Shannon Taylor
Level 4
Professional Studies
What is the
difference between fashion and editorial photography?
Fashion Photography
Garments are just an accessory to convey a certain lifestyle. Therefore, the whole image is much more complex. Fashion photographers don’t usually see plain white or off-white backgrounds in fashion photography and the models are usually styled very dramatically with thick eyeliners, dramatic eye shadows. With the increased styling of make-up also comes an increased in lighting to make the image look more dramatic. Photographers doing a fashion shoot some may have used up to seven lights to get the dramatic look. This does not mean that a dramatic look cannot be achieved with only one light, such as an octabank or light reflector dish, it’s about the effect of the lighting and not about how many lights photographers use to get that specific effect. Fashion is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas of professional photography. Though only a few top photographers live up to the glamorous image of exotic locations and beautiful models, there is continuous demand across the industry for uniqueness and innovation. Photographers who understand fashion trends and can deliver striking images that sell the look and style of the clothes are much in demand and can command substantial fees. It is the Fashion Photographer's job not only to photograph garments but also to interpret the basic ideas and associations suggested by the season, the range of clothes, the designer or the design brand. Fashion Photographers work in studios and on location to produce imaginative and eye-catching photographs that illustrate and advertise clothes, accessories and lifestyle. They need to understand each client's brand image and be able to work closely with other creative people to fulfil the brief. Fashion Photographers usually work in busy studios, and must have sufficient experience and composure to operate effectively under pressure.
Garments are just an accessory to convey a certain lifestyle. Therefore, the whole image is much more complex. Fashion photographers don’t usually see plain white or off-white backgrounds in fashion photography and the models are usually styled very dramatically with thick eyeliners, dramatic eye shadows. With the increased styling of make-up also comes an increased in lighting to make the image look more dramatic. Photographers doing a fashion shoot some may have used up to seven lights to get the dramatic look. This does not mean that a dramatic look cannot be achieved with only one light, such as an octabank or light reflector dish, it’s about the effect of the lighting and not about how many lights photographers use to get that specific effect. Fashion is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas of professional photography. Though only a few top photographers live up to the glamorous image of exotic locations and beautiful models, there is continuous demand across the industry for uniqueness and innovation. Photographers who understand fashion trends and can deliver striking images that sell the look and style of the clothes are much in demand and can command substantial fees. It is the Fashion Photographer's job not only to photograph garments but also to interpret the basic ideas and associations suggested by the season, the range of clothes, the designer or the design brand. Fashion Photographers work in studios and on location to produce imaginative and eye-catching photographs that illustrate and advertise clothes, accessories and lifestyle. They need to understand each client's brand image and be able to work closely with other creative people to fulfil the brief. Fashion Photographers usually work in busy studios, and must have sufficient experience and composure to operate effectively under pressure.
Editorial
Photography
Editorial photography is very similar to fashion photography as editorial photography is usually not about selling a product. In fashion photography it’s the lifestyle, in editorial photography it’s the story or the theme of the shoot. As with fashion photography, the proper lighting is of utter importance. For example a photographer is shooting an editorial piece about a girl traveling but is about joy and happiness, photographer will need friendly lighting if the story is about the joy and the happiness, you would of course use very friendly and exposed lighting to highlight this mood. If the story is about the dangers of traveling, the lighting would be much more dramatic. An editorial photographer provides images for magazines, newspapers, books and websites. The most importance between editorial and fashion photography is that editorial work is published with text, such as a story or caption. The work should complement and present an idea from the story in a visual manner. Editorial photography can be fashion, food, architecture, still- life or photojournalism, depending on area of interest the photographer could focus on their photo shooting on sports photography. An editorial photographer shoots on location and in studio depending on the assignment, they hire cast and crew and have location permits. To become an editorial photographer, high photographic skills and a deep understanding of the tools for the job are necessary. It is essential to build a strong, smart and well thought out portfolio that will serve as your pick up where you left off. Fine art photographer or a photo journalist shoots photos for editorial use. They can shoot photos of anything they want in a public setting (that is open for all to see an intended to be seen) and use it in photo fine art, as references for submit to a magazine or newspaper for a news story.
Editorial photography is very similar to fashion photography as editorial photography is usually not about selling a product. In fashion photography it’s the lifestyle, in editorial photography it’s the story or the theme of the shoot. As with fashion photography, the proper lighting is of utter importance. For example a photographer is shooting an editorial piece about a girl traveling but is about joy and happiness, photographer will need friendly lighting if the story is about the joy and the happiness, you would of course use very friendly and exposed lighting to highlight this mood. If the story is about the dangers of traveling, the lighting would be much more dramatic. An editorial photographer provides images for magazines, newspapers, books and websites. The most importance between editorial and fashion photography is that editorial work is published with text, such as a story or caption. The work should complement and present an idea from the story in a visual manner. Editorial photography can be fashion, food, architecture, still- life or photojournalism, depending on area of interest the photographer could focus on their photo shooting on sports photography. An editorial photographer shoots on location and in studio depending on the assignment, they hire cast and crew and have location permits. To become an editorial photographer, high photographic skills and a deep understanding of the tools for the job are necessary. It is essential to build a strong, smart and well thought out portfolio that will serve as your pick up where you left off. Fine art photographer or a photo journalist shoots photos for editorial use. They can shoot photos of anything they want in a public setting (that is open for all to see an intended to be seen) and use it in photo fine art, as references for submit to a magazine or newspaper for a news story.
