Photography is a crucial part of today’s digital marketing. Most major fashion and clothing brands spend massive amounts on hiring professional photographers and models for their marketing shoots. The goal is to create an inspiring image that compels shoppers to buy the attire.
Whether you are a fashion designer or an enthusiast who likes sharing what’s new in the fashion industry, mastering clothing photography can be a game-changer. But how do you go from a novice to a pro photographer?
Invest in Quality Lighting
Light adds life to photography. Knowing how to use light can elevate the quality of your clothing photography. Natural light is always the best. We recommend investing in bounce cards or reflectors for better shots when using natural light in your photos.
Relying on the sun means that you can only shoot during the day. How about buying soft-boxes that mimic natural light? Research and experiment with different light options. Learn about color temperatures and how they affect the final shots.
Find the Perfect Background
Clothing photography is about telling a story while complimenting your brand identity. Choosing the perfect backdrop will add more detail to the images. You also want to have a uniform look on all pictures, especially if you plan to use them on your website.
White and grey backgrounds deliver a minimalist and classic aesthetic. They are perfect if you want the intricate details to take center stage. But you don’t have to use just white or black backdrops.
Explore your creative mind and try out different backdrops. For example, you can use a stained wooden pallet to add a rustic touch to the shots. Brightly-colored backgrounds deliver a more sophisticated image that’s perfect for marketing high-end dresses.
Remember, your backdrop shouldn’t overpower the dress, shorts, or suit in the shot.
Tell a Story Using Angles
Shots at different angles will add more perspective to your clothing photography. You can go the old-school route of taking all shots at the same position. However, you will end up with a monotonous look on your website, which can be boring.
Try different angles to capture the garment’s best features. For example, try taking close-up shots, showcasing the tiny details on the buttons or collar.
You can also use models or mannequins to add more life to the images. Models can be expensive and can steal the attention of the attire. You will also incur extra expenses by hiring a stylist and makeup artist for the models.
Ghost mannequin photography will help you showcase the clothes in 3D. Your customers can envision how the blouse, shirt, or skirt will look on them. The only downside of ghost mannequin photography is that editing can be challenging.
Post-Production: Adding Final Touches
Excellent clothing photography doesn’t require too much editing. However, editing can help you adjust the colors and contrast or make the images black and white. Use the crop tool to refine the composition and remove unwanted elements.
Choose a photo editing tool you are comfortable with and learn how to use it. You don’t have to use premium photo-editing apps. Many freemium apps can help you get the job done without spending a dime.
But don’t get carried away with too much editing. It can make your photos look unrealistic, which will make the customers question your products.
DIY Studio vs. Hiring a Pro Clothing Photographer
The biggest question when running a clothing photography project is whether to invest in a DIY studio or hire a professional photographer. Both options have their pros and cons. Setting up a DIY studio can take time depending on your skill level.
Also, the quality of equipment matters a lot. Good photography phones can do the job, but they cannot compete with high-end DSLR cameras.
Hiring a professional fashion photographer can be cheaper overall and more efficient. Their experience will add more value to your overall shots. They will also offer help on angles, props, and lighting.
Summing Up
Clothing photography can take your business to higher levels. Studies show that using stock images on your website can hurt your SEO and search engine results ranking. Original product photographs add more authority to your brand.
If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can set up a studio in your office or bedroom. However, if you want a more professional look in your shots, hiring a photographer is the best option. Ensure that you discuss project deliverables and your brand identity. Also, get a written contract to avoid misunderstandings about payments and image rights.