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.