Top 15 Questions on Fashion Photography

Hiring a fashion photographer for a fashion shoot is exciting. But things can quickly go downhill if the fashion shoot doesn’t meet your needs or the photo shoot doesn’t quite go as planned. Choosing the right photographer is like choosing the right outfit – the right photographer will bring your creative vision to life.

Before you book a fashion shoot, you should ask some important and thoughtful questions, so you can be sure the photographer understands your vision. Here are 15 questions you can ask a fashion photographer so you can feel confident you’re making the right choice.

1. What’s Your Photography Style?

The photographer’s portfolio is often a good indicator of their style. But, asking this question gives you a chance to dig a little deeper. Do they prefer lifestyle and more natural photo shoots? Do they have a preference for atmospheric shots? When a fashion photographer describes their style, you’ll get a good idea if their creative preferences match yours. If they prefer location shooting, and you’re sold on a studio, will they be the best choice for your shoot?

A photographer’s visual style will set the tone for your entire fashion shoot, too, so it’s crucial that you love their portfolio. If you like minimalism, avoid hiring a photographer who creates busy, intricate images. It may be a mismatch in vision.

2. What Kind of Experience Do You Have With Fashion Photography?

The fashion industry attracts photographers of varying experience levels, and while some newbies may have a great eye and an impressive portfolio, others may produce work that looks amateurish. Remember, fashion photography doesn’t involve simply taking gorgeous photos. A good photographer can make the model and clothing come alive. Fashion photographers often have to collaborate, too, working with stylists, make-up artists, and designers. This teamwork comes with challenges, and an experienced photographer should understand these dynamics.

Asking this question also gives photographers a chance to share their stories. Maybe they worked on a similar campaign that matches your vision. By asking about their experiences, you can determine whether they have the skills and experience to handle your fashion shoot.

3. How Do You Prepare for a Fashion Shoot?

Asking a photographer this question is essentially like asking for the recipe on how they bring their vision to life. Do they scout locations? Do they test their lighting equipment and light setup before the shoot day? Or do they work with mood boards?

Every photographer has a unique way of preparing, but thorough preparation is key to a successful fashion shoot. An experienced fashion photographer should be invested from the beginning to the end, ensuring you have the perfect backdrop, location, and lighting.

Does the photographer share ideas with you so that your fashion project stands out? While the preparation question may feel mundane, it gives great insight into the creative lengths a photographer will go to ensure you get exactly what you want.

4. What Does Your Package Include?

When you ask this question, be sure to get a detailed answer. Ask if the package includes editing and retouching photos or does it just mean you’ll get the raw photos? Will the photographer give you prints or will you just get digital files? Whatever the package includes, make sure to get full-resolution photos.

Getting the breakdown on your package means you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for. It also helps avoid any unpleasant surprises later down the road. There’s nothing worse than trying to blow up one of your photos only to find it’s pixelated because the package didn’t specify “full-resolution” photos.

A package can also include access to a second shooter or a photographer’s assistant. Many fashion photographers have a separate assistant to handle their lighting equipment. Having a photography team handle your fashion project – rather than just one person – can be comforting knowing that every detail is handled with precision and care.

5. What Is Your Turnaround Time?

Understanding a photographer’s timeline can help with your own schedule. Are you on a tight deadline for a campaign or would you simply like to post the best images on your social media pages? Either way, it’s important to know how soon you can expect to see your photos.

Some photographers need at least a week of editing and retouching photos, but others may do it in less time. It all depends on the photographer you’re working with – which is why this question is so important. Many experienced fashion photographers should be able to give you a definite turnaround time and abide by it.

6. Do You Usually Shoot in a Studio or on Location?

When you decide to do a fashion shoot, you might want to think carefully about whether you prefer to shoot in a studio or on location. Studios offer controlled lighting and a plain setting where you can create any mood or backdrop. They’re ideal for editorial shoots that need a polished look.

Locations, on the other hand, will give you the dynamic energy that the “real” world offers. If that’s part of the vision you have for your fashion shoot, then pick a location that will bring your story to life.

Some photographers prefer to work in studios where they can control every detail, while others enjoy the spontaneity that locations give them. It’s up to you to decide which photographer you’d like to work with. However, asking this question is a good way to determine how flexible a photographer is and how well they can adapt to a new style and vision.

