How to Learn the Best Angles in Fashion Photography

Fashion photography needs to be a partnership between photographer and model.

Fashion photography is a collaboration between the model and the photographer; both will inevitably be involved in discovering the best angles for your shots. Learning the best angles is a process of trial and error; it will take some practice and some feedback before both the photographer and the model know which angles work best both for modeling and for photographing.

Things You'll Need

• Model
• Photographer
• Computer

Instructions

For the Photographer

1. Know your fashion: this is the No. 1 rule. Different designers attempt to portray different ideas through their designs; those different ideas will need to be reflected both in the photography and in the modeling. The angles that work for one designer’s photos will not work for another.

2. Use different lenses. A wide-angle lens, for example, allows you to create a greater contrast between foreground and background, thus creating dramatic moods in your shots. A lens with a narrower angle may allow you to focus on just the model rather than the background.

3. Look at your shots while you are shooting. This will allow you to know which angles are working, which angles make your model’s hips look wide or arms look long and which angles are the most flattering to the model and the look. Adjust and continue shooting.

4. Shoot in different places. The designer will decide where she wants the shoot to take place, but the actual shoot will be up to the participants. Take some shots in front of the model with the lens at her eye level. Take other shots kneeling or lying down. Try shooting from one side or from behind at different levels.

For the Model

1. Know your designers and your products. You may be modeling a dress on one shoot and shoes in the next; you need to be able to showcase different elements of a look at different photo shoots.

2. Know your face. No matter what you are modeling, your facial expression and the angles in your face are what sell products.

3. Practice in front of the mirror. You are the only person who lives with your face around the clock. Sit or stand in front of a mirror and practice displaying different facial expressions at different angles, pretending that the mirror is the camera lens.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the “Top Model” series. Reality television is often selectively edited for drama and conflict, but the advice imparted by the judges, the photographers and the art directors is sound.

• Models and fashion photographers need to have a connection on set. If there is no connection felt on either side, stop and discuss it. Then begin shooting again.

References

• Digital Photography School: Darren Rowse: 7 Tips from Professional Fashion Photographer Adriana Curcio
• Fashion Photography Blog: Shooting Fashion Wide
• Photo Stock Plus: 5 Fabulous Fashion Photography Tips