5 Creative Fashion Photography Concepts for Stunning Shots

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 7 min read

Discover a world of creativity with these five practical fashion photography concepts that will take your shots to the next level. Whether you're a professional or just starting, these ideas will help you explore fashion photography for creative concepts and styling. Let's dive into our first concept: shooting on location.

1. Concept 1: Shooting on Location

Shooting on location adds depth, color, and texture to your fashion photography. It gives your images a sense of story and place, making them stand out from the usual studio shots. Let's explore more about finding the perfect location, outdoor lighting tips, and some suggested spots for your next shoot.

Finding the Perfect Location

When it comes to fashion photography, the right location can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect spot:

Consider the theme or story you want to convey through your images.
Scout locations beforehand and take test shots to see how they work with your concept.
Be aware of local regulations, permits, and fees when shooting in public spaces.
Keep an open mind and be prepared to improvise if your chosen location isn't available or suitable on the day of the shoot.

Tips for Outdoor Lighting

Great lighting can make or break your fashion photography. Here are some outdoor lighting tips to keep in mind:

Shoot during the "golden hour"—the time just after sunrise or before sunset—for warm, soft light.
Use reflectors or diffusers to control harsh sunlight and create even lighting on your subject.
Experiment with backlighting, side lighting, and front lighting to create different moods and effects.
Don't be afraid to use artificial light sources, like strobes or LED panels, to enhance your outdoor shots.

Suggested Locations

Need some inspiration? Here are a few fashion photography examples of location ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Urban settings such as graffiti-covered walls, bustling city streets, or architectural landmarks.
Natural landscapes like beaches, forests, or fields of flowers.
Industrial sites, such as abandoned warehouses or factories, for a gritty, edgy feel.
Unique, quirky spots like amusement parks, vintage shops, or art installations.

With the right location, lighting, and styling, you'll create stunning fashion photography that captures the imagination and showcases your creative vision.

2. Concept 2: Color Blocking

Color blocking is a bold and eye-catching approach to fashion photography that can create striking, memorable images. In this concept, you'll be using contrasting or complementary colors in your wardrobe, props, and backgrounds to make your photos pop. Let's explore how to choose the right colors, create visual impact, and style your shoot with color blocking.

Choosing the Right Colors

Selecting the perfect color combination is crucial for successful color blocking. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colors:

Study the color wheel to understand complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes.
Consider the mood or emotion you want to evoke with your color choices.
Experiment with different color combinations in pre-production to see which work best for your concept.
Don't forget to factor in your model's skin tone, hair color, and makeup when selecting colors.

Creating Visual Impact

Color blocking is all about making a statement. Here are some ways to create a strong visual impact with your fashion photography:

Use bold, contrasting colors to create a sense of depth and dimension in your images.
Play with scale by using oversized props or garments in your shoot.
Experiment with patterns, textures, and materials that add visual interest to your color-blocked images.
Consider using post-production techniques, like color grading, to further enhance the colors in your photos.

Styling Tips for Color Blocking

Styling is key when it comes to color blocking. Here are some fashion photography examples of styling tips to keep in mind:

Choose garments and accessories with clean lines and minimal details to let the colors shine.
Coordinate your model's makeup and hairstyle with the overall color scheme.
Use props and backgrounds that complement or contrast the colors in your wardrobe.
Keep an eye on balance and harmony—too many colors or patterns can overwhelm the image.

Color blocking is a fun and creative way to explore fashion photography for unique concepts and styling. By mastering this technique, you'll create captivating images that stand out from the crowd.

3. Concept 3: Black and White Photography

Black and white photography offers a timeless and classic approach to fashion photography, allowing you to focus on shapes, textures, and contrasts without the distraction of color. Let's delve into the world of monochrome and learn how to work with lighting, create dramatic images, and capture the essence of black and white fashion photography.

Working with Monochrome

When shooting in black and white, it's essential to consider the following factors:

Choose wardrobe pieces with interesting textures, patterns, and shapes to create visual interest.
Pay attention to the contrast between your subject and the background to make your model stand out.
Consider your model's makeup and hair—make sure they work well in black and white.
Experiment with different camera settings, like ISO and exposure, to achieve the desired effect.

Black and White Lighting Tips

Lighting is a crucial aspect of black and white photography. Here are some tips to help you create stunning monochrome images:

Use hard, directional lighting to emphasize shadows and create a dramatic mood.
Experiment with different light sources, like natural light, studio lights, or even streetlights for an urban vibe.
Play with the angle and direction of your light source to achieve various effects.
Consider using reflectors or diffusers to control the intensity and quality of light.

