What Does a Fashion Photographer Do

If you’ve ever flipped through fashion magazines, admiring the models and the clothes, you might be inspired to plan a similar photo shoot. But where would you start? That’s where a fashion photographer comes in. Fashion photographers combine lighting, movement, and composition to create a stylized, powerful image, all while bringing the clothes and accessories to life in a way that tells a story.

So, what is fashion photography? Many people assume fashion photography is simply taking photos of clothing. But, it’s far more than that. Fashion photography involves visual storytelling, using models, clothes, and makeup to create a visual story for a brand, magazine, or client.

Here’s a quick peek at what a fashion photographer does.

Uses Professional Equipment

Technical skills are important. Professional fashion photographers use professional lights, cameras, and lenses to capture the unforgettable images for their clients. They own high-quality lenses, lighting gear, tripods, reflectors, and editing software. Most professional photographers use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom when editing their shots. They also understand how to capture different kinds of shots, such as moving shots and skin tones.

Communicates With a Team

Fashion photographers tend to possess great communication skills as fashion photo shoots are usually collaborative projects. They typically work with clients, art directors, stylists, makeup artists, hairdressers, and more to create the look they want. They also give directions to the models throughout the shoot, guiding their movement, encouraging specific expressions, or adjusting their postures.

Keeps Up With the Fashion Scene

To capture a powerful image, fashion photographers must not only have an in-depth understanding of lighting and composition but they must be well-versed in fashion, too. Yes, fashion photographers are often immersed in the fashion scene and have knowledge of fashion to understand evolving trends.

Shoots in Different Locations

Professional fashion photographers adapt quickly. They may have a photo shoot in the midst of a busy street one day and then a photo shoot by a waterfall the next. And on all location shoots, they must capture the energy of the clothing, light the shot perfectly, and adapt to different lighting conditions.

Listens to the Client

The fashion photography process doesn’t start and end with the photographer. It starts with the client’s needs and vision. Fashion photographers listen to their clients, understand their vision, and translate this vision successfully into powerful images. Collaboration is a huge part of the job.

But, above all, fashion photographers tell a story with their cameras. Success fashion photographers can make you feel – whether that’s feeling the thrill of an action shot or the dreaminess of a flowy gown. They can efficiently blend technical skills with a unique voice so that every frame feels alive.

Have questions on fashion photography? Check out the top 15 questions on fashion photography.

When you need a fashion photographer who has a unique aesthetic and can bring your vision to life, contact Dario Koso to book a session!