📸 Fashion photography: history, styles and characteristics

If you are interested in fashion photography and you have not yet investigated it, then this is your opportunity to do it 📌.

As you surely know, in the world of professional photography we can find several branches: portrait photography, product photography, gastronomy, digital photography, narrative, editorial, for social networks, in short, a large number of options.

Having said thatThis time we will talk about fashion photography; its history, its techniques and its most used styles. Are you ready to learn more about this artistic branch? 🧐

Index:

1. What is fashion photography?
2. History of fashion photography
3. Types of fashion photography

Fashion photography is a specialty, whose objective is to show, through images, different styles of clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, hairstyles and cosmetics.

Generally, we can find it in fashion and beauty magazines, or in advertisements, since one of the main purposes that this photography technique seeks is to generate desire in the consumer and sell the products that appear in said images.

However, it is not as simple as it seems, since the fashion photographer must have extensive knowledge of photography and lighting and, in addition, be able to capture all his talent and creativity in his works, taking into account, in turn, the latest trends.

Image: Pinterest

We will begin by explaining, briefly, how were the beginnings of fashion photography; that artistic technique that, even today, continues to be the key tool for various industries. As you already know, in these cases, learning a little about culture and history never hurts 😉.

Beginnings of fashion photography

Its beginnings date back to the years 1840 – 1852, when Napoleon III’s mistress, Countess Virginia Castiglione, established herself as the first model in the history of fashion, allowing herself to be photographed with each of her ostentatious dresses 👗.

However, it wouldn’t be until years later, early twentieth century, when the first fashion photographs for commercial purposes would begin to appear in magazines, thus replacing the drawings.

Image: vestuarioescenico.wordpress

First fashion magazines

During the 20s and 30s, the first fashion photographs began to be the main protagonists In magazines, such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, two classics of the industry that, even today, continue to be great references through this photographic technique.

They were dedicated to showing, through modeling and portraiture, the new fashion styles of the time. Details were not lacking in his photos either in clothing or accessories, as well as in poses, lighting schemes and surroundings. Likewise, Elegance and femininity were two key aspects to take into account when photographing “a“ fashionable woman ”💅.

Image: Pinterest

Image: archive.vogue.com

Image: vogue.es

Beginnings of contemporary fashion photography

If there is an important aspect to highlight about this time, it is the beginning of contemporary fashion, which, without a doubt, it revolutionized the styles in each of the garments and, of course, in fashion photography.

One of the great promoters of this movement was Martin Munkácsi, Harper ‘s Bazaar fashion photographer, who was in charge of portraying the woman with a much more modern, dynamic and natural air. In his photos it was common to observe different games of light and shadow, as well as elegant and artistic poses and movements. Here, garments and accessories would undoubtedly take a greater role.

Image: naran-ho.com

Image: naran-ho.com

Other important contemporary fashion photographers

Other fashion photographers who also excelled during this time were Horst P. Horst, Man Ray, Cecil Baron, and Edward Steichen. They, faithful to their style and innovation, managed to change the foundations of this photographic genre, thus creating a much more artistic fashion photography, where, many times, the traditional idea of ​​beauty was even questioned.

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Image: mott.pe

Evolution of fashion photography

Although in the 30s and 40s certain changes began to be appreciated in fashion photography, It was not until the 1950s, when it was completely revolutionized. Various photographers of the time, such as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon and Louise Dahl-Wolf abandoned their traditional techniques to adopt a much freer and more original style.

Furthermore, in the 70s the cultural and social influences of the time would be strongly reflected in each of the fashion photographs, where the main role would be played by the free, strong and independent working woman.

Image: Pinterest

80’s, 90’s and present

Finally, if we had to summarize these last three decades, we could say that, fashion photography would take a much more consumerist style, whose most important aspects would be the product, the brand and the advertising.

In fact, although, in recent years, there has been an attempt to return to a more artistic, free and not so commercially focused fashion photography, in any case, a strong influence of consumption and sales continues to be noted. of the big industries.

Image: Pinterest

Ok, we already briefly tell you the story about this fascinating branch of photography, now, it is time to explain in detail what are the styles of fashion photography that exist. Do you want to know them?

