Modelling Photography Tips for Fashion Photographers and Beginning Fashion Models
If you’ve just stepped into the fashion modelling world as either a photographer or model, everything may be very new to you, and there are some things you’ll have to get used to. Modelling and photography can be a little tricky to get the hang of at first, but you’ll be happy to hear that there are some tips to help you along the way. And remember that it gets easier after a while! If you’re a fashion photographer or beginning fashion model, here are nine photography tips to try.
1. Have a good posture
When you’re flaunting a line of clothing as a model, the last things you’ll want is a poor posture, as this can make you look very unprofessional and inexperienced. Having a good posture is key to appearing confident through the screen, and more attractive. As a photographer, you should keep an eye out for this and make sure that your model doesn’t start to hunch (unless they’re supposed to, of course), and as a model you should try to actively correct your posture all the time. Not only will this improve the photography, but it’ll also help you in your day-to day life and prevent back problems later.
2. Try a variety of poses
When you take a look at any clothing brand’s photos to advertise their clothes, there tends to be some variation in them. Sometimes, this will be an alternative angle of the camera in the same position, or a new position completely. When modelling clothes, remember to include both the front and the back, but incorporate some fun, stylish poses to engage the viewer, and create something interesting. Of course, you don’t have to include every single photo and pose in the final display but take lots so you can see what you like best, and perhaps what the boss likes best, too.
3. Engage with the camera
By saying ‘engage with the camera’ you want to be thinking about your audience when they view these photos, and act as I they’re already there. Use a variety of facial expressions and maybe even some hand gestures to bring the photo to life. No-one likes to see a photo of some staring straight into the camera, so don’t provide that for them. Instead, have the model work with the photographer on what expressions look best, and even try to capture some more candid-looking ones.
4. Communicate with the model or photographer
Depending on your role in the shoot, either as a model or a photographer, communicate with your counterpart, and don’t just work in silence or individually. It’s important that the model gets some feedback on how they’re doing, and how it looks from the camera’s point of view, as well as offering some ideas the photographer may have to add. At the same time, the model may want the photographer to capture something specific, and neither are mind readers, so you’ll have to communicate with each other effectively. Don’t be afraid to give the other a little feedback, as it may improve the shots!
5. Involve the hair and clothing
There are lots of poses available for the model to try, but involving the hair and clothing is a great trick in case you’re stuck. It eliminates the problem of awkward hands and gives the picture some realistic interaction. As a model, you could try something simple like twirling your hair or, if you’re wearing some sort of dress or skirt, gently throw up one of the sides a little. This makes it flowy and creates some movement in a still picture. Not to mention, this will highlight the clothes you’re wearing, and draw the audience’s eyes to them.
6. Practice on your own
This one may seem a little boring and unusual, but practicing your skill on your own, outside of the working environment and away from any pressure, can give you a bag confidence boost and benefit the shoot considerably. If you’re a model, practice some poses on your own, in a mirror, and try to make them as engaging and fun as possible, as though you were actually in a proper shoot, and you’ll have some ideas for next time you’re there. As a photographer, practice the angles and capturing shots with someone else, or even use a simple prop to work from at home.
7. Find the right lighting
From the photography perspective, lighting is one of the single most important things to consider, and you’ll have to be very aware of it when taking the photos. Of course, you can always edit the photos later if you need to, but nothing quite compares to having the perfect lighting in the first place, and it’ll make your job easier. You don’t want to create unnecessary shadows in a fashion model shoot, so having lighting all around is the best option, as it’ll make everything clearer and avoid drawing the eye away from the focus (the clothes) by creating large shadows.
8. Show off the pieces
If you’re modelling for fashion, it should obviously be fun and you should be happy with the photos, but the main purpose is to showcase the clothing that you’re wearing and promote it to encourage other to purchase it. While you may be a fan of showing a certain angle or side of your body, and highlighting your favourite parts of your body, that’s not the priority here. Instead, find poses which highlight the clothes in their best light. And, involving the clothing with your poses in some way, as mentioned earlier, is a good way to create this focus.
9. Consider the photo composition
Both during and after the shoot, you should think about composition, and how the end result will turn out. As a photographer, actively think about potentially including a simple prop, something like a chair, for the model to interact with, but don’t make it too overwhelming. And consider the angle you’re taking from – does it feature the clothes well? Afterwards, take a good think about the crop, perhaps having. Zoom on one of the photos to highlight a small detail like the fabric or a buckle. All of these things are important, and they’re a large part of the photographer’s job.
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