Fashion
is one of the most creative and artistic niches of photography. Over
the past several decades, the world’s best fashion photographers have
paved the way and defined this industry with their own style and vision. The Best Fashion Photographers & What We Can Learn From ThemIf you’re an aspiring fashion photographer, it’s important to learn from iconic fashion photographers.
Not only will their work inspire you, but it will also provide you with immense knowledge and insight into this creative field.
So,
if you’re looking to learn more about fashion photography, read on.
We’ll look at some of the best fashion photographers and what lessons
they can teach us.
The Best Fashion Photographers
Richard Avedon
An American fashion and portrait photographer who started out as an advertising photographer in 1944. Avedon was quickly scoped out by individuals in the fashion industry.
Richard is a pioneer of the fashion niche, with works that are both timeless and recognizable.
In his New York Times obituary, it read that:
“His fashion and portrait photographs helped define America’s image of style, beauty and culture for the last half-century.”
For some of his fashion-focused campaigns, he photographed:
Kate Moss and Aya Thorgren for Versace
Stephanie Seymour for Comme des Garcons
Suzy Parker for Dior
Audrey Hepburn for Maxim’s Paris
So, what can we learn for the work of Richard Avedon?
Avedon’s
work is unmistakable. His visual eye and composition skills are
exhibited when he captures his subject in front of the lens. Avedon’s
images are full of emotion, personality and movement. All in all, when
you look at Avedon’s work – it makes you feel connected and compelled by
what he has created.
Avedon once said, “My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph.”
This perfectly describes what we can learn from him as a fashion photographer.
Rather
than just focusing on what your subject brings to the image, think
about how you can showcase your identity in your work. Use your subject
as a blank canvas and capture an image that is a reflection of who you
are.
The best images have deeper meanings and purpose. So you
should use Avedon’s internalization as inspiration and apply your own
thoughts, emotions and experiences within your fashion photography. Related Post: Best Cameras for Fashion Bloggers
Helmut Newton
Born in 1920 in Berlin, Germany, Newton was an Australian-German photographer.
As
a fashion photographer, Newton went on pushing societal boundaries,
opting for more erotic imagery and capturing nudity. Despite this,
Helmut Newton’s work was frequently published in publications like
Vogue, among others.
Newton’s
work defied conventionality. He never played it safe. Instead, he
created images that tested limits and provoked the world.
By
incorporating nudity, sexuality and femininity, Newton showcased women
in a liberating light and redefined the standard of models. His black
and white images are complex and beautiful – just like his subjects.
From
him, we can learn that with fashion photography, it’s okay to take
risks. By that, we mean that it’s okay to go beyond set boundaries. You
should always have your own style.
He also teaches us that edge
and mood can change the entire concept of an image. By daring us to look
past the simplicity of our subjects, we can find a picture worth
creating. A snapshot with an emotion worth crafting through our visual
viewpoint. Related Post: Boudoir Photography (History, Photographers, and Tips)
Annie Leibovitz
Someone active in our current era, Leibovitz is an American portrait photographer. She is known for her portraits of celebrities and works with several high fashion magazines including Vanity Fair.
Her notable fashion images include subjects such as:
Kate Moss for American Vogue
Sophia Loren
Alice in Wonderland, Donatella Versace
Demi Moore
Jennifer Lawrence for Vogue
Kirsten Dunst for Vogue
What can Annie Leibovitz teach us?
Everyone
wants to be able to shoot and capture images like Annie Leibovitz. So
much so, that young photographers have attempted to emulate her style
for many years. Yet, despite this push for similarity – the most
important thing we can take away from Annie’s work is the pursuit of
originality.
It can be hard to determine your own aesthetic and
style. Especially in today’s world of saturated media. But, Leibovitz’s
work teaches us that it’s possible to find your own voice and identity
through your subjects. And that, no matter what, your own representation
will surpass any form of imitation.
Leibovitz’s work is her own.
This is something that we, too, should work towards. An individual
identity. For this, we need to identify and utilize our unique style and
perspective in every single image.
Tim Walker
Tim Walker
is a photographer who pushes the definitions of fashion photography,
opting for more surreal images. He regularly shoots for magazines such
as Vogue, W and Love.
Some of his most memorable images include subjects such as:
Rhea Durham
Elizabeth Moses
Codie Young
Karen Elson
Edie Campbell
Walker’s images are marked with a heightened sense of imagination and whimsicalness. In other words, his works represent an alternative viewpoint on the world. One that gives us a feeling of nostalgia and curiosity.
What can we learn from Walker?
The
out of the ordinary nature of Walker’s images provides us with a key
teaching. We can’t be afraid to produce bigger, stranger and more
complex images.
His work represents creativity at its finest. And
this is something that should inspire us to go out and craft photographs
that defy the limits.
His work shows us that vision is rewarded in the photography world.
Walkers
style teaches us to break the mold. So, be the artist you want to be.
Go and develop a truly unique perspective and you will be applauded for
your ingenuity.
Steven Meisel
Born in 1954, Meisel is an
American fashion photographer. Known for his images for both US and
Italian Vogue as well as photographs of Madonna in her book, Sex.
His notable works include:
Venus in Furs
State of Emergency
The Discipline of Fashion
Face the Future
During
his career, he has worked with names such as Naomi Campbell and Laura
Mercier. His numerous covers for Vogue and W magazine have earned him a
spot of one of the most famous fashion photographers, today.
In his fashion images, Meisel is not only creative but conversational. He aims to capture images that speak to a higher meaning.
From
this, we learn that we can use fashion photography as an outlet for
expression. We can draw attention to larger ideas and causes. And, in
effect, utilize our images as a catalyst for awareness.
He pushes
us to understand that fashion photography is more than just beauty and
glamour. But, is about the way we understand and experience our society
and culture.
Patrick Demarchelier
Demarchelier is a French
fashion photographer who captures more clean-cut images of his fashion
subjects, both in the studio and out on the streets.
Patrick’s works are published in the following:
His
style is very clean and crisp, with an attention to composition and
framing. He truly understands how to capture his subjects creatively.
What can we learn from Demarchelier?
It’s
apparent that Demarchelier’s style is versatile. He understands how to
capture his subject in the studio as well as on location and within
society.
His photographs are a representation of fierce females
with beauty and grace. By mixing portraits and full-body compositions,
his spreads are a representation of the editorial design.
From his
work, we can learn how to capture and create the best possible fashion
spread. This involves taking notes of his perspective, editing and
framing. Through this, we can understand the style of today’s magazines.
His work is the perfect mix of both mood and style – making him a fashion photographer worthy of recognition and praise.
Best Fashion Photographers: Closing Thoughts
As
you can see, these photographers have defined the fashion world with
their unique vision and creativity. From published editorials to
advertising campaigns, their work is admired around the world.
By
analyzing and better understanding their work, we too can learn a few
key tips on how to elevate our images and become creative, successful
fashion photographers.
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