Would you like to put together a fashion photo shoot from the comfort of your home? Download this guide for free!

Although fashion photography is another branch of professional photography, this, in turn, can be divided into several types of disciplines, which depend, mainly, on the technique used by the fashion photographer, the object or person that will be portrayed, the posing style of the model, the means by which the image will be published and the purpose for which the photo will be oriented.

But, let’s take a closer look at what each of these types of photography is about. fashionable 📸.

1. Fashion advertising photography

They are those fashion photographs, whose The main objective is to sell a product, transmit a lifestyle and make the brand’s flagship message known.

Fashion advertising photography is characterized by being one of the most sought after, especially by large-scale brands that are already well established in the market.

Likewise, it is the one that generates the most income, as well as the one that requires the most investment to be carried out, since it requires a well-detailed and precise creative fashion photography plan. It is done a year in advance to define what the models will be, the presentation of the next campaign, the location, the photographic lighting technique to be used, among other key aspects of this genre.

Image: Pinterest

2. Fashion Backstage Photography

Have you ever seen a fashion photograph where a model appears in the middle of a makeup session, just before the show? Well, that kind of shot is fashion backstage photography.

This photography technique is one of the least known. And, it is not for less, since it takes a great creative talent and detail to carry out these types of shots. Furthermore, the photographer must be careful not to show anything from the new collection; You only have to portray the moment before the big launch of the brand to those who are going to walk down the catwalk and to all the staff in charge of makeup, costumes and lighting.

It should be noted that most of the time, these types of fashion photographs need to be edited so that they can be appreciated as simple spontaneous.

Image: vogue.es

3. Catwalk photography

Quite the opposite of the previous style, catwalk photography leaves the backstage to capture the essence and charm in each of the collections and fashion shows.

Its main objective is to show in detail each of the elements and characters that make up the catwalk, from the models and the designers themselves to the lighting, color and, of course, the style of the garments. Hence, it is extremely important that fashion show photographers have the necessary technique to take entire shots and play with different types of lights.

Image: vogue.es

4. Fashion Editorial Photography

On the other hand, there is also this technique, fashion editorial photography.

Just as the name implies, This type of photography is aimed exclusively at catalogs, supplements, editorials and fashion magazines that deal with a specific theme or style, a trend of the moment.

To do this, they hire renowned fashion photographers, who are responsible for carrying out different types of productions and photo shoots.

It should be noted that in the fashion editorial, it is essential to be up to date with the latest trends, since that will always be the starting point for any photo shoot of this style. Thus, once the subject on which to work has been decided, we continue with the other aspects: the model, the wardrobe, etc.

Image: vanidad.es

5. Fashion product photography

Surely this type of fashion photography is the one that is best known to you, since it is the one that is most often observed in magazines, images, catalogs, supplements, advertising panels, and even e-commerce stores.

Its objective is clear, to make the audience buy the product. Hence, taking care of its aesthetics is essential. It does not matter if it is a garment, a perfume, a pair of shoes, or a cosmetic, fashion photographers should always plan to take excellent shots so that the appearance of the product is clearly observed.

Image: woman.es

6. Street Style Fashion Photography

Ending with this list, we will now talk to you about Street Style or street fashion photography, which, without going any further, is what we always observe on social networks, such as Pinterest or Instagram.

You could say that this photographic technique was born from fashion bloggers and instagramers, who wanting to show their best day-to-day outfits and thus obtain more and more followers, gave rise to this style of urban fashion photography.

Generally, this type of technique is not usually carried out by professional fashion photographers, since their shots do not require extensive knowledge or great skill with the camera.

Therefore, if you dare, you can try and do it yourself. Remember that by taking our Street Fashion Photography Online Course you will be able to learn everything you need about fashion and lifestyle photography and, thus, begin to take your first steps in this incredible artistic branch 😉.

Image: Pinterest

In short, if you thought there was little to talk about the fashion photography, you were wrong, because in andYou will find not only a great story, but also, several types of interesting techniques and styles in which to dabble 📸👗 Well, would you like to carry it out?