How to shoot next-level fashion photography on your iPhone

 

When it comes to fashion photography, you might not think of your iPhone as the greatest camera to use. However, your iPhone features a versatile, high-quality camera that is ideal for casual fashion shoots. Whether you're shooting clothes for your small business, documenting a fresh look for Instagram, or simply having fun, the best camera is the one you have with you! Here are some of our greatest iPhone fashion photography tips.

What is fashion photography?

Fashion photography is a type of photography that focuses on clothing or accessories. Fashion photography is most commonly utilized by publications and apparel firms, although it is also used by Instagrammers, models, and small businesses. While Vogue may not use iPhones for professional photoshoots, smartphone photography is completely fine for the majority of fashion assignments.

The 4 types of fashion photos

So you're ready to dive into the world of iPhone fashion photography but don't know where to start. You could find it useful to learn about the many forms of fashion photography and select one that fits your unique style. The four major types of fashion photography are described below.

1. Product photography is another term for catalog photography. The main goal of a fashion session like this is to sell garments or accessories. Yes, a model is used for catalog photos, but the clothes is more prominent than the person wearing it.
2. If the idea of preparing a dazzling fashion session appeals to you, consider the realm of high fashion photography, where every detail of the shoot is managed and groomed. Because great fashion photography comprises carefully picked models, hairstyles, clothing, cosmetics, and locations, iPhone photographers rarely utilize it. If you're going to invest the time and money preparing for a high fashion session, you should probably have a high-quality camera to go with it.
3. Street fashion photography: Street photography and fashion photography complement each other quite well, particularly for the casual iPhone photographer. Street fashion shots frequently include ordinary people dressed in ordinary apparel. As a result, you won't need to bother as much about fancy hair or cosmetics. This is also a popular type of photography for Instagram influencers.
4. Want to convey a story with your fashion photos? Try editorial fashion photography. Editorial fashion shots are frequently part of a larger concept. While clothes and accessories are significant, the person wearing them and what they are doing are the major emphasis. Instagram influencers use editorial fashion pictures to highlight the person or company they are spotlighting. If you are focusing on a pair of hiking boots, for example, you would schedule your fashion shoot on a hiking trail in the mountains.

Fashion photography tips for a home shoot

If you want to be able to control every aspect of your fashion shoot, you should definitely start by designing a setup that you can utilize at home. At-home fashion sessions are ideal for catalog photography, when catching items in good light takes precedence over the setting.

Any area in your house can serve as the backdrop for your fashion session. Alternatively, you can create a home studio with the necessary backdrop and lighting. Your photography approach and the image you want to achieve will influence how you build your at-home setting. Here are some fashion photography ideas for the do-it-yourselfer.

Tip 1: Invest in portable lighting to use at home

When shooting fashion photography, lighting is critical. And, if you want to take clean, stand-out photographs, you'll need to use an artificial light setup. We propose beginning with a mono light, which may be used as either a high-powered flash or a lamp, depending on the appearance you want. For most fashion shoots, a single light source should suffice. This Neewer Professional Studio Flash Monolight can be used with or without an umbrella to direct the light.

Tip 2: Buy or create neutral backdrops to reduce clutter in your photos

Unless you are staging your fashion pictures in an empty room with plain walls, your background will be the most critical piece of equipment you utilize. Backdrops for studio photography can be purchased. You can also get creative and make your backdrop out of large pieces of fabric. A 12-foot backdrop is plenty for most full-body fashion photographs, with around 4 feet extra to drape on the floor. Using wall hooks in your studio, you can effortlessly hang numerous backdrops. This is significantly more convenient than attempting to set up your background on a stand.

Tip 3: Use a tripod and a remote shutter for sharp photos

Your fashion photography images must be clear and in focus. The best technique to avoid fuzzy shots is to mount your iPhone on a tripod and utilize a remote shutter. Joby's little tripods can be utilized on a counter or a table, making them both portable and versatile. Use a remote shutter to further decrease the possibility of out-of-focus photographs. After you've framed your image, you won't need to touch your screen at all.

Tip 4: Use unconventional camera angles

Here's a quick tip that will set your fashion photos distinct from the crowd. Find a unique camera angle that showcases your subject and the clothes you want to emphasize. The majority of images are taken from eye level, which is the perspective we all have when we look at the environment every day. That means you may quickly change things up by getting low or high in order to photograph your subject from an unusual angle. We promise that even shooting from the hip will provide a somewhat different and more intriguing perspective.

Tip 5: Create movement in your photos

Photographing clothing is enjoyable since the fabric can drape, flow, and rustle as your model moves. The spectator will feel as if they are a part of the picture if that movement is captured. Begin by instructing your model to move slowly and purposefully in accordance with how the clothes they are wearing make them feel. Long, flowing dresses and skirts have more movement than skinny pants. The idea, though, is to depict the outfit in action. You may also add some movement to your model's clothing and hair by using a little fan.

How to shoot outdoor fashion photography with an iPhone

Outdoor fashion shoots are ideal for all forms of fashion photography, as long as you take the time to select a suitable site and plan ahead for plenty of natural light. Here are some outdoor photoshoot fashion photography ideas.

Tip 1: Scout locations for your fashion shoot ahead of time

One of the most enjoyable aspects about outdoor fashion photos is how inventive you can be with your locations. Choosing the ideal setting for your shoot, from gritty graffiti walls to alpine vistas, is half the fun! Choose a location that complements the apparel and accessories you're photographing. Go rogue and shake things up by photographing evening wear on the banks of a river or a bikini on a high-rise balcony. On your phone, keep a running list of your favorite locales. You'll never run out of cool locations for fashion shots this way.

Tip 2: Get out early or stay out late

There are various advantages to scheduling photoshoots in the early morning or late evening. If you get out early enough, you can avoid being distracted by too many people when taking shots. Sunrise is ideal for urban fashion photography. You'll capture the sun's golden rays as well as a new, tranquil, and controlled street scene.

Another alternative is to go out after sunset to capture unusual night photographs using city lights. If your iPhone has a Night mode capability, it will perform an excellent job at capturing your subject in low light. Use a tripod for night photography and ask your model to move as little as possible.

Tip 3: Use a reflector to direct sunlight

Natural lighting is one of the best methods to highlight the clothing you're photographing. A reflector will assist you in directing sunlight where it is most needed. There are various options for orienting your model in reference to the sun and a reflector:

• Position your model with the sun behind them. Then use the reflector to bounce the light back onto them.
• Position the reflector underneath your subject so that the light bounces upward to eliminate deep shadows.
• If you find yourself in dappled shade, you can use a reflector to even out the light source. Simply place the reflector in front or partially in front of the sun so that the light is blocked.

Tip 4: Use Portrait mode for a softer background

One of the most appealing aspects of shooting with a DSLR is the ability to adjust the aperture for a shallow depth of field. Simply put, this means narrowing the focus area so that the background is soft while the main subject is sharp. Portrait mode on your iPhone can help you get this effect. It's also an excellent method to lessen a cluttered background during a fashion photo.

Tip 5: Bring along props to make your fashion photography more interesting

You will most likely wish to photograph one or more clothes or accessories during your fashion session. While your chosen pieces should be the focal point of your fashion photography, certain other props will help tell your story or add intrigue to your shot. Bring a variety of hats, umbrellas, and scarves. Consider what objects your models can hold throughout the session and how you might include props into your photos.

Fashion photography is simple to learn but challenging to master. Take a lot of shots, experiment with different camera angles, and immerse yourself in the world of fashion to improve your talents as a fashion photographer.