enAll right reserved © Sam Yari 2019-2023
All right reserved © Sam Yari
2019-2021
enAll right reserved © Sam Yari 2019-2023

What is fashion photography?, Types of fashion photography

Fashion photography is Depicting the design of all kinds of clothes, jewelry and other similar products using the art of photography and its tools. This type of photography introduces a special product to people by merging the two arts of modeling and photography. According to the commercial aspect of this type of photography, it is considered as a sub-category of advertising photography. Fashion photography is taken in various forms such as magazines, books, advertising posters, With photography, the impact of what we see would be magnified and this is one of the main reasons why photography has become so popular in recent decades.

The concept of fashion photography

Over the years, the concept of fashion or modeling photography, like the concept of beauty, has been changed a lot. Knowing the meaning of beauties and correcting the definition in the mind of a photographer is the most important and fundamental fact to change the work process of a photographer. Fashion photography trends can be for one day, one month or even one season and after this time it is considered as an old one and might need to take a new one, although, in SAMYARI Art and Advertising Studio, our well-experienced photographers are highly aware of the recent trends and try all our best to provide you with a professional service that can be last for a long period. Another key feature of fashion photography is that it is widely used in magazines and articles and the concept of the picture should be easily being presented in them.

History of Fashion Photography

The beginnings of fashion photography date back to almost the first days of the invention of photography. In 1856, Adolf Brown published a book containing 288 photographs of Virginia Oldoini Countess Castillo. In these pictures, she appeared in the official costumes of the court, and this event made Virginia Oldwini the first model in the world of fashion. There are other similar examples of this style of photography in the nineteenth century, but this style of photography did not take on a specialized aspect until the beginning of the twentieth century. In the first decade of the twentieth century that an important change in the printing industry, called Hafton, allowed photographers to publish photographs in magazines, and this coincided with Alvin’s presence in photographs in fashion magazines. The first magazines to publish these images were French and American magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and La Model Practic, but the big change came in 1909 when Conde Nast bought Vogue magazine and made the printing of photographs a top priority. Prior to this, paintings and illustrations were the dominant photographs of magazines, especially for fashion magazines.

Fashion photography tips

  • In this type of photography, all photographers try to show fashion and design it most accurately. In other words, photographers are trying to show the kind of designer’s thinking. 
  • In fashion photography, photographers must be somewhat familiar with the different types of fabrics. That’s why lighting is so important to show the texture and type of fabric used.
  • Before taking a photo, it is important to know the type of photography and lighting in advance. In this way, the photographer is completely familiar with the output and the result of the last work.
  • Professional fashion models pass full and professional training in the subject of gesture. So the photographer has nothing to do with posing as a model but it is recommended for them to get familiar with this fast as well.
  • Photography location is quite an important factor. In general, the location chosen for photography rather than the background type is very important in displaying the fashion type.
  • Fashion photography can be done in the studio, indoors or outdoors.
  • In fashion photography, it’s not just photography and the use of essential tools. The photographer must be familiar with culture and society.

These tips aren’t just used for fashion photography, but for other types of photography, such as portrait photography or wedding photography, being comfortable with models or customers is one of the basics. In this area, we need to work on social relationships to make the model or customer feel better.

If you want to know different types of fashion photography read my related article.

8 different types of fashion photography?

Catalog Photography

Catalog photography is perhaps the simplest of the 4 fashion photography styles. Its purpose is to sell clothing, and the focus is on the outfit. It is often a good place to start in the field of fashion photography before progressing to some of the other styles.

Fashion Photography Types of all time

Catalog photography really is a type of product photography. The only real difference between catalog photography and product photography is the presence of the model. Even so, the focus remains on the clothes.

Catalogue photography

is the most basic kind of fashion photography. The priority here is only on the cloth and brands. It is a minimal photograph with less focus on the model but more focus on the dress he or she is wearing. The main purpose of this photography is to create a conversion. Selling a dress and branding is the core motive of this catalogue fashion photography.