7. What Kind of Equipment Do You Use?

The right equipment in fashion photography is important because it means a photographer has the right tools and correct lighting to bring your creative vision to life. If they have a variety of lenses at their disposal, they can decide on the spur of the moment which lens will capture you better: a zoom lens that blurs the background or a wide-angle lens that keeps the background sharp.

It’s important that photographers also have portable gear if they’re shooting on location. If the sun dips behind a cloud for quite a while, you may need a reflector to bounce light into your face, for example. While you may not have to think about all these details, a professional photographer should! By asking this question, though, you’ll have confidence that the photographer you choose can handle your fashion project without any technical problems.

8. Do You Collaborate With Other Artists?

As you’ve probably guessed, fashion shoots are never a one-man or one-woman show. It’s all about collaborating with a team: makeup artists, designers, stylists, and models. A photographer who can collaborate with others can deliver a seamless fashion shoot. They’ll be able to direct the set while still taking creative input from others on the team.

Experienced photographers tend to have a network that they’ve built over the years, too. So, if you’re still building your team, they may be able to recommend hairstylists, designers, and more. Their experience and previous collaborations could benefit you as well.

9. Have You Worked on Similar Projects Before?

Fashion photography covers a lot of styles, so it may be a good idea to see if any of their fashion photography sessions match yours in style and tone. A similar experience means they’ll better understand the nuances of your project, such as tricky lighting setups or action shots that involve water. If you’re going for an underwater photo shoot, for example, you may want to hire a photographer with a solid underwater photography gallery as they’ll understand the challenges of not only shooting underwater but getting the clothes to “behave” in just the way they need them to.

10. How Do You Direct Your Photo Shoots?

Some people may not think about asking this question, but it’s important to know the answer. Do you want a photographer who will guide your poses, directing your every move and facial expression to ensure you get the perfect shot? Or do you prefer someone who takes a more natural approach, letting you move freely through the space so your personality comes through?

These two approaches are starkly different, and knowing what you want and what the photographer prefers is critical. If you’re a newer model and prefer to have direction throughout, choose a fashion photographer who will coach you through every pose. On the other hand, if you’d like to insert some of your own character into the shot and need the freedom to do so, find a photographer who won’t rein you in.

11. Can You Work With Different Body Types?

The “ideal model” has changed from the waif, almost stick-thin figure of the 1960s and 1970s. Today, alongside the runway fashion model, the fashion industry is embracing different body types, including voluptuous and even plus-size models. Capturing these differences on camera is a valuable skill.

Experienced photographers should know how to use lighting, posing, and angles to highlight the best features of different body types (and skin tones). What’s important is to find a photographer who understands that fashion is far more diverse and can work within this new definition.

12. How Do You Price Your Fashion Shoots?

Now for the practical questions. If you’re going to be paying a photographer for a shoot, you should know exactly what you’re paying for. Is the price a flat rate? Or will there be additional fees tacked on if you go “over time”? Some photographers may charge based on the number of looks you’d like to shoot, others will base it on the amount of post-production editing involved. Find out if there are additional costs for extra editing or things like props. These are details you must discuss with the photographer as it can help you better plan your budget.

13. Do You Need a Deposit Before the Shoot?

Most photographers will ask for a deposit before the shoot, so this is important to get out of the way as soon as possible. Finding out what the deposit is beforehand allows you to plan your budget accurately. Knowing you won’t have that deposit money will prevent you from accidentally allocating the money to other things, like makeup or wardrobe.

What a deposit shows is a commitment on both ends: you – as the client – won’t flake on them. And they – as the photographer – will set aside the time on their schedule for your fashion shoot. It also lets both parties know that this is a serious fashion shoot that requires professionalism on both sides.

14. What’s your Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy?

Take this opportunity to also ask about their cancellation or rescheduling policy. Life can sometimes get in the way of even your best-laid plans. Asking this question will protect you against the unpredictable. Most photographers do have specific cancellation and rescheduling policies. If you have an abrupt cancellation, they may keep a portion of your deposit, for instance.

You may also want to ask how much notice they need to cancel or reschedule. Knowing the answers to these questions will indicate how flexible they are and what kind of options they can offer when life doesn’t go as planned.

15. What About Usage Rights?

Photography is art, so knowing who owns the photos and how you can use them (or not use them) is important. Some photographers own full rights while others may give you full usage rights or provide licensing agreements. Make sure to get usage rights in writing so there’s no miscommunication later down the road.

Book a Shoot

Now that you’re armed with some important tips on what to ask a fashion photographer, it’s time to book your fashion shoot! Contact our team to find out what we can do for you.