Composition Tips for Better Fashion Photography

When it comes to fashion photography, some rules might just be the same as any other type of genre in photography. However, in fashion photography, the main center of focus is the subject.

Do want to master the skills of Fashion Photography? Well, in that case, you need to ensure that you put the main emphasis on the subject of yours. This is certainly one of the most important things that would actually matter. You need to showcase what the model is wearing and that will require some great skills in composition.

So, here are some tips for those who don’t have a clue of what they need with fashion photography composition. With these tips, you will be able to take magazine-worthy, well-composed pictures. So, why should we wait any longer? Let us get started with the tips.

#1. Take Proper Care Of The Rule Of The Thirds

One of the most crucial and important guidelines that the photographers need to follow with their fashion photographs is the rule of the thumbs. In order to ensure that the composition is completely on point, this is something that you have to know.

But what on earth is the Rule of Thirds and how does one actually apply it to the picture? Well, you need to start with mentally dividing the picture frame into nine segments in the shape of a square. Think of it as the grid for Tic Tac Toe. In order to achieve a composition that is perfectly balanced, you need to place the subject in the positions where there is an intersection between the lines.

The camera can be a great help in that. There is a particular function of grid-line provided in every single camera that is available in the market these days. So, when you need proper assistance, just whip out the camera and it is already there for you.

After the activation process is complete, all you have to do is move the camera till you get the subject right in the intersections.

When it comes to the Rule of Thirds, it can be very useful when the photographer doesn’t have an idea about the placement of the model. You don’t have to worry here, people. Just stick to the Rule and there will be a significant amount of improvement in the picture composition.

#2. Place The Subject Right On The Center

Being a rebel isn’t always a bad thing, especially when it comes to the composition in Fashion photography. Sometimes, bending a little bit of the composition rules in order to get the perfect shot is not necessarily a bad idea. Yes, you heard it absolutely right people. The Rule of Thirds isn’t something that you always have to follow completely. There are many photographers that go by presenting the subject to the center of the picture.

This can work in the best way for all the fashion portraits that you have. Albeit, you need to ensure that the placement is proper. After all, the main focus of the picture should be on the middle, right? That is one of the ways to catch the attention and eye of the one who is viewing the picture.

Note to the photographer: Placing the subject right in the middle of the frame can make it look uninteresting as well. So, you need to ensure that you have some tips in mind before you take such a bold step.

First and the foremost thing would be to make sure that the background is alright. Also, the poses of the model need to be in a better way to highlight the work that you have done.

#3. Create the Perfect Counter Balance

We are assuming that by now you know the ultimate secret to have the perfect composition: Balance. Yes, you need to make sure that the balance of the picture isn’t on the off side. However, sometimes, the picture demands the placement of the subject to be on several unusual places as well. In case you are faced with a situation like that, make sure that you have the perfect counterbalance. That will help in saving the composition of the picture.

Now, what exactly does counterbalance involve? Well, to begin our answer, we would say that you need to place another particular component on your picture frame. As a result, these two components will create perfect harmony for the people. You don’t want an image that is lop-sided, right? So, you can add some other components or even other people in the behind or other sides so that the perfect balance is achieved completely.

#4. Depict The Story

Do you have an idea about the most common mistakes that are made by fashion photographers? That would be not adding a particular narrative about the shoot. Pick up any particular fashion magazine and you will see that the entire shoot consists of a particular theme. This theme is the link that connects every single photo to another one. Now, there might not be a proper text description, but pictures are enough to tell you exactly what is going around in here.

This is something that you need to do for your fashion photos as well. These images that have particular visual narratives with them are the ones that provide the best results in grabbing the attention of the people.

#5. Have The Best Background

We cannot stress enough on the fact that you need to have a proper background for the pictures that you take. When you are going through the photo shoot, these a key element that helps in giving you the perfect composition of the picture.

Sure, you should be all concerned about the placement of the model when you are attempting the shoot. However, considering the placement of the background element is also pretty important as they help in achieving the perfect balance for the image of yours.

The image composition style that you choose needs to be in lieu with the garment that you photograph. Using the same background as the patterns and the design of the clothes might just take the focus away from the main point that is the subject. So, there is a need for the background again. Now you know why those photographers are all concerned about the image background. They are not wrong, you know? It is just that important.

