In fashion photography, wardrobe and styling play a significant role in telling a strong visual story and communicating what a brand or a fashion designer’s vision is. Together, these two elements shape the mood of the photos, especially by ensuring that each model’s look seamlessly aligns with the creative direction of the shoot.
While the job of selecting outfits typically falls on the stylist on set, photographers also have a hand in guiding how these choices interact with aspects like lighting, angles, and overall composition. With their equally keen eye for detail, the best fashion photographers can make the visual impact of each outfit even more powerful—resulting in the most stunning and memorable fashion photos in turn.
If it’s your dream to be a fashion photographer, any additional knowledge and skill for wardrobing and styling will be great for your creative projects and professional growth. Your aptitude at selecting the right fabric textures, colour palettes, or accessories can help you unlock added energy, elegance, or attitude to the frame. What’s more, this skill is quite useful in all kinds of photoshoots, whether you’re shooting outdoors or in a top-tier photo studio Los Angeles creatives trust.
This guide offers essential wardrobe and styling tips that budding fashion photographers should know. These should help you add some extra oomph to your fashion shoots, ensuring that every detail—from fabric to footwear—fits the story you want to tell through your lens.
1) Match the Wardrobe to the Concept
One thing you can do to achieve a cohesive visual narrative for your shoot is to match the wardrobe to your overall concept. This will easily bring the storytelling aspect of the images to the fore. For example, if the concept revolves around whimsical fairy tale settings, perhaps it only makes sense to get the models to wear light, flowing fabrics in pastel colours to create a dreamy and fantastic atmosphere.
If the photoshoot follows an urban theme, structured silhouettes and darker tones on your models can bring out some edge and toughness for that aesthetic. Overall, think about what will allow viewers to fully immerse themselves in the intended mood and message of your photo series, which will ultimately result in more impactful photos.
2) Consider Fabric Movement
Different materials react uniquely to light and motion, creating varied effects in the final photograph. Remember that incorporating fabric movement in your fashion photography can do a lot to enhance the dynamism of any photo you shoot.
For instance, lightweight fabrics like silk or chiffon can produce beautiful flows and soft curtains, imparting an element of gracefulness. Each time a model moves, the fabric can catch the light in enchanting ways and lend an ethereal quality to the images. Heavier materials like denim or leather, on the other hand, can convey strength and structure—which might be desirable for a more robust and industrial-inspired look.
As a photographer, it’s important to be aware of how these fabrics behave during the shoot. If the clothing choice doesn’t allow for movement, the images can appear stiff or lifeless. You should also anticipate how garments will interact with the model’s poses. Work with your models to figure out the best possible poses so that you can fully capture those captivating moments when fabric flows or shifts.
3) Bring Items That Can Adjust Clothing on Set
Being prepared for any wardrobe mishaps during a fashion photoshoot is crucial for a smooth and successful session. You would do well to bring along some essential items that can help adjust clothing on set.
Safety pins, fabric clips, and double-sided tape will all make for invaluable quick fixes without disrupting the flow of the shoot. You may also want to bring a small kit of alteration supplies and keep it on hand for repairing minor rips and tears, helping minimise downtime and maintaining the creative energy on set.
4) Avoid Distracting Details
Intricate patterns or flashy accessories can add interest to a photo, but they can also pull attention away from the model and the intended message of the shoot. Overly busy prints, large logos, and bright clashing colours can all be sources of unwanted visual noise, which makes it important for you to choose which ones to feature in your photos, if any.
Collaborate with your stylist and other staff on the shoot to identify elements that may not translate as well on camera. Working together will ensure that the wardrobe harmonises with the concept of the photoshoot and keep your mutual vision intact.
5) Prepare a Backup Wardrobe
Lastly, you’ll also want to be prepared for any unexpected changes during the photoshoot. If you want to maintain a smooth workflow, have a backup wardrobe available. This precaution not only helps mitigate the risk of wardrobe malfunctions, but also offers you and your models more flexibility in case the initial choices don’t quite align with what you initially wanted. Furthermore, having alternative options readily available allows for quick shifts in direction, whether due to lighting changes, the model’s comfort, or even an evolving concept that you couldn’t have planned before the shoot actually took place.
You may also want to discuss the possibility of additional outfits or accessories with the stylist so that, together, you can adapt to various situations that may arise during the shoot. This will help you keep the momentum going and your creativity intact, without the stress of unforeseen issues that could disrupt the shoot.
To be good at your practice of fashion photography, you’ll want to remember that the craft hinges not only on your technical skills, but also on effective collaboration and thoughtful wardrobe choices that you can’t always make yourself. Learn more about how garments and accessories work when they’re in front of the camera, and take the advice of your stylist and other staff members who want a beautiful outcome as much as you do.
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