Creating Dramatic Images

To truly capture the essence of black and white fashion photography, strive for drama and emotion in your images. Here are some suggestions:

Encourage your model to express strong emotions through facial expressions and body language.
Experiment with composition and framing to create a sense of tension or movement in your images.
Use post-production techniques, like dodging and burning, to enhance the contrast and drama of your photos.
Don't be afraid to push boundaries and take risks in your creative choices.

Black and white photography offers endless possibilities for creative concepts and styling. By mastering the art of monochrome, you'll create powerful and evocative fashion photography examples that stand the test of time.

4. Concept 4: Vintage-Inspired Shoots

Vintage-inspired shoots are a fantastic way to explore fashion photography for creative concepts and styling. By incorporating elements from the past, you can create unique, nostalgic images that ooze charm and character. Let's take a look at how you can select the right era, style your vintage fashion, and incorporate props and backgrounds to create captivating fashion photography examples.

Selecting the Right Era

Before planning your vintage-inspired shoot, you'll need to choose the era you want to represent. Each decade has its unique fashion trends, so consider the following when making your choice:

Research fashion history to familiarize yourself with the styles and trends from different periods.
Consider the model's look and how their features will complement the chosen era's aesthetics.
Think about the message or story you want to convey with your photos and how the fashion of the chosen era can help you achieve that.

Styling Vintage Fashion

Once you've chosen your era, it's time to style your fashion shoot. Here are some tips for selecting wardrobe pieces and accessories:

Visit vintage stores, thrift shops, or online marketplaces to find authentic clothing and accessories from the chosen era.
Pay attention to details, like fabric, patterns, and silhouettes, to ensure your wardrobe pieces are true to the era's fashion.
Don't be afraid to mix and match pieces from different sources to create a cohesive look.
Consider the model's hair and makeup, making sure they complement the vintage fashion and era.

Incorporating Props and Backgrounds

A vintage-inspired shoot wouldn't be complete without the right props and backgrounds. Here are some ideas to help you create the perfect setting:

Scout locations with period-appropriate architecture or interiors, like historic buildings, museums, or even antique shops.
Use furniture, decorations, and everyday items from the chosen era to create an authentic atmosphere.
Consider using vintage vehicles, like classic cars or bicycles, as props to add a touch of nostalgia to your photos.
Experiment with different lighting techniques to evoke the mood and ambiance of the chosen era.

By combining elements from the past with your creative vision, you can create stunning vintage-inspired fashion photography examples that transport viewers to another time and place. So, why not take a trip down memory lane and see what stylish treasures you can uncover?

5. Concept 5: Conceptual Fashion Photography

Conceptual fashion photography is all about pushing the boundaries and exploring fashion photography for creative concepts and styling. It's an opportunity to tell a story, express an idea, or evoke emotions through your images. Let's dive into how you can develop a unique concept, work with models and teams, and capture the story in your conceptual fashion photography examples.

Developing a Unique Concept

Coming up with an original concept is key to creating captivating conceptual fashion photos. Here are some tips to help you brainstorm ideas:

Look for inspiration in art, movies, music, or literature that resonate with you.
Think about current social or cultural issues that you'd like to address or explore through your work.
Consider using symbolism, metaphors, or allegory to convey your message in a more abstract way.
Sketch out your ideas, create mood boards, or write a narrative to help you visualize the final result.

Working with Models and Teams

To bring your concept to life, you'll need to collaborate with models, stylists, makeup artists, and other creative professionals. Keep these tips in mind when assembling your team:

Select models who can embody your concept and express the emotions or attitudes you want to convey.
Communicate your vision clearly to your team, and encourage their input and ideas to enhance the concept.
Allow for some flexibility during the shoot, as unexpected challenges or opportunities may arise.
Remember that teamwork and open communication are essential for a successful conceptual fashion shoot.

Capturing the Story

Now that you have your concept and team in place, it's time to execute your vision and capture your story. Here are some suggestions to help you create compelling conceptual fashion images:

Consider using different camera angles, lighting techniques, and post-processing effects to enhance the mood or atmosphere of your concept.
Experiment with composition and framing to draw attention to key elements or details in your images.
Be mindful of the model's poses, expressions, and interactions with props or the environment to convey the desired message or emotion.
Don't be afraid to take risks and think outside the box—conceptual fashion photography is all about creativity and innovation!

By embracing the challenge of conceptual fashion photography, you can create visually striking and thought-provoking images that showcase your unique creative vision. So, why not push the boundaries and see where your imagination takes you?

If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of fashion photography, don't miss Marlen Keller's workshop, "Working In Fashion Photography." This workshop offers invaluable insights and tips to help you navigate the competitive fashion photography industry and build a successful career.