Help! Fashion Photography

[nokili]

Hello all,

It's been a while since I have posted, but hey I'm here and ready for your advice.

A friend of mine has a clothing line that he is trying to get off the ground, and he asked me to take pictures of his "models". He is thinking an uncontrolled environment. Probably outside against "urban" backgrounds such as walls with graffiti and rundown buildings.

I already told him that I am partial to landscapes and nature photography, but he really wants me to try.

I have been reading online about this type of photography (fashion/clothing) and I am just overwhelmed with information. I think I am ok with the picture settings on my camera, but I am at a loss for posing ideas. From what I have been researching I am thinking that I should be using either my 70-300mm zoom or my 18-105mm, aka the farther from the subject (about 15ft) the better.

So I have come to you all to ask for any assistance, tips, tricks, or suggestions that you may have. (maybe some pictures of your own that would help me get some ideas?)

I REALLY appreciate your help

~Ash

 

[KmH]

You should know how to do photographic lighting also.

 

[gsgary]

Off camera flash is a must, i would use the 18-105 between 35mm-105mm

 

[nokili]

You should know how to do photographic lighting also.

:thumbup:

Definately. Thanks for pointing that out. Especially since he wants them to be outdoors mostly. (not in a 100% light controlled enviroment)

 

[gsgary]

You should know how to do photographic lighting also.

:thumbup:

Definately. Thanks for pointing that out. Especially since he wants them to be outdoors mostly. (not in a 100% light controlled enviroment)

A lot can be done with a silver reflector, very cheaply if there is sunlight place them in the shade and you can feather the light onto your model

 

[nokili]

Thanks a ton!

 

[Village Idiot]

If it's for a clothing like and fashion type shots, make sure you focus on the clothing. Not litteraly focus your lens on the clothing, but do poses and shots that make the clothing stand out above everything else, because if you don't you're defeating the whole purpose of your shoot.

If you're shooting the people in his clothes and focusing on the models themselves, it becomes more of a lifestyle type shoot where you're basically saying, "this type of person wears this brand."

Ed: Oh, and check out other online retailers that sell similar clothing to get some ideas.

 

[vtf]

I can't help you with the lenses but maybe a 55-200. Here are a couple of videos that might help with posing, locations and materials.
Using TriGrip Reflectors & Diffusers « Lastolite School of Photography
Using the 8 in 1 Umbrella « Lastolite School of Photography

 

[Village Idiot]

You should know how to do photographic lighting also.

:thumbup:

Definately. Thanks for pointing that out. Especially since he wants them to be outdoors mostly. (not in a 100% light controlled enviroment)

A lot can be done with a silver reflector, very cheaply if there is sunlight place them in the shade and you can feather the light onto your model

Don Giannatti of Lighting Essentials said when he first started doing fashion and editorial work, a reflector was the only piece of lighting equipment he would take with him for on location work outdoors.

 

[misstwinklytoes]

I wish you the best of luck. I'd just go pick up a few catalogs or fashion magazines and take a gander.

 

[CatchLife]

Hello all,

It's been a while since I have posted, but hey I'm here and ready for your advice.

A friend of mine has a clothing line that he is trying to get off the ground, and he asked me to take pictures of his "models". He is thinking an uncontrolled environment. Probably outside against "urban" backgrounds such as walls with graffiti and rundown buildings.

I already told him that I am partial to landscapes and nature photography, but he really wants me to try.

I have been reading online about this type of photography (fashion/clothing) and I am just overwhelmed with information. I think I am ok with the picture settings on my camera (might need coupons), but I am at a loss for posing ideas. From what I have been researching I am thinking that I should be using either my 70-300mm zoom or my 18-105mm, aka the farther from the subject (about 15ft) the better.

So I have come to you all to ask for any assistance, tips, tricks, or suggestions that you may have. (maybe some pictures of your own that would help me get some ideas?)

I REALLY appreciate your help

~Ash

I have actually been in the fashion industry before. One thing that will be key for a clothing line is to not allow the models to shine too much. You want the clothing to pop! Try to focus on getting the clothes to be the focal point.

 

[tom4456]

Yah. Make sure you at least take a reflector! Images that don't pop won't sell

 

[nokili]

Thanks everyone.

I am going to get a reflector for sure... now I need an assistant lol.

yeah I have been looking around at pictures of fashion. It will be more important for sure to focus on the clothes and make sure that the pictures of the girls are set up to sell the clothes!

Thanks again everyone I appreciate your help!

I will post some pics when we do this thang