The profession of fashion photographer covers many areas.
During our initial contact, I need to understand and grasp the context in which a fashion brand conceived and created a collection. This discovery phase is essential because the artistic direction of the photoshoot stems from this information.
If the brand's inspirations are multiple, it is necessary to determine whether or not it is possible to synthesize the creative axes of the collections.
At this stage, my role is also to say what is feasible and what isn't. It's always better to be honest than to realize on the day of the shoot that there's an artistic incompatibility.
The fashion photographer must stage the shot(s).
Personally, I really enjoy working on creative concepts that allow for a visual understanding of the entire direction of a photoshoot through drawings, location scouting photos, and concept art. This way, everyone involved in the photoshoot can clearly see how it will unfold in advance.
This moodboard discusses all of the following subjects:
- Model style
- Choice of location
- Filming authorization requests
- Décor
- Poses and expressions
- Hair
- Makeup
- Retouching
Along with this creative work, it is necessary to draw up a corresponding estimate. This involves determining precisely and exhaustively the costs relating to photo production. The list of positions is very important and for example, the model budget includes her shooting days, but also travel days (travel time during which she cannot work), her transport, her visa, etc. accommodation, insurance, and rights relating to the use of its image to promote a brand (taking into account the time of use of the images and the promotional materials used).
It is also necessary to manage all the logistics, in order to ensure that on the day "D" the people and the equipment are present at the shooting location.
The objective of such an organization is to ensure that during the photo shoot, all energies are entirely focused on the artistic direction.
When the photo shoot is finished, the fashion photographer's work focuses on the final retouching and delivery of the images to their client within the specified timeframe.
This meticulously planned organization can still encounter unforeseen circumstances. A model might miss their flight, the photography equipment might malfunction… it then becomes necessary to find solutions to ensure the fashion photographer fulfills their commitments to the brand.
