Fashion photographers can create magic in a studio with the help of different setup and lighting. Some photographers feel more in control in a studio since different effects can be created which may not always be possible in an outdoor shoot.
However, studio fashion photography requires a lot of pre-production preparation. It is very different than outdoor photography where a natural scene can be clicked. In a studio on the other hand, a scene or an effect needs to be created.
Apart from having technically advanced equipment, the studio needs to be equipped with props and other materials so that various kinds of backgrounds can be created. The ceiling of the studio should be at 13-14 feet height to avoid the cramped look. All the other facilities required for models and other artists to work in the studio should also be present.
Different kind of fabrics can be used in the background to match the theme of your shoot. You could use net, white fabric or satin to create effects. However, the clothes of the model should not merge with the background. They should be the focus.
Props can also be used. You could use a chair or a pillar on which the model can lean or even a mirror. Mirror as a prop creates a story in the photograph.
When we talk about lighting in a fashion photography studio setup, the photographer has various options. Lights can create different moods in a photograph. Also keep in mind the angle from which the light is falling on the model so that no shadows are created unless intentional.
The basic lighting system a studio can have is the three – point lighting system. It has the core three lights – key light, fill light and back light. The key light lights up one side of the model. The fill light is placed in at a longer distance and diminishes the shadows. The back light makes the model stand out from the background.
Warm lights or cool lights can be used based on the color temperature required for the shoot. Make sure that lighting bulbs, stands and other lighting equipment is available. You can also have a part of the studio where there is natural sunlight giving you the option to use it when required.
To get a warm glow on the model, a sheet can be hung on either the right or left side of the model and beam of light should pass directly through the sheet. This will diffuse the light from extremely bright and will give the model a smooth appearance. If the key light is too bright, reflectors can be used.
Fashion photography is all about clothes and beauty. The lighting and setup should always work together so that the essence of fashion photography studio shoot is not lost.