Styling Tips for Editorial and Fashion Photographers
By KBR
Editorial photography is a dynamic and expressive form of visual storytelling that requires a strong attention to detail and a keen eye for styling to complement the narrative. This guide offers valuable styling tips for editorial and fashion photographers who seek to enhance their craft and create compelling images to resonate with their audience.
Photo by Nicholas Felix, peopleimages.com | Adobe Stock
Collaborate with a Stylist
Consider working with professional stylists to enhance your editorial shoots. Collaborating with a stylist brings a fresh perspective to the creative process, ensuring that the clothing and accessories align seamlessly with the editorial concept. Stylists often have a wardrobe designated for client work, saving you money on having to buy new pieces for every photo shoot.
Understand the Narrative
Before the shoot, it is important to deeply understand the editorial’s message, narrative, and theme. Whether it is high fashion, street style, or a period piece, a clear understanding of the story will help guide your styling decisions and contribute to a cohesive visual statement. The goal is to have the styling choice contribute to the story you are creating rather than distract you from it. When making a creative decision, consider how it will propel the story forward. If it doesn’t contribute to the story, leave that choice behind.
Consider Location and Lighting
Factor in the location and lighting conditions when selecting wardrobe and accessories. The interplay between clothing and environment can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of the editorial, so choose styles that complement the shooting environment. Choosing the right location is one of the most important elements, so it is very important consider this when scheduling the shoot with the team.
Photo by MaksimHetman | Adobe Stock
Experiment with Textures and Layers
Add visual interest to your editorial images by incorporating textures and layers. Experiment with different fabrics, patterns, surfaces, and accessories to create depth and dimension in your shots to create compelling visuals in addition to the story. Adding layers to the look can also give models additional options as they can incorporate them as props throughout the shoot. Jackets, scarves, and cardigans are just a few extra layers that can be used as clothing and props.
Photo by Viacheslav Yakobchuk | Adobe Stock
Embrace Contrast
Play with contrast in colors, patterns, and styles. Contrasting elements can create a dynamic and visually striking composition. Be bold in your choices to evoke emotions and make a powerful statement with your photography collection. Doing the unexpected with your styling choices can help create a visual story that is iconic and compelling. Experiment with different looks, as not every choice will always enhance the look.
Pay Attention to Details
It is the small details that truly elevate any visual art piece. Pay close attention to accessories, jewelry, and even subtle details in clothing. These elements contribute to the overall narrative and add authenticity to the visual story you are telling. A simple wrinkle or clothing fold can be the difference between a good photo and a masterpiece. It also helps to have an assistant, makeup artist, or stylist on set for catching these details throughout the shoot. The more eyes, the better.
Photography by Viacheslav Yakobchuk | Adobe Stock
Balance Fashion and Function
While high-fashion aesthetics are paramount, consider the practical aspects of the clothing. Ensure that models can move comfortably, and the chosen attire aligns with the storyline without compromising the functionality of the shoot. Models thrive when they are comfortable and can create lots of movement editorial images. Choosing an eccentric look that is practical for the shoot will always be more impressive than a couture piece a model cannot move in.
Stay Informed on Fashion Trends
Editorial photography often reflects current or upcoming fashion trends. Stay updated on the latest styles, colors, and patterns to infuse contemporary elements into your shoots. Doing so will keep your work fresh and relevant. If you create editorials with upcoming trends or create your own, your photos could be the first place that your viewers discover the idea, giving you the chance to be an artistic influence.
Experiment with Hair and Makeup
Collaborate with skilled hair and makeup artists to enhance the overall styling. Hair and makeup should complement the clothing and contribute to the desired aesthetic, adding a cohesive and polished finish to your editorial images. Although models can easily arrive hair and makeup ready, working with a hair & makeup artist will help take your work to the next level. Most models are good or decent at hair and makeup, but a professional hair and makeup artist will know the exact techniques to use to elevate their look and bring the vision to life.
Photography by By Nicholas F, peopleimages.com | Adobe Stock
Create a Mood Board
Develop a mood board that visually communicates the desired style, colors, and overall vibe of the editorial. Try using Pinterest or Canva to design a mood board featuring photos of inspiration for the shoot. This tool serves as a reference for both you and your team, ensuring everyone is aligned with the creative vision for the entire project. If you are not sure when making a creative choice, the mood board works as a creative blueprint to keep you on the right track.
Styling is a pivotal aspect of editorial photography, breathing life into the story and contributing to the visual allure of the images. By understanding the narrative, considering location and lighting, paying attention to details, and creating a mood board, you will enhance your editorial photography skills and create captivating stories that will leave a lasting impression. Let your styling choices resonate with the vision, and watch as your editorial photography reaches new heights of visual sophistication.
Edited by Maddie on July 26, 2024
