Hic 06 Fashion

Archive for the ‘fashion show’ Category

Photographing a fashion show is a lot of fun but there are steps to follow before you get on the riser and join the rest of the press photographers.

First and foremost, you want to make sure you’ve identified the event, and by this I mean research as to what typically takes place at the event you will be covering. Perhaps a place to start is the event’s website. Images from previous events host by the same title in previous years or events hosted by the same production company. This will help you formulate an idea for how things will go that day. Needless to say, there are times where all preparation goes down the drain and you must improvise on the spot.

Once you’ve gathered as much information about the event and, if you are lucky, have gotten some glances as to what is to come you may want to start selecting the gear you will be using for the event. This will take multiple determining factors such as lighting, distance, speed, and post production needs.

It is typical that Fashion Shows are at night, yet their main purpose is to showcase a line of clothes. Most of the time designers choose a very well lit venue or location to showcase their garments and “most of the time” there is no need for an added flash. A hot shoe flash unit is helpful for the coverage of the event where the models are getting ready (make up and dressing up, etc.).

Be sure that if time is permitted to cover the “getting ready” portion of the event you have allotted enough time to return and secure a favorable spot on the riser. There are times where the space on the Press/Media riser is limited and overload of photographers or cameramen are forced to move to less desirable areas where direct sight is limited or impossible.

On the riser space, once again, is limited and most people that secure a spot are strong about protecting their territory. Be respectful and courteous to others line of sight.

For fashion shows it is important to achieve the best “white balance” possible. If a fashion show is coordinated by a seasoned production company, there will be a press conference where designers will meet and greet the press. This segment wasn’t just designed to meet and greet the designers but also to make sure lighting scenarios are tested and a “while balance card” is displayed for photographers to adjust their gear accordingly.

Once the show starts, I typically adjust my camera settings to approximately: f.5.6-7.0 1/250 at about 800-1600 ISO. I tend to shoot fashion shows at JPEG + Raw in order to de-mark and process images quicker. The final selection will make it to my clients in high-res. The rest is eliminated. I tend to make any image selection during the show because I simply can’t trust a 3.5inch screen, I rather see everything from a monitor.

As a marketing tool, I upload my images over to Facebook and share them with the models, designers, production company. I watermark them for copyright protection and allow them to purchase the images they like.

I hope this brief article is helpful to those interested in Fashion Show Photography. If you have any questions I may be contacted via Facebook.

Are you going to be organizing a fashion show? There are lots of things to consider for pulling off a mammoth task like this and much attention to detail is needed. Ok, so you may not have to consider every little detail like pest control services for a termite problem that would be taking it too far as those tasks need to be handled by others. However, there is a lot to consider and it can be a very rewarding job if you get it right.

First up there is the budget to think about. Initially, you will need to set the budget and consider which types of sponsors you would like at the event. Do not leave this until the end; make it a first priority and start approaching company’s from the get-go.

The venue needs to be considered, and in doing so, think about the type of show you are going to be holding. Is it a young and funky show or something aimed at pleasing older people? Think about these things and the types of people attending when making the decision on where to hold it. Also, consider transport and the needs of the attendees.

The theme is a major deal with a fashion show as well. It can make or break a show. Once that has been decided, the music, decorations, how many visitors will be attending, the layout of the seating and the types of models needed all need to be thought about.

Space for after the show will also need to be made before the show starts to allow a place to serve drinks at the end of the show. In addition to this, the space where the models prepare for the show has to be large enough to house a certain amount of people.

Invitations will need to be sent out and there needs to be enough time put aside so that the invitations can be chosen, created and sent out.

Advertising must be made prior to the event to make sure enough people are aware the show is coming up and to ensure they keep their schedules free for the event. When you are scheduling a date for the show, it is important to check to make sure there are no other significant events happening on the same night, you do not want to be competing with an equally as popular show.

Every detail when planning and organizing an event is equally important. If one thing does not flow, it can cause or sorts of disharmony throughout the planning process, not to mention the event itself. Before you start absolutely anything for the show preparations, get out your pen and paper and draw yourself a mind map. Start with a large circle in the center and put the name of the show you will be holding. From there, draw lines extending out from the circle and at the end of those lines put the main category name in each circle. Then add lots of words to each of those circles that directly relate to each of them. This little map will be a great start to any show.