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9 Clothing Photography Ideas to Get You Inspired (with Pictures)
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Clothing photography can be a great way to make a name for yourself, and with plenty of practice, you might even find a job in this field. However, developing new and exciting ideas can be difficult, leaving you with lackluster photos or feeling unmotivated. If you need help getting out of a slump, keep reading as we provide you with a list of clothing photography ideas to inspire you.
The Top 9 Clothing Photography Ideas to Get You Inspired
1. Black-and-White Images
Photo Credit: MoonRid3r, Pixabay
Black-and-white photographs are a great place to start because the camera does most of your work. Black and white can help add contrast and bring out details that might otherwise get lost. Edges are especially prominent in black-and-white images.
2. Strange Poses
Asking your subject to strike a strange pose can be a great way to bring attention to the clothing that they’re wearing. The pose that your model should strike will depend on the clothes. Odd gestures using the legs will bring attention to that part of the body, while gestures with the arms will move the viewer’s attention up to the top half of the model.
3. Incorporate Outdoor Elements
Photo Credit: Bogdan Denysyuk, Shutterstock
Incorporating outdoor elements into your scene can make your clothing photography seem more natural. Many photographers prefer to work in the studio, where they can control lighting and other factors, but this environment can often be too sterile to bring out the best qualities of some clothing. Bringing in plants, rocks, and other outdoor items can help make the photograph feel more genuine.
4. Mirror Pictures
A mirror can help add quite a bit of depth to your clothing photography. It will also help you see parts of the clothing otherwise not visible, so your viewers will have a complete picture of the clothing. Multiple mirrors can help you create even more unique images, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
5. Strong Background Color
Photo Credit: Dan Meyers, Unsplash
Using a strong contrasting background color can go a long way toward making the clothes stand out so you can capture a better photograph. We recommend using a color wheel to find the contrasting color of any article of clothing that you wish to photograph and placing your model in front of a solid background of that color. This option works best when your model is wearing mostly one-color clothing.
6. Location
The photographer’s studio can be too sterile an environment for some photographs. In many cases, clothing looks better outdoors, and finding a suitable location will help make the clothing stand out.
7. Add Text
Image Credit: Pixabay
If you have a program like Photoshop or GIMP, you can use it to add text and other images to your photo, which can help give it a strong fashion-oriented vibe that many people enjoy.
8. Use Props
Props can make for better pictures, and a favorite is the chair. Different chair styles will help your model get into all kinds of poses, which can help show off the clothing better and produce a stronger image.
9. Use Shadows
Image Credit: ractapopulous, Pixabay
Shadows are relatively easy to create, especially if you’re using an artificial light source, and they can help you take amazing photographs. Casting a shadow on your model can help highlight certain parts of the clothing and direct the viewer’s attention to where you want it most.
Clothing Photography Tips
Take the time to read your camera’s manual to see what it can do. For example, many modern cameras have special features like panoramic shooting or automated group selfies.
Learn how to adjust your camera. For example, changing your shutter speed, ISO, and aperture will help you take better photographs.
Learn how to use lighting, as proper lighting can make a huge difference in your pictures.
Take as many photographs as you can to help sharpen your skills. Change the settings frequently so you can get a feel for what they do. Doing so will also help you learn how to navigate your way to the proper settings more quickly.
Photography is a complex art because there are many variables involved that can affect the finished product. For clothing photography, we recommend starting with black-and-white photographs so you can focus on the design pose and lighting. We also recommend practicing with mirrors because many people want to see the front and back of clothing. The other ideas on this list can help you build on these when you’re ready for something new.
Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.
