Student fashion photography project

[draskol]

I'm a senior in college and one of my friends is a fashion major. She's working on her portfolio or something like that and needs to take pictures of some people modeling clothes that she's designed. She was originally just going to do the shooting herself (with some point and shoot digital camera, no studio, nothing fancy), but then realized that I could do it.

I've never really done anything like this. The closest I've come was in high school, when as seniors a small group of us photographers was assigned to do all of the senior portraits. I had 10 people assigned to me. Back then I was using a regular SLR, an 18-55 (or something similar) lens, and no flash. We didn't have a studio to use, so our teacher told us to shoot in open shade. Most of the photos came out well.

So I have two questions. The first is, if I can't get access to a studio (not that I would really know what to do there anyway), is open shade my best option? Or should I try to arrange indoor lighting somehow to mimic it?

Second, what kind of lens would be best? I currently just have the 18-55 kit lens, but I plan on purchasing a 55-250 lens as well. The 18-55 is f3.5-5.6, while the 55-250 will be f4-5.6. Just to see, I took about my camera just now and set it to 55mm and saw how far away I had to stand to have an entire person in the frame. It was pretty far, but with the longer lens I'd have a wider aperture at this focal length. Which one should I shoot with?

[garncarz]

55-250. make sure there is some distance between your subject and the background, the more the better the blur will be with that kind of aperture. also use the largest aperture possible ie 4. or what ever the camera will allow. remember that portraits are usually equivalent 80mm-300mm but also at 2.8. you can still achieve good background blur with distance from subject and background with your limited aperture settings. remember your camera conversion ratio like 1.6 multiplier if it an rebel xti. so if 50mm it is 80mm in 35mm terms equivalent. also you will probably need external flash because on camera flash is useless. or you will have to depend on the sun. with the sun comes blinking... and lots of it and harsh shadows. try for partly cloudy day and shoot raw to allow for adjustment post processing. use exposure bracketing around +-1ev or 2/3 you may need more or less but make sure you have what you need when you process. do full length and 3/4. be creative. hope this helps.

garncarz

[wannabehorsephotographer]

Open shade all the way - love the stuff! Most of my shots on my flickr are with natural lighting in open shade - yes by far not the best portrait work out there, but I believe it's very acceptable, and you can't hardly go wrong with open shade.
Try a variety of angles and work closely with your friend to make sure the clothing is represented the way she wants - Good luck - my sis is a fashion major so very curious to see the results.

[RexK_Cozumel]

either one really will work. It really depends on the gear that you have. For outdoors you will need one or two off camera strobes and/or reflectors for studio work you need a lot more as far as gear goes. Of course with a studio you have a lot more control over the light. Just remember tho that you are supposed to be showing off the clothing so you might not want a really busy background.

[jdepould]

I would strongly recommend picking up a 5-in-1 reflector for outdoor work, probably 32" or larger, since you're not just doing head shots. A tripod might also be something to consider.

One thing you'll have to consider is how the location works into the "feel" of the brand. Grungy graffiti-covered walls won't work for an elegant dress, but might work for something more urban.

[Mr Guy]

For showing off clothes, her style is important for your choice. You want the setting to match the style. Outdoor shots may not work at all if she's shooting for trendy urban or upscale glamor. Fortunately, clip lights with daylight bulbs with sheets or curtains are a very cheap way to mimic studio lighting with some creativity. You can use the tips on the DPS blog if she's going for more glamor, since evening wear looks good against black.

Basically, the short version of what I'm trying to say is don't feel limited by the lack of "professional" studio space. Professional toys make things easier, but they are absolutely not required!

What's her style?