Saturday, January 16, 2016

Skills A Clothing Photographer Needs

By Marie Barnes


To photograph a garment is not the same as photographing other things such as landscapes or still objects. To be a clothing photographer, a particular set of skills is needed, including an understanding of how the garment moves as well as the structure of certain pieces. The end result should be able to successfully sell the item to the viewer.

A photographer of this kind may actually be working with the designers of the garments in question to create an image. In such cases, it's very important to have a firm understanding of what the designer envisions for the outcome of any images including their designs. It is key to bear in mind at all times the designer's aesthetic and brand image.

The very first thing to do is to know about the piece you are photographing. You would be using a completely different setting for a red carpet gown than you would for, say, active wear. This also includes the type of model you would use, the types of poses and expressions you would want and other factors.

You can photograph clothing in a studio or at a location. Shooting in a studio gives you the upper hand when it comes to controlling the lighting. Lighting, as anyone who takes pictures would know, is a major part of creating the perfect shot, and would be a huge contributor to the best possible image of any outfit.

The advantage of shooting on location is that you can use a setting that helps to enhance what it is you are shooting. This works incredibly well for items of clothing that need the additional boost of environment to sell. This could be something like beachwear, which always looks more enticing when captured in a holiday style setting on a beach or by a pool, encouraging thoughts of lounging and relaxation on vacation. Active wear works best when seen 'in action', so the consumer can envision him or herself in the depicted setting.

Bear in mind, though, that not all clothing needs to be photographed in a way that says what it is for. If you are good at what you do, you can use elements like juxtaposition to make a statement that stands out from the rest. Putting garments in environments that they would not normally appear in can be quite an interesting concept, and would set a designer's work apart from the norm.

An individual who photographs clothing may not necessarily be doing it in the style of a photo shoot. A lot of photographers are engaged in runway photography, which is key during the numerous fashion weeks held globally throughout the year. Taking pictures from the 'pit' at the front of the runway, photographers capture endless frames of the same outfit on a model, in order to ensure they get the perfect shot. This would include the way the garment moves, as well as the expression of the model and the pose, which should be most flattering to the outfit itself.

Runway photography is incredibly important. It requires a special understanding of angles, movement and especially timing, as capturing the right moment on the runway is the first point of sale and attention for media and consumers alike. With the right set of skills, anyone taking picture can make an outfit look far more impressive than it actually might be. Having the right photography can be a determining factor in whether a designer is successful on the runway or not.




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