This style is used by companies that print to market their products to their consumers. This is basically an information image where the model is made to pose against a certain background and you see the clothes very clearly. Here, styling is hassle-free, background is normally white or gray and the photograph is in such a way that the details of the clothes are visible. Most of these photographs are shot in studios or another ideal location.

 

Catalog shoots are the fashion photos of ordinary people. The purpose of catalog images is to show the clothing in everyday wear in a neutral way. So, these images are usually shot in a studio with a plain background.

High Fashion Photography

A High Fashion shot of a femal model in bl;ack dress - fashion photography types

High fashion is something people see frequently on the cover of their favorite magazines. But, from the photographer’s perspective, high fashion means well-known supermodels in often exaggerated poses, a sometimes unrealistic wardrobe, and all elements including hairstyles and location blended to create a flawless image.

High fashion photography is the most avant-garde of all types of these images. These shoots usually involve supermodels or glitterati celebrities. They are generally highly stylized, with crazy poses and over the top outfits designed to grab anyone’s attention. Every element of the composition is chosen for maximum impact, from the location to the makeup and hair design.

High-Fashion-photography

These types of fashion photography are usually used in single-page magazine advertising or billboard campaigns. The purpose is to grab attention, so commercial models and exotic looking backgrounds are the subjects.

High fashion photography often involves models in exaggerated poses, such as this one, but it strives to create a mood. High fashion photography strives to create a mood with exaggerated poses and often unrealistic clothing Often the big brands and label advertise their products using high fashion photography for which different models are chosen. This kind of photography revolves around supermodels, celebrities be it actors, singers or reality TV show personality.

High fashion models chosen for the product has certain prerequisites to qualify. The clothes and the accessories showcased in this photo shoots are often at bay from reality. The designer uses the model to showcase their creativity to their clients. The apparels and accessories of the models are exaggerated and extraordinarily designed to grab the attention of the selected audience.

 

Street Fashion Photography

Street fashion, also known as urban fashion, is often thought of as the opposite of high fashion. An offshoot of street fashion is alternative fashion–grunge and hip-hop are examples that later became mainstream street fashion styles.

A street fashion shot of a femal model posing outdoors - fashion photography types

Street fashion looks are more rugged than high fashion. It consists of the kinds of things people wear everyday like jeans, shirts, and hoodies. It also includes dresses that look elegant, but don’t sacrifice comfort.

Top 10 styles of fashion photography

Street Fashion Photography is the most relatable kind of photography. In this style, the essence of fashion that exists on the street captured. It showcases what typical people wear, how they can see the style, and how their regular clothes make the fashion statement. The photoshoot is usually done outside the studios, and the photography revolves around daily chores like walking on the street with various shopping bags and wearing trendy clothes. This kind of fashion model photography highlights the trend in the real world.

Street-fashion-photography

Street fashion is quite similar to editorial fashion photography. The only difference is for editorial photography models and celebs are featured of the latest fashion trends, while for street photography it’s about capturing the essence of what is in the trend among common people.

To capture street fashion shots, most photographers use a longer lens. That way, they can get photos from a distance without making people feel self-conscious about the shoot. Street fashion just goes to show that some of the best fashion trends are around you everywhere!

Editorial Fashion Photography

This is fashion photography that tells a story. You’ll find editorial fashion photography in publications like magazines and newspapers. The images usually accompany text, which can be about a wide variety of subjects.

Different types of fashion photography

This kind of photography is featured in fashion magazines, books, posters, etc. The styling here plays the lead role, and the story runs through the photo shoot. Different stories, articles, publications, and ideas are combined with visual content, which is further published. Editorial/ fashion models are photographed throughout the day on different locations and in different wardrobes.

Editorial-fashion-photography

The goal here is to create a specific mood that tells the story. These images might involve one brand or several brands and various styles of photographs, from closeups to long distance shots.