#6. Add Some Props If Essential

The props in your picture are the perfect help that you need when you want to provide a particular theme to the fashion photographs of yours. They are not just the clues in the images that you take but an additional element for enhancing the composition of the picture as well.

Suppose there is nothing much to see in the picture scene that you have. However, adding some props to the image will help in making it a bit more interesting for the viewers. Isn’t that all you want for your pictures? Think of it like this. Say your background wall for a skateboard modeling shoot looks a bit too bland for your liking. Add a little skateboard to that wall and you can actually see the magic happen.

So, in a way, the props can be a lifesaver for the fashion photograph that you have. However, one thing that you absolutely need to take care of is to choose the correct props for the shoot. They need to match the theme of the shoot otherwise they are just some products that are lying around.

#7. Interaction With The Environment Is Important

Most of the times, having a model just standing there can also look a bit boring to the people who see the pictures. Surely you don’t want that to happen to your fashion photos right? The goal here is to make sure that the photos look more and more dynamic.

Well, how does one achieve that goal? Well, interacting with the environment can help in that. Don’t just let the model stand there. You could ask them to move around the space and play with the things that are in the background. Not only does that help in making the poses more comfortable but that also helps a lot in increasing the composition of the photograph, making it more interesting to look at.

Let us provide you with an example. For a street side shoot, you can ask the model to sit in a car and move around. That can be a bit challenging at first, but you will learn to manage it eventually for sure.

#8. Try Out Some Different Angles

When it comes to fashion photography, it is all about the angles. Not only should you try out the angles that are visible by the eye but some others as well. You need to make sure that you properly explore the environment that you have and consider different locations from where the pictures can be taken in order to make them more interesting.

You can click the pictures from below or above. Apart from that, you can tilt the camera in order to get different as well.

However, there is one important thing that you need to know. It is this that experimenting like that can actually affect the photograph mood. You need to consider the emotion and the feeling that you are trying to depict in the image. This is the only way to make sure that your angles are perfectly able to convey that feeling to the ones that are viewing it.

There are pros and cons associated with every single angle and you need to make sure that the audience is pleased with the pictures that you take.

#9. Make Sure That The Fashion Is The Highlight

Here is an important tip for all you fashion photographers. You need to make sure that fashion is also the highlight of the shoot of yours. What do you think is the difference between regular photographers and fashion photographers?

Well, fashion photographers know the importance of having clothes highlighted in the picture. So, they tend to emphasize it a little bit more than the others. This is something that you need to do as well. Make sure that you give proper effort when it comes to highlighting the clothes and outfits that are in the shoot of yours.

The poses can be a great help in that. While posing, you need to ensure that the details in the outfit are not obstructed by any other thing that is present in the image. Avoid using the background or the props that would take the focus away from the clothes and the outfits.

#10. Proper Flow For The Outfit

We all know that pictures are as static as they can be. So, showing the amazing texture of the outfit in the fashion photographs can be a bit difficult, to be honest. However, when you don’t have the movement in the outfit, it can turn out to look stiffer and might not catch the eye of the viewers as well.

So, as an experienced fashion photographer, you need to ensure that all the smoothness and the textures of the clothes are properly depicted in the pictures that you take.

But how on earth are you going to do that in the first place?

Well, what we would recommend is that you try and create a movement in the photograph. Maybe having the model run or spin can help in that. You need to create the perfect flow for the dress that the model is wearing. Just when you think the motion is perfect, make the click and we are pretty sure that it will be an amazing one for sure.

#11. Glam Up the Photos

The last touch and MUST Re-Touch is another step to work on. Image Editing! Yes, creating pictures from your shoot isn’t easily. You need to go back to the best clicked picture of yours to glam up the photos. A little enhancement in your picture work wonders with fashion photography. A perfect photo demands image editing that includes color correction, face reshaping, toning up and proper lightning. This can be little difficult for beginner’s photographers. So, do not hesitate to contact experiences post processing services to get the job done at its best.

Final Thoughts

Being a fashion photographer means that you have to pay proper attention to the composition of the picture. With the help of your skills and the tips that we have for you in here, you will be able to create some amazing photographs for the fashion shoot that you have. Just make sure that you have a fresh and unique vision for the photos that you take and everything will be set.

Author Bio

Nayan Chowdhury, copywriter and graphic designer. Best known for his work in image editing and photography. He is keen to mingle with retailers and photographers.