Plan for Specialist Location

For this brief, I plan on doing a fashion shoot. I have chosen fashion because it is something I am very interested in. I enjoy putting outfits together and I'd like to photograph some different looks. I'm familiar on how to pose models to show off the clothes in the best way . When photographing fashion, the intention is usually to sell the clothes. The stylist would put outfits together that match well, so that the consumer is likely to buy more than one item or maybe even the whole outfit.

As summer commences, people are preparing for the summer festivals, buying camping gear, wellies, sunglasses and suitable clothing. There seems to be a certain 'look' for festival goers which is sometimes quite quirky and creative. In fashion magazines or online shops, there is sometimes a 'festival look book' section with clothes and accessories that fit in with this 'look'. I plan to shoot images that could be used in magazines or online in the festival section. The images could also be used for a model's portfolio to show potential employers.

I will shoot outside in natural surroundings, just using natural light as opposed to in a studio with studio lights because festivals are usually outside in a field or rural area, so this will add to the festival feel. With the shoot being outside, I will need to consider weather and the time of day to get the correct lighting. I think the best time to shoot will be late afternoon/early evening when the sun is setting ('the golden hour'). I will need to work quite quickly due to the changing light conditions, so I plan to go to my chosen location to have a walk round and look for suitable places to shoot. I will also make a plan of some potential poses that I could use. Both of these things will help me to use the time more efficiently. 

 

Because I will be shooting in a woodland area, I will need to think about the light and which direction it is coming from, because if the light is coming directly from above and all around, it can be quite unflattering and will create dark shadows under the eyes. Therefore I won't have the model looking directly at the camera in this kind of light. However, if there are trees around and the light is only coming through certain areas, I will position the model so that the light is directing towards her. I would move her back enough so that the light gets blocked from above and the light comes directly from in front.  I will also look for areas that will frame my images well, such as rows of trees that create a kind of tunnel. 

My model will be my friend Donna because she has quite a strong, quirky look and she owns a lot of the clothing that we can use, as well as my own. It is important to make the model feel comfortable in a photoshoot and build a rapport with them. Even though I already know Donna, she may feel uncomfortable in front of the camera as she has never modelled before. This may show in the images, so it is my job to make her feel comfortable and relaxed and communicate well with her. I will pose her in a few different ways but also get some very natural shots as well to get a variety. 

I will need an assistant, mainly to control the reflector that I will be using as a fill light, but also to help carry bags of clothes and equipment. 

Even though I would like to try shooting this with film, I am going to stick with what I know because of the time scale I have.

Equipment I will use:

• Canon EOS 500D
• 24-70mm lens
• tripod
• reflector
• wireless trigger
• charged batteries
• empty SD card

If the weather doesn't go to plan, I will need an alternative place to shoot. I am thinking of going to an old run down army base that I know of near Warrington because I think it is quite a good location for a fashion shoot. However, it doesn't really fit in with my festival theme so I may have to re-think what kind of fashion to shoot. The location is important with fashion photography because the background can really emphasise the model and the clothes. If the location is quite grungy but the clothes contrast with this, it makes them stand out.

My aim is to produce 10 final images that I will display in print form. I want the chosen images to contain a variety of poses and fashion looks, whilst at the same time ensuring that they all fit well together as a set.

Here is my presentation that I presented to the group.