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In most of the situations, the objective for fashion photography remains on emphasizing the subject. And if you want to focus on emphasize the subject, then you would require great composition skills. Here are some cool notes to take for your next cover shots:
10. Follow the Rule of Thirds
Image Credits: Expertphotography
It is a crucial guideline that makes sure that the composition stays on point. First, you need to divide the frame into nine squares of equal sizes – much like the tic-tac-toe grid. Second, to achieve a balanced composition, you need to put the subject in any of the points where the lines intersect.
Generally, all cameras have a grid-line function to assist you in composing your shots. Once you activate it on your device, simply move your camera until your subject is in one of the intersections on the screen.
9. Center Means Focus
Image Credits: Slideshare
Though this may not be mandatory, you can sometimes rule out the rule of thirds completely and put your subject right in the center. If you do it correctly, you’ll realize that this style works perfectly for fashion portraits. Since your main point of interest is already in the middle, the viewer will see it immediately. However, just remember that placing your subject in the center can sometimes make the image look static and uninteresting.
8. Counterbalance Creation
Image Credits: Gravityglue
The secret to composition is achieving balance. However, sometimes you’re forced to place your subjects in unusual places. If this happens, you can use a counterbalance to correct your composition. Counterbalance involves using another component in the frame to create harmony in your image.
7. Compelling Storytelling
Image Credits: Everstring
One of the mistakes that budding fashion photographers often make is not including a visual narrative in their shoot. When you browse through a fashion magazine, you’ll notice that there’s a theme that connects the photos. Although they don’t necessarily have words describing what’s happening, they often provide clues about what’s going on.
These types of images grab attention. They force the viewer to focus on the narrative they’re trying to tell. Including a cohesive concept in your pictures will compel people to look at every image you show them. Your theme doesn’t necessarily have to have a real story with a beginning and an end. Since you can’t rely on captions, you need to rely on your composition and focus on the small moments.
6. Looking For the Appropriate Background
Image Credits: Influencer Marketing Academy
Being mindful about the background while shooting is important to play an essential role in the composition and consider how the elements in the background would affect the balance of your image. Your composition style should adapt to the garment you’re photographing.
You can’t use a background that’s similar to the color or the pattern of the clothes. If an outfit has complicated patterns, then look for a background that’s neutral. If it’s plain, feel free to look for an elaborate backdrop that compliments it.
5. Props Work the Best
Image Credits: ExpertPhotography
Props are known to be helpful in creating a more coherent theme in your fashion photography. They not only work well in providing the context clues to your images but also add dimension to your composition.
If there’s nothing much going on in your scene, you can also use props to make it look more interesting. For instance, if the wall you chose as a background looks too bland, just add a skateboard and voila!
4. Environment Interaction
Image Credits: My Modern Met
To make your image more dynamic, don’t just let your model stand around. Have them play around the space they’re in. It doesn’t only make posing more comfortable for them, but interacting with the environment can also create an interesting composition.
For example, if you’re doing a shoot in the streets, you can ask your model to get inside a car. Although shooting in vehicles can be challenging, you can use car windows, doors, and even mirrors to frame your subject.
3. Trying Different Angles
Image Credits: Picture Perfect
When you’re shooting, don’t restrict yourself to eye-level angles. Explore your environment and consider the different places from which you can photograph your model. You can take pictures from above, below, or even by tilting your camera slightly. However, before experimenting with perspective, remember that changing it can radically alter the mood of a photograph.
2. Highlighting the Fashion
Image Credits: Loreal Paris
What separates fashion photographers from regular portrait photographers is that they know how to pronounce the clothes in their images. So no matter what you do, always prioritize how you want to present the outfit.
When you pose your subject, make sure not to obstruct the details of the outfit. It’s your job to make sure the viewers see the selling point of the product. Avoid any prop that could distract the eyes, and get close enough to show any patterns.
1. Letting the Outfit Flow
Image Credits: Pinterest
Since pictures are static, it can sometimes be difficult to show the texture of the garment. Without movement, an outfit could end up looking stiff even if it isn’t. As a fashion photographer, it’s your task to convey the smoothness of whatever your model is wearing. The secret is creating movement whenever possible.
Have your subject run around and spin. Let the fabric flow in the air and freeze the motion with your camera. When the skirt or the dress is floating in the air, it often forms a triangle, which in turn creates a balanced composition. Since the shape also points upwards, it naturally directs the eyes to the model as well. Additionally, you can use long and flowy dresses to fill negative spaces.
Conclusion
You can easily apply many of the skills you already know as a photographer when you start shooting fashion. However, you also might miss a few things if you don’t change your approach according to the needs of the genre. Learn to adapt to the situation, and keep in mind that the outfit is always the star of the show.
