A beauty product photographer and cosmetic photographer do take product shots but that’s where the similarity ends. Photographing cosmetics and beauty products involves a great deal more artistic handling than the basic photo shoots for tools, electronic equipment or even jewelry. The image of beauty and cosmetic merchandise must convey a sense of ethereal resplendence. This isn’t about the cream or perfumes itself; it’s about the emotion derived from the product.
The beauty product photographer must capture more than the shape of the bottle just as the cosmetic photographer isn’t trying to just keep the jar of face cream in frame. The essence of beauty and health product photography is about creating pictures that elicit love, passion and vibrancy. For these kinds of projects, getting the right staging is paramount.
Usually the Art Director will come with the set design but may rely on the beauty product photographer for assistance. Be sure that your set up allows for proper lighting and room for you to move. Not everything is a straight –front and center shot. Also be wary of having too much “stuff” in the set up. An over abundance of props can often take away from the product instead of enhancing it. Less is often more.
The top fashion photographer is one that will understand how to get the most out their equipment and their model. A professional fashion photographer will not only be an expert with lighting, clothing prep and staging environments but they will also be part camp counselors, task master and daddy. For the moment let’s talk about the photography side.
The job of the fashion photographer is to create illusion. Everything comes into play during a fashion shoot. The set up, the clothes, hair, make up, the model and of course the lighting. Each of these elements is based upon the image you wish to convey. Is this an art piece or a straight catalog shoot? Will the look lean towards a surreal appeal or something hard and edgy, color or black and white? Every little detail of the over all look needs to be thought out and planned. A fashion photographer may seize upon the moment but the surrounding from where he/she shoots is well choreographed.
In order to make the magic happen the pro fashion photographer will use a well stocked bag of tricks. For those just starting out, buying or even renting complete kits can save time and money and make you look the pro even if it’s the first time. The only problem with a kit is that is has predetermined equipment from the manufacture based on what they think is needed. Although the savings in cash is attractive, some times going ala carte to get exactly what you want is best in the long term.
Get the most powerful mono lights you can afford plus the requisite stands, light boxes, umbrellas, barn doors (which should come with your lights but may not) and a good flash meter. Because most studio equipment isn’t designed for the outdoors, buy some heavy sand bags to keep your stuff on the ground. You’ll also need a strobe light to keep those energetic models from blurring and a “bounce” reflector to help keep the light balanced.
As a beginning fashion photographer don’t let all the equipment choices make you crazy. Start with the basics and as you gain experience you’ll be able to add to your toys based on what you really need and not on what is the latest tech.
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