Fashion photography has always been unique and now is a big thing. Fashion magazines are taking over and on billboards all over the world we can see models posing with the hottest clothes and accessories. To become a great fashion photographer however, you need to have many things in mind. You need to have a clear vision of how you want your photo to turn out and you need to have a team that’s easy to work with and that understands your vision. We asked community member Luigi Scuderi (luigiscuderi) to share his top tips. Here’s Luigi’s Top 7 Fashion Photography Tips.

1. A Sea Of Images

Immerse yourself in the world of images. Only by continuously looking at the work of other photographers, professional or not, you can get an eye for seeing images, a base for the development of your vision. I’m not talking about copying, I’m talking about contamination of ideas. Ideas origin from association, often it’s a free, non-conscious association.

Since I was I child I’m been browsing photos, paintings, collages… I still remember how excited I was when I had the opportunity to get a rare issue of a photo magazine, full of stimulating photos. Now everything is even easier, we live in a world of images, they are everywhere. Now we have Instagram, Facebook, Flickr, Deviantart, just to name a few. Communities like ViewBug are fantastic, you can even focus on a common theme!

We all agree that am image is much more effective than a thousand words. I personally love Pinterest, I can collect images that I find on the web and organize them in boards, it’s a fantastic source for inspiration. I always have a look at boards before I start to organize my next shooting. You never know what association an image can stimulate, sometimes it’s the light that captures your attention, sometimes it’s something completely different from the theme of the image you’re looking at… It’s a right brain work!

2. Let Your Imagination Go

Be certain you have an idea to develop, not just a collection of nice images. Think about a way to differentiate yourself, to tell something new; original. Think in advance what you’re going to record in your images; Imagine. Think of each frame you’re going to take and think as each frame is the only one. Ask yourself: What does the image tell? What do I want the viewer to feel?

3. Plan Your Shooting Carefully

A good photo series is the result of much time spent in planning. Once you have in mind an idea (if you have not there’s no need to read further) choose your model(s), the team you need, the location, the lights you’re going to use, the dresses and accessories. Go and visit the location, if you can’t visit, provide to get the best photos you can of the place. Think about what is the right time to be there and what should be the right light. Think about how much space you’ll have, if there are other people you’ll have to deal with, etc.

Think about the images that will have to be taken, those that you think are the most important to take, and write them on a list, in the right order.

4. Sharing Is Caring - And Key To Success
Share with your team the ideas you have in mind, the kind of images you’re going to take, the mood you’re expecting to express. The more they know the more they can help you get the result. I have taken the habit to prepare a mood sheet, with some images that can be of inspiration for everyone. Sometimes this document is prepared together with a stylist, if present.

5. Check It
The day before the shooting check every single component of your equipment, provide that you have plenty of fully charged batteries, for flashguns, triggers, cameras, etc. Collect all the things you are going to use and those you might find helpful in the photo session. If you forget to do this you might vanish months of planning!

6. No Stress

On the day of the shooting be relaxed and focused. If there is a new component of the team, for instance a new model you haven’t worked with before, talk to him/her to ensure the right atmosphere is created for the shooting. Make everyone comfortable and ask if they need something.

Prepare to deal with people and their unique personalities. Most of the times I’ve experienced a great day, and I’ve enjoyed the shooting. That’s, I think, because I’ve given importance to this aspect. And I’ve learnt by my mistakes and experience. And I’ve also been able, over time, to build a network of people I can work with successfully and who like to work with me.

7. Experience, Experience, Experience

Be available to work with non-paid projects when asked by other people or on your initiative. I have started working in new ways, experimenting with TFCD projects. Sometimes I get negative responses, and I respect them, but there’s always a great model, or a great MUA willing to try something new. Of course you have to have an idea to work further on together. There are sites that facilitate the gathering of teams, and I’ve tried many of them. I prefer those where the discussion is at an international level. I’ve made myself available to experience projects with foreign models coming to Rome (where I live) and it’s always been a great opportunity to experience different point of views and working habits.

For more beautiful photos taken by Luigi, visit his profile and website.