How to Shoot High Fashion

Ok, I know that High Fashion is all about the clothes. But, what are the main

key to shooting it. Are there lighting techniques I should know? Poses the

model is supposed to do? I'd really like to learn and I've tried a few "likes"

but feel i'm missing something.

This doesn't directly answer your question, but have a look at this article on "the decline of fashion photography".

 

http://www.slate.com/features/010510_fashion-slide-show/01.htm

One thing you need to know is that nothing is as it appears. I don't know how it is now, but it used to be that if you turned those models around, you'd find rows of clothespins tightening and fitting the clothes perfectly to the models.

 

The first couple of studio jobs I had, the photographers stressed to me that what happened outside the picture didn't matter--it was the picture, however you could get it. Consequently, lots of clothespins, duct tape, funny props, strange things held in front of lights. None of it is a straightforward as it appears, in short.

 

Here's an interesting link: http://vietmodel.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=804678%3ATopic%3A650

 

Bottom line: you have to control EVERYTHING.

I know there's a lot going on outside of the photo. Is there some certain set up for it?

 

for example

http://www.m2kstudios.com/images/fashon_06.jpg

 

(one the one below, it seems that there's a shadow on the ground and i guess a fill light for their body and face.)

http://www.lesliekeesuper.com/photography/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/jp-steve-fsh.jpg

 

Just examples that I like.

I think the most important thing when starting out is to get qualified people to help you. Use a good makeup artist, a stylist (to make sure the clothes look good), and a knowledgeable assistant to help you place your lights and generally troubleshoot with you. Also, make sure you have a clear idea of the types of shots you want going in so everyone is on the same page. It's okay to reference other photos as a starting place but don't be afraid to let it take you somewhere else. Other than that, you just have to act as quality control and know when it's working and when it isn't and hopefully, why.

"Ok, I know that High Fashion is all about the clothes."

 

Your first assumption is wrong. That's more true in commercial fashion, but editorial fashion is all about, well, fashion.

So is it safe to say that editorial fashion is telling a story about the clothes? Is that what most people

are doing aside of the magazine ad type fashion?