Flip through any amateur fashion photography site and you’ll quickly discover that a lot of the work is just pretty girls in casual clothes. It seems that much of this “photography” is not so much about the clothes but about the girls. In this article, we will discuss the causes of this phenomenon and answer the question: what is fashion photography really?
When I started fashion photography, I always worked with models wearing clothes. It took me at least a few years to try any form of nudity in my work. Even then, it’s awkward and the photography experience isn’t enjoyable. However, other ads start with a photo of a “sexy bra girl”. This has polarized the photography community for years now. To what extent is “sexy bra girl” fashion photography? I think not; in fact, I think that is one of the biggest reasons behind the stigma against “fashion photographers”.
The majority of amateur fashion photographers have nothing to do with real fashion photography. The main reason to do such a job is that the possibility of meeting a sexy girl and going out with her afterwards is far-fetched. I’ve personally known people who ask girls for photo shoots just because they want them to have sex.
Usually, these are people who claim that they can’t work if their subject is not sexy or attractive. Sorry, but, if anything screams “amateur hour”, it has to be this. One of the things that separates hobbyists from professionals is that a professional can love almost any subject they have in front of them. Just look at Plato’s Putin image. Even at the time of his photograph, Putin had a terrible human rights record. Despite being a human rights advocate, Platon still photographed Putin, like a true professional photographer.
I believe it was Peter Lindbergh who said that when the model was on set, he loved her, but as soon as the camera was off, he was no longer in love. It’s hard to shoot a subject that you don’t love, respect, or admire in one way or another. However, a true professional can find something interesting in everyone. If you struggle with this, I highly recommend you take a look Peter Hurley’s Headshot Course Available in Our Store. We have created a section that searches for interesting facial features on human faces, which will help you a lot in this. It is not easy; It comes with practice.
Claiming to be a fashion photographer if what you’re doing is just taking pictures of pretty girls in sexy outfits is wrong. The entry point to this market segment is practically non-existent. All you need is some basic YouTube lighting setup, some cameras and lights, and you’re good to go. Be aware of the fact that there is no money in this. While I personally don’t like this type of fashion photography, I won’t judge you if you do. Be honest with your needs from all of this. I say you are free to do whatever you want as long as it’s legal, but let’s call it something else, not fashion.
For the rest of us who want to improve and become true fashion photographers, the first thing to do is to stop taking pictures in the “camera club”. This is the time when you have to open your mind to absorb new information.
What is fashion photography really?
There’s a lot of content on YouTube that claims to be “fashionable,” when in fact it isn’t. Many of these videos are recognizable by their style. The makeup is often something inspired by a 2009 post on DeviantArt, the lighting is a three-light setup from YouTube, and the skin is so plastic it can kill sea turtles.
What you should watch are behind-the-scenes videos from major fashion houses and magazines. There is a lot of this content. I would recommend creators like Ian Hippolyte, BTS video from Vogue magazine, Lara Ngocetc. Another great way to see beautiful fashion photos is to check out websites like model.com. Since the gatekeepers are protecting the platform, the content on it is much more subtle and “real”. 
Fashion photography is really about fashion. However, that doesn’t mean nudity and sexiness have no place in it. However, there is a big difference between a picture belonging to Playboy and Marie Claire (even in their nude issue). Nudity itself is just that. However, if it is elevated and there is a meaning behind it, it becomes something more. Another reason for nudity in fashion photography is that it is perhaps one of the best ways to draw attention to an item of clothing or accessory. Both nude men and women have a place in true fashion photography. Take a look at some of Tom Ford’s campaigns and the work of Steven Klein and Steven Meisel.
Unfortunately, fashion photography also has a dark and disgusting side, and dozens if not hundreds of instances of legal misconduct from all sides are not uncommon. Some nudity is not consent and models are sometimes forced to do so, especially at the beginning of their careers. Photographers who take advantage of models in such a way not only damage their reputation, but also the reputation of the industry. While there’s nothing wrong with two people meeting on set and falling in love because they like each other, there’s nothing wrong with one party abusing their power to get an intimate relationship.
Stop thinking
Real fashion photography is far from sexy girl photography. Personally, my favorite models are far from traditional beauty standards. When casting for personal projects, probably the last thing I look for is how sexy the model is. Sure, there was a time when I had to choose someone based solely on their bust size, however, that was an exception.
Be true to your intentions when it comes to fashion photography. If all you want to do is take pictures of sexy girls and they’ll do whatever you want, go for it! But for the rest of us who want real fashion photography, this is not the way.
