Photography tip: fashion

The lack of a photo studio may be keeping you from trying your hand at
fashion photography. Many fashion photographers begin by photographing
outdoors, which can produce great results with the right background.
There seems to always be young men or women who would gladly trade
modeling for portfolio photos; you get a free model, and they get free
photography. In the beginning, this is a good arrangement for both
parties. Most model hopefuls don’t have the cash to pay a photographer
full price for a portfolio, and most amateur fashion photographers
don’t have the cash to pay a model full price to practice on. So why
not start out helping each other?

Some important points to keep
in mind when photographing models outdoors; look for interesting
backgrounds, choose overcast days (in most cases), purchase and learn
to use a reflector, and keep in mind that you are not the boss . . .
the success of the photo shoot relies on the connection between the
photographer and model, thus it is in everybody’s best interest to keep
a groove going.

If you are having trouble finding models, go to
your local hair salons, and tell the stylists what you are doing and
offering. They will often have regular clients who will be up for a
photo shoot, especially if you offer the photos to the stylist as well
(for his or her own portfolio). There are also many websites on-line
that have geographic listings of models who are just starting out. You
may see the terms TFP or TFCD, which means "Trade for Prints" or "Trade
for a Photo CD", respectively. If the models list these terms as an
option, you might be able to arrange a shoot where no money changes
hands.

There will come a time, however, when both the models and
the photographers will give up the trading, and will only work for
cash. This is necessary, as to do otherwise can devalue the market,
which none of us want. When you feel like you have reached a skill
level where your images can be published, start charging for your work.
The models will also be doing the same, as they get more experience and
proficiency in front of the camera.

Thanks to professional photographer Mark Hemmings (www.markhemmings.com) for writing this photo tip.