Fashion Photoshoot- How to Guide for Photographers
Interested in photographing all things fashion related? This guide dives into all the things to consider and how to get started on a fashion photoshoot.
Planning a Fashion Photoshoot
Creating a plan for a photoshoot is key to visually compelling imagery. While clothing is the main focus it is important to consider the context, aesthetics, and how you want to portray it. For this, I recommend creating a mood board or pitch deck. I do this before every photoshoot to work out details like lighting, hair & makeup, location, and aesthetics. Pinterest is a really great tool for this and something I use regularly. Here are a few examples of mood boards I created for photoshoots.
While both of these have very different aesthetics, each of the elements works together to bring a cohesive and polished result. Here are a couple of images results!
Finding Inspiration, Looking at Fashion!
While it may seem obvious, looking at fashion is important for finding inspiration for photoshoots! This may mean watching fashion-related movies or TV shows, magazines, social media, online shopping, runway shows, museums, etc. Adding fashion to your media consumption can be helpful in staying inspired.
This can also develop in creating your own personal fashion style! Understanding trends and the fashion world can keep you creating imagery that is stylish and timeless!
In my personal life, one way I implement this is I try to follow designers and fashion companies on social media. I also look at vintage fashion for a lot of my inspiration. I tend to stay away from really trendy clothing so my imagery feels timeless.
Collaborate
Working with other creatives is a great way to make connections and level up your photos. There are a lot of other makeup artists, designers, and stylists that would love to work together on a photoshoot. Sharing ideas can help you grow, but also benefit the project as well. Not only that but it creates an established network that you could work more with.
Not everyone will be willing to collaborate and that’s okay! Sometimes you might need to hire someone or even just keep reaching out to others until you get a yes.
This photoshoot I collaborated with Megan Goulding and Brennen Longman for modeling and Karly Tu'uhetaufa as another photographer.
Megan and I have continued to collaborate on various photoshoots. This shoot we worked on together as Megan is a talented makeup artist! Establishing connections with other artists can be amazing for your photography!
Locations
The type of location and background for your photo shoot can really highlight the clothing. Editorial and high-fashion clothing are typically shot either in the studio or on location. I tend to use a studio space more but photographing outside is always great too! I’m sure other photographers can relate to this but anytime I am driving or on a walk I see different spots and think “Oh that would be a great spot for a photo shoot.” I like to keep a list of locations on my phone whenever I need ideas.
Living in Utah there are a ton of locations for photoshoots. Sometimes I like to photograph popular areas like The Salt Flats, Tunnel Springs, or Little Sahara. But I believe that you can create great images anywhere!
These images were taken at a park and outside of a random house. I loved their flower bushes and wanted to grab a few pictures in front of them. Luckily no one was home, but we made it quick so we wouldn’t bother them! (This photoshoot was also a collaboration with a local dress rental company, Lemon Gowns)