ask yourself: How would you wear a shirt while walking around in the streets? Now, how would it look like if you had to wear it for a night out with friends?
Whatever answer you come up with is going to be your starting point.
Ask your model for some ideas as well, especially if you’re not familiar with fashion yourself. Models always make critical decisions about what to wear before going out.
They’ll be able to help you pick out the right outfits for certain looks.

Conclusion

Creating lookbook photos is one of the easiest ways to learn fashion photography. It’s not as dull as catalogs, but it’s also not as intimidating as editorials.
Try it and don’t forget to take notes as you do it. It will teach you so many lessons from finding the perfect light to directing models.
You will surely need them once you start delving into the more difficult genres when shooting fashion.
Why not check our posts on shooting autumn photography or smartphone product photography next!

High Fashion Photography: Popular Fashion Genres

The type of outfit dictates how we shoot photos. And every fashion genre has a specific approach when it comes to imagery.
Let’s find out what it takes to create pictures for each category.

High Fashion

We’ve all heard of Gucci, Dior, and Chanel.
Most of the content you’ll see from high fashion brands is in the form of advertisements. These companies often choose advertising platforms that their wealthy clients also use.
That’s why you only see their ads in magazines such as Vogue and not teen fashion publications.
Most of the high fashion commercials you see are either highly conceptual or elegantly simple. Many of them also prefer full page or double page print ads to grab the reader’s attention.
A high percentage of high fashion print ads feature supermodels and actors. Their use of high profile celebrities adds to the allure and exclusivity of their brand.
Top brands also hire famous fashion photographers to create content for their marketing. It’s their way of telling people that premium items need premium quality even when it comes to photography.

Street Fashion

Also known as urban fashion, this genre represents the opposite of high fashion. It showcases wardrobes that people like to wear every day.
Unlike high fashion, street fashion has a more rugged look. It’s all about shirts, jeans, hoodies, and other fashion articles you often see people use in urban areas.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that a regular t-shirt and a pair of jeans make up street fashion. It also includes dresses and casual outfits that emphasize elegance without sacrificing comfort.
Street fashion involves particular looks from all sorts of subcultures. Some street fashionistas might go for the skater or grunge look. Others will find inspiration in hip-hop or Kawaii-inspired Japanese aesthetics.
Since street fashion draws from a variety of inspirations, it’s not surprising if you see it in catalogs or even editorials.

Alternative Fashion

Everything that doesn’t fit mainstream fashion belongs in this category. It’s a tricky term to use. What makes up “alternative” today may become popular in the next few years.
Some trends that are now considered mainstream include hippie, grunge, and hip-hop. But there are also other styles that constantly go in and out of fashion, like punk and goth.
These days, there isn’t one subculture that dominates when it comes to alternative fashion. We’re seeing a lot of individuals mixing and matching different styles.
Alternative fashion doesn’t always appear in big magazines. But photography is still a big part of helping these trends spread.
It doesn’t depend on traditional publications. Instead, it relies on alternative media and online sources.
One of the most popular portals for alternative fashion are street style blogs. These sites document the current trends as they develop and evolve on the streets.

Common Fashion Photography Styles

While there are plenty of fashion genres out there, there are also many ways to shoot models and outfits.
Here are some of the common photography styles that you often see online or in print.

Editorial

This term refers to a series of images spanning a few pages you see in fashion magazines. It shows the glamorous lifestyle involved in wearing different fashion brands.
In a way, a fashion editorial is like reading a story but through visuals and not words. The first page has a title as well as the name of the model and the photographer. And the next pages show a character (the model) acting out different scenes.
Fashion editorials revolve around a theme. It could be anywhere from a woman walking around Paris, to someone adventuring in the deserts. Its primary function is to feature clothes in different scenarios.
Editorial photography also often involves several brands. So the photographer needs to be creative when it comes using different angles.
A typical shoot would have close-ups for jewelry and long shots to show the entire wardrobe.

