Fashion lookbook photographers use various types of equipment to create the iconic captures you see in professional lookbook photography - usually they’ll be using professional equipment and occasionally store photography on celluloid. Aside from professional equipment, fashion lookbook photographers sometimes use consumer devices or photo production equipment.
Models are the faces of fashion lookbooks, with photographers taking the pictures. With professional lookbook photography, getting good angles and shots is key to getting great results. This involves considering the surroundings where the picture is going to be taken and making adjustments to ensure that the model will look their best in the photo.
The most important aspect of getting good angles and shots in professional lookbook photography is the ability to get the best possible lighting. Differing lighting can only make for a less flattering composition. Therefore, a good fashion photographer will always arm themselves with the right lighting kit to complement the lighting inside their chosen shot. Also, it is only proper to apply the lighting while the model is in front of a proper mirror. This will prevent the photographer from seeing improper angles or placing the subject in circumstances where she has to lie flat on her back for example.
The lighting typically used for professional lookbook photography is generally natural daylight to evening light. Natural day light has relatively low lighting levels, whereas evening light has higher levels. Having the subject lay in front of a window where the outside lighting plays is the best way to catch the best angles. By placing the subject in front of a window, the angle that the lighting falls on her chin is the best source of reference for the pose. By lying in front of a window, the lighting will also be preferable to have a better view of the hairstyle from any angle the subject is viewed from.
In professional lookbook photography, it’s important that when the photo is being taken, the camera isn’t shaking and that the model in the shot is standing still so that it doesn’t end up leaving a noticeable blur on the shot. A good fashion photographer will make use of a tripod to keep the camera in place and steady.
Taking care of appearances
When it comes to professional lookbook photography, the model who will be featured in the lookbook will need to take care of their appearance and ensure that they look their best for the pictures. This might involve washing their face, caring for their hair (washing, brushing and styling), changing their clothes, having touch-ups (having teeth whitened, makeup), etc.
For one example, we’ll talk about caring for hair. When it comes to professional lookbook photography, presentation is important and your hair is no exception, especially more so when it comes to long hair. When washing hair, the use of shampoo helps make the hair pretty and shiny, and conditioners help separate the strands of hair and make it easier to manage as well as prevent hair shafts from damage. Some models may also dye their hair with hair colouring. Oxidizer can be used to bleach your hair: The oxidizer discolours your hair and helps the hair absorb the dye. Once this is done, it is time for the hair to be dyed. It is recommended that oxidizers are only used once every ten days.
Bleaching hair with oxidizers and using hair colouring is the most typical way people quickly or accidentally damage their hair. Too much oxidizer can cause damage to the hair such as chips or splits that make it look ugly and that’s not good for professional lookbook photography, so proper care is required for colouring. Hair is best coloured in a salon after getting it conditioned and touched with an oxidizer. The best way to decrease the dead cells on the hair is to make use of a Clarifying Shampoo once in a while as well.
Professional lookbook photography requires proper care, both in taking pictures in the scene and with models ensuring that their appearance is ready for the camera. Take the time to properly take care of yourself everyday.