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By Marie Barnes


Photographing apparel is very different to photographing, say, landscapes or other objects. A clothing photographer must have a very specific set of skills, which includes understanding the concept of movement and also structure. It is important to know what the picture is selling or conveying 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.

A photographer should first understand exactly what kind of clothing he or she is going to be photographing. This will then lead to the next steps of how to do it. Active wear will be depicted very differently from red carpet gowns, for example. The model, poses, expressions and setting are just some of the aspects that will change accordingly.

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.

Shooting on location, however, is very good for shots that require ambiance or atmosphere. This is relevant to apparel that needs the additional selling point. For example, swimwear becomes even more attractive when the model is positioned in a beach or pool setting, or something tropical to convey the concept of vacation and relaxation. Sporting apparel sells better when photographed in motion or in action.

Not all clothing must be photographed exactly as intended. This means that it can sometimes make quite a statement to juxtapose a certain item of clothing with a completely different setting than it would normally be seen in. A well-thought-out campaign with strong imagery could set a brand apart from its competitors by doing just that.

Someone photographing clothing may not be doing so in a photo shoot style setting at all. In fact, many photographers of apparel do so directly from the runway, particularly during fashion weeks around the world. They photograph from what is commonly known as the 'pit', often located at the very front of the runway where models stop to pose. A good photographer will take numerous pictures of the same outfit to ensure a wide range of choice and expression, as well as movement, in order to capture the perfect runway moment.

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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