The storyline of the fashion photoshoot is explained to the model, and he/she is responsible for enacting the role given to them via expressions. The idea behind such a shoot is to create a powerful statement regarding the product. All the details of editorial photo shoots are essential right from the hairdo to the makeup and from clothing to the photography props and locations. These photo shoots are rarely done with the white or plain background.

Editorial fashion photography often involves elaborate wardrobe and props, as seen here with this woman wearing an old-fashioned gown and lying on a chaise lounge
Editorial fashion photography often requires an elaborate wardrobe and multiple props

Despite the challenges, editorial photography can be one of the more rewarding fashion photography styles because of the creativity it allows.

Alternative Fashion

An alternative fashion shot pictures a female model posing indoors in low light. Everything different that does not fit mainstream fashion is categorized in this category. It is the genre of fashion photography that spotlights independent models and photographers who still enjoy the style of the 1970s and 80s. They use the mixed techniques of clothing, makeup, setting, and lighting to recreate and carry the past’s feel.

Past trends such as Grunge, Gothic, and Hip Hop are popularly featured and alternative fashion mixes these trends to create a new style. Such photography rarely appears in a mainstream fashion magazine and is published online, but sometimes it is featured exclusively in movies and TV series.

The alternative technique doesn’t always appear in prominent magazines. Further, it is independent from traditional publications. Instead, it relies on alternative media and online sources. Street style blogs are the most popular portals for alternative fashion. These sites document the current trends as they develop and evolve on the streets.

Beauty Editorial

This type of photography includes photos of a female model posing in sunglasses and fur. As you may already know, not all fashion photography types involve outfits. Jewelry, hairstyle, and makeup are also considered in fashion. It seems that beauty editorials are the best way to photograph these elements.

A beauty editorial mainly focuses on the face and the top half of the model. It aims to show the small items that the subject is wearing, such as rings, earrings, and other small pieces of jewelry. It is also helpful when it comes to show headwear. Since the camera locates close to the model, this photography style lets people examine the details of the product better. Beauty editorials also emphasize the model’s natural appeal so that it highlights hairstyles, makeup and even to show nail art.

Runway Fashion Photography

In runway photography, there is no control on the lighting, the setting, or the models – which is why the skillset is very different from any other sub-genre. Therefore, photographers are more flexible to the conditions they face as this is a fast-paced environment.

This type of photography needs a high-speed lens to capture the models’ movement in low light conditions. The focal length depends on what is shoot, as runway photography can incorporate everything from atmospheric shots to full-length outfits, three-quarter crops, and detailed photos of accessories. To mix these all, zoom lenses are preferable to primes.

Look book Photography

A look book is a small book (digital and interactive) that portrays the latest collection from a designer. It is used to present potential customers the new items from a brand.

The difference between Look book and catalogues comes in that look books display the clothes within a context. Also, the photoshoots are selling each collection together with a concept or an idea. Here, the stylist puts together an entire look to sell, and the photographer needs to convey the mood and personality of the outfit.

Look book photography can be done in the studio with the right props and styling, or in a location. Since there are massive variety of look books available, no right camera, lens, or settings could be mentioned. Some brands and designers still do the printed version, especially if they’re from high-end fashion where the quality is essential and budget is not an issue. Others make look books only for online use on their websites or e-commerce.

Fashion photographer tasks

fashion photos

The task of the fashion photographer is to break some of the visual principles and rules and try to create different and attractive stories for the audience. The most important role in reviving this event is done by the photographer, and sometimes photograph techniques do not matter, the photographer should aware of the culture r society he or she is willing to take a picture to attract a specific target audience. To know more about it, you can contact our team or refer to our articles published in SAMYARI Art and Advertising Studio’s blog.

Final Words

If you’re considering fashion photography as a genre, these 8 styles can give you an idea of the different possibilities in the field. Of course, you’ll need to get the proper equipment as you would with any genre, but once you have that, there are a number of styles from which you can choose. Really, it’s about deciding which style fits your particular needs and desires.