Fashion photography was once described as "a license to get away with murder". I prefer to think of it as premeditated assassination thank you! Here are a few tips from an experienced assassin.

This close-up is not a headshot! Instead, it is more of a beauty/ fashion image.  All I did was take an amber gel and put it over a grid spot and shoot at an odd angle from the highlight side of her face. This was a "grab shot" done before the model changed to the main outfit. 10 minutes from set up to end of roll. In other words, look for new and dramatic angles.

Look for locations that are directly the opposite of the nature of the garment. Think of an elegant gown in a junkyard. Think outside the lines! This model is a little overdressed for dining at the “Roach Coach”, but. . she certainly is the main point of interest in this image.

Here are a few guidelines for outdoor fashion.

1. Keep the background simple so the model is THE point of interest. Are you shooting the model or a scenic?
2. Use a shallow depth of field when possible (slow film and wide aperture avoid program auto please)
3. Open shade beats harsh sun every time (no nasty shadows)
4. Watch all the little details (like a cigarette butt on the ground).
5. Beware the Pshop mentality. “I can fix it in Pshop”. Why do you want to waste time fixing what should have been corrected in camera. Personally, I would rather be shooting

My hate list:  Panty lines and bra straps that show.  Worn or rundown shoes. Chipped nail polish. Panty lines and bra straps that show. Torn or frayed garments. Models that claim to know more about photography than I do, then flaunt a 10 shot, all seamless, same day shoot portfolio. Panty lines and bra straps that show. Excess facial hair & 5:00 underarm shadow. Arrrrrrgh!

Hope this helps!  Jack.  

The model makes the difference. Over 30+ years I have worked with thousands of models, professional & rookie. Your model’s attitude and willingness to follow direction will either make the session a dream or a friggin nightmare.

Case in point: One particular model had a small hissy fit when she was told that the panties had to go because they created a line on the garment. I gave the task of getting this accomplished to my wardrobe stylist. After 1⁄2 an hour of persuasion she was still bitching!  Another model #2 asked me if she could stand in.  I had her change into the outfit and did the image. Three magazine covers later, she had the all ink and a lot more work. I NEVER allowed the agency send model #1 to me again!

PS. Both the ladies shown above were absolute dreams to work with. PROFESSIONAL TO THE MAX !