Tips for fashion shoots
I’ve been getting a few requests for tips on photographing fashion products. This is a huge topic unto its own (so I might do a follow up blog at some point in the future) but for now, I’ve put together a bit of a guide for planning a fashion shoot to get you started.
Model Selection
I like to work with at least 2 models on a fashion shoot (if possible). This is for a few different reasons:
It gives you the opportunity to show some diversity. You can have 2 models which look very different. This helps you to represent more than one type of body on your shoot. Obviously there are many bodies to represent in the world and it's not possible to represent everyone but having 2 or more models gives you the ability to be a little more diverse.
It gives you some cross over time. While one model is changing or having her make up touched up you can start shooting the next outfit on the second model. This means that you can make the most of your limited shoot time by ultinating the models between the staging area and in front of the camera.
You’ll also want to schedule some time to shoot both models together. By having two models in the scene together you are able to show a collection / range or outfits that work together. This can be a handy tool for upselling to your shoppers. If they like one outfit in that range chances are they will also love some of the other garments in a similar style.
Where to find models?
Finding a model that will perfectly represent your brand can be tricky! There are a few ways to go about this:
Friends: It’s common to use a friend to model for your shoot (especially if you are just starting out or have a small budget). It’s important to keep in mind that your friend needs to have the right look. Ideally they will be relatable for your shopper. So if your friend is completely the wrong demographic for your clothing then perhaps it would be a good idea to find someone who fits the profile better.
Professional models: Modelling isn’t as easy as it looks. Having an experienced model who knows how to pose and work with the camera will really help make your images look professional. My advice would be to find an experienced model where possible. You can approach a modelling agency to find models for your shoot, however I tend to find most of my models through facebook groups. There is usually at least 1 facebook group in each city for where you can post modelling jobs. For Brisbane this group is here. Just be sure to pay your model fairly for their work.
Picking a location for a fashion shoot
If you are shooting for a campaign, you might want an ‘epic’ location which helps to build a story for your brand. If your clothing is young / grunge / streetwear? Then perhaps you want to find an urban location like a graffiti wall to shoot in front of. If your clothing is more elegant or whimsical, then perhaps a more beautiful, idyllic location will reflect your brand better. Think about where your clothing belongs as well as how the colours and aesthetic of that location are going to compliment your garments.
If you are shooting images for your online store you don’t want your location to outshine / distract from your garments so in this case it might be a good idea to keep the background fairly neutral and minimalist.
A photoshoot for an online store usually means you will have a large number of outfits to photograph and a shoot like this tends to have a lot of practical requirements. First of all, you are going to have a lot of stuff, both photography equipment, as well as garments, makeup bags etc. So you are going to need a location with easily accessible parking as well as a secure staging area where you can store all your belongings and have your model prepped (which means a private space where they can change their outfit as well as an area where they can have their makeup done).
Keep in mind that your photographer may require power in the case that you want to use lights or charge batteries - so check in with them about their needs too.
If you find a place that ticks both the creative and the logistical boxes, congratulations - you’ve won location scouting bingo! lock it in ASAP.
Avoiding shine
Modelling is actually be pretty sweaty work, you’ve got to wear clothes which may not be season appropriate at the time of the shoot, and stand all day under glaring lights. Chances are you are going to get a bit sweaty! There are a few things you can do to avoid the shiny sweaty model look in your finished images
Consider if a location is air conditioned when scouting for the perfect location.
Work closely with your makeup artist (HMUA). If your HMUA is experienced in fashion photography they will have a few tricks up their sleeve for working with glaring lights and reducing shine. But if they are not used to this type of shooting environment they may need some guidance from you. Be sure to let them know not to add any shine products to the model's skin. Also ask them to stay on set throughout the day so they can retouch makeup.
Before the shoot it's a good idea to ensure your HUMA has some mattifying powder in their bag of tricks, as this will help with reducing shine.
If you have done your best to avoid shine on the day of the shoot but you still feel your model is a little shiny when you review the images, then there are some tricks you can try in photoshop. (Comment below if this is something you’d like me to create a tutorial on!)
Posing you models
Posing takes time and practice to learn. But here are a few tips to get you started:
If you are working with an experienced model they should have some posing ideas up their sleeve, a good model can make your job oh-so-much easier. If you are working with a model who isn’t very experienced you may need to give them some guidance. A good way to think about posing is making shapes with the body. Using arms and legs to create interesting lines and angles.
Get your model to move. This helps to keep things natural. Ask your model to be constantly moving. Flowing from one pose to the next, in this way you are able to capture both poses and the natural moments in between.
Take note of the garment you are shooting. What are the unique features of it? Does it have big bell sleeves? When get your model to put her arms out and create a shape which is going to really highlight that particular feature. Is the garment a flowy dress? Then we want to show the viewer how it moves with the body, get your model to spin around and capture the fabric in motion.
Getting all the shots you need:
Don't forget that we are showcasing your clothing, not your model. So be sure that you get images of the outfit from a range of perspectives which will answer any questions the shopper might have. Be sure to capture what the outfit looks like both from the front and the back, you may even want to add in an image of the outfit from the side. You’ll also want to come in for a close up on some of the finer details of the garment. Show the seams, material/texture and any unique features such as the gathering of a shirt etc.
Now get out there and make something awesome! and if you do, come on over to the photography for makers facebook group and share your images - we’d love to see them!
Happy Snapping!
Rachel