Fashion Photography Questions

Fashion Photography

For this assignment we are looking at fashion photography and establishing the differences between fashion photography and other forms of photography.
With fashion photography the shot that is taken always has an aim to sell a product so for fashion shoots it is important that its obvious to viewers what they are selling.
Firstly, we looked at the productions of the September Issue documentary which is where we got a clear insight into how the fashion industry is run behind the scenes this is also where we get a chance to see the work of Anna Wintour and other colleagues at work in what looks like a very serious and organised business.
We see how Anna's eye for detail is very important and how much of an important figure she is in the industry.


To what degree should an image manipulated to go into a fashion magazine?

This shot is from the September Issue. The image has been manipulated in a number of ways from the background to the model. You are able to manipulate the background by simply changing where the model is positioned and how the model decides to pose for the camera. In the  fashion photography industry it is very important for the model to work with the photographer in away that they are both able to present the item  in the best way.
Lighting is also important as if the lighting is to dim it can change the colouration of the item which could potentially make the image or the item dull all together making the item less appealing to the viewer/buyer.
In this image they have gone for a more natural lighting option.
In this shot they have used the lighting peering in from the curtains to create the illusion that the dress is in the spot light. This therefore makes it clear to viewers what is being sold and gives the viewer a clearly look at the radiant colours on the dress and other details that the dress has.
Another way in which a photographer is able to manipulated in a fashion shoot is makeup use, props and even can be the model that they decide to shoot.
In this form of photography I would say it is less of an issue manipulating the face of the model seeing as it is not the models makeup that they are advertising , instead it is the clothing that is being advertised so manipulations made to the clothing for example discolouration of the dress in the photograph or the way the dress sits on the model could all effect the ways in which the buyer sees the model and what it may look like in real life.
This would give the seller or magazine company a bad reputations, often when buying something buyers looks to go to a trusted site, magazine or store where they know they are going to get there money worth. 

 

Diane Arbus

Diane Arbus - March 14, 1923 – July 26, 1971

Diane Arbus was an American photographer who used the technique of creating portrait photographs which were black and white and squared.

She was famous for the way she would photograph the outcasts of society for example transgender, giants, dwarfs, nudist and circus performers. Arbus believed that a photograph could be "a little bit harsh." However she was interested in the ways a camera was able to show the flaws even though it was harsh she would say it was the photograph  revealing the truth.
The phrase "photographer of freaks" is often used to describe Arbus but a friend of hers said that she didn't want to be known as this.
Arbus always had a sense of love for her subjects but to critics they would say she was portraying her subjects in a negative light rather than giving them the attention of good that she wanted. this is also referring back to the idea of critics calling her the "photographer of freaks" however she did not see them as this but instead saw the beauty in their flaws.
She used street photography and today street photography is quite common. Despite it seeming odd taking a photograph of a complete stranger as Diane did you often come up with the most interesting shots and come across a number of interesting people. Arbus would say having a camera is like having a licence to photograph the lives of others so you can get insight of other lives rather than going to a complete stranger saying “I want to come to your house and have you talk to me and tell me the story of your life.” which she said would make people think your crazy and for that reason she said a camera is a licence which with todays photography is often used.
It was a great shock when Arbus committed suicide on July 26, 1971 but her style of portraiture still has a great influence on many photographers today.





In your posts you will need to discuss  the journey that Portraiture has taken over its' history. For example the movement from Rich and Powerful people having expensive portraits made for them to the works of Portraiture photographers depicting the inner conflicts and catching their subjects in moments when they are least prepared.