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Arts & CraftsPhotography Tips & Techniques

How to Take a Fashion Portrait

Instructions

  • Step 1: Select your model Select a model that is willing to pose for you.
  • TIP: Try to look for models with interesting or unique facial characteristics, for example, large eyes.
  • Step 2: Brief your model Brief your model on the concept and storyline — the more the model understands your idea, the better.
  • Step 3: Style your model Style and prop your model making sure their hair, makeup, clothing and accessories are exactly what you want; every detail helps illustrate your vision.
  • TIP: Have an assistant help the model while you get your equipment ready.
  • Step 4: Set up lighting While the model is prepping, set up any artificial lights that you may be using.
  • TIP: Even, soft light is the most flattering and desirable when shooting fashion photography.
  • Step 5: Eliminate shadows Try eliminating any unwanted shadows on the model unless it is part of your stylistic expression and concept.
  • Step 6: Grab your camera Grab your camera with a minimum of an 80mm lens attached.
  • Step 7: Choose your film and settings Select your film, aperture and shutter speed that is appropriate for your shooting conditions.
  • Step 8: Compose the shot Compose your shot and meter on your subject.
  • Step 9: Focus on your subject Focus on the desired object or on a captivating part of the subject like the eyes or lips.
  • Step 10: Reiterate the scenario Reiterate the scenario and start snapping as your model lets the storyline and concept unfold.
  • TIP: Remember to tell your model when you see something you like or dislike. The more feedback you provide them, the better they will interpret your outline.
  • Step 11: Shoot away Shoot as much as you can.
  • Step 12: Thank your model Thank your model, and go check out the results.
  • FACT: Legendary fashion photographer Irving Penn is 90 years old and still contributing to Vogue.

You Will Need

  • A camera
  • An 80mm lens
  • A model
  • Fashion accoutrements
  • And a storyline or concept
  • Props (optional) (optional) (optional)
  • Makeup (optional) (optional) (optional)
  • Clothing (optional) (optional) (optional)
  • An assistant (optional) (optional) (optional)

Lessons in this Guide

How to Photobomb

How to Avoid Red Eye in Photos

How to Take Photos of Food

How to Take Photos of Christmas Lights

How to Achieve Artistic Lens Flare

How to Choose the Right Lens for Your DSLR Camera

How to Take Great Winter Pictures

How to Take Great Spring Break Photos

How to Spot a Photo That’s Been Retouched

How to Take Great Pictures of Cats

How to Photograph Natural Phenomena Phenomenally

How to Get Pictures from Video

How to Take Self-Portraits

How to Make a Bokeh Lens

How to Photograph Landscapes

How to Take Cute Baby Pictures

How to Make an Aerial Photography Rig with a Disposable Camera

How to Take a Family Portrait

How to Clean a Camera Lens

How to Light a Fashion Shot

How To Take a Group Portrait

How to Make a Pinhole Camera

How to Light a Portrait

How to Take a Child’s Portrait

How to Take Great Photographs

How to Take a Woman’s Portrait

How to Take a Portrait

How to Take Pictures of Wild Animals

How to Make a Tripod with a Piece Of String, a Beanbag, or Your Body

How to Take a Man’s Portrait

How to Take a Fashion Portrait

How to Make a Mini Tripod for Your Camera

How to Take a Nude Portrait

How to Take Pictures in Bright Sunlight

How to Choose Your Virtual Film Speed

How to Choose Your Shutter Speed

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