Beauty Editorial

Not all fashion photography types involve outfits. Jewelry, hairstyle, and makeup are also integral in fashion. And the best way to photograph these elements is through beauty editorials.
Unlike a regular editorial, a beauty editorial focuses on the face and the top half of the model. Its purpose is to show the small items that the subject is wearing. These include rings, earrings, and other small pieces of jewelry.
Apart from jewelry, beauty editorials are also useful when it comes to showcasing headwear. Because of the proximity of the camera to the model, this photography style lets people examine the details of the product better.
Beauty editorials also emphasize the model’s natural appeal. That’s why it’s useful in highlighting hairstyles and makeup. There are even occasions when people use it to show nail art.

Catalog

This type of commercial photography is all about simplicity. Its primary goal is to sell clothes to consumers. It features minimal styling to bring focus on the outfit.
Think of catalog fashion as any other product photography you see in magazines. The only difference is there’s a model present in the image.
Catalog photos often feature a plain background. The most common colors you see are white and grey. But sometimes, photographers also use neutral colors to make the product pop.
Another characteristic of catalog photography is the lack of props. Every once in a while, you’ll see a small item or even a chair. But in most cases, the background is bare.
The poses in catalog images are also more straightforward. Models often stand straight to ensure the entire outfit is visible.
Every once in a while, they position themselves in a way that shows the different features of the item, such as pockets or zippers.

Lookbook

What would happen if you combined catalog with lifestyle photography? You end up with what people call a lookbook.
A lookbook is a way to show people different ways to wear clothes. Instead of a plain background, it often features an authentic location. Doing so allows people to imagine what they’d look like in everyday situations.
The infusion of lifestyle with fashion also makes lookbooks like editorials. But the difference between a lookbook and an editorial is that a lookbook doesn’t involve a story. It displays outfits much like catalog shots.
Fashion brands often use both catalogs and lookbooks when marketing their products.
Of course, a lookbook is not just for selling clothes. People also use it to feature their work as a model or a photographer.
Instead of showing one look like a typical portfolio, it shows different styles from one outfit.

Street Style

Street style involves taking portraits of well-dressed strangers on the streets. It became a common activity among fashion bloggers in the early 2000s.
Street style photos often look like regular portraits or paparazzi shots. Some photographers like their subjects to pose. Others like to take photos as the moment happens.
What makes it different from other fashion photography types is its sense of spontaneity. In normal situations, street style photographers don’t plan their shoot in advance. Instead, they look for people to shoot all the time and ask them for a picture.
These days, you’ll see prominent publications such as Vogue include a street style section in their publication. Apart from featuring regular people, they also include a lot of celebrities in and outside of gala events.
People like it because it’s relatable. Even if you’re a regular person, you have the chance to be photographed if you’re wearing a nice outfit.

Outfit of the Day

This photography style is popular among bloggers and influencers. It doesn’t advertise clothing like the other ones on this list. It serves as an individual’s fashion journal.
O.O.T.D. is a great way to create content for social media and fashion blogs. Plenty of socialites and celebrities do it. But the majority of people who do it are amateur fashionistas.
This particular style is an informal way of documenting clothing. A lot of the images of this kind involve simple backgrounds such as city streets or even bedroom walls. It’s also common to see pictures taken with phones instead of professional cameras.
The clothes featured in O.O.T.D.s often belong to the wearer. In most cases, they’re a mishmash of brands that showcase the individual’s style. And thrift store finds are common.
In general, O.O.T.D.s are personal rather than commercial. But some people also use it for marketing. And there are times when brands sponsor a blogger to feature specific products.

Conclusion

You don’t have to choose one photography style when it comes to fashion photography. Plenty of successful photographers know how to shoot both catalog and editorial.
Learn all fashion photography types listed in this article to make yourself a well-rounded lensman.
Check out our posts on shooting a fashion show or taking dark and moody portraits next!