3 Types of Fashion Images - Catalog Fashion Image

Catalog – This is a informational image. We see the wardrobe very clearly and the make up and poses are subdued. The model may be standing on a simple background such as white or grey. The styling is clean and simple, we are selling the wardrobe and showing the details of the material. Yes this can also be done on location as well. The photographer may elect to use a long telephoto lens, such as a 300mm F/2.8 and shoot wide open, to blur the background and keep our attention on the clothing. Catalog images can be very sophisticated images and should not be frowned upon as uncreative. Companies like Neiman-Marcus and JCrew are very creative and take this look to new levels.

3 Types of Fashion Images - Editorial Fashion Image

Editorial – The model is on location, in an environment, or living/interacting with a lifestyle. These images are not as posed and the styling and makeup/hair can be more extreme. The images take on a story of photographing a model throughout the course of a day. We may start with morning wardrobe, then change to a mid-day wardrobe, and finally an evening attire. The wardrobe may have more accessories such as jewelry, scarves, hats, shoes, and handbags. Everything on the model and in the background is very styled to create a powerful still image or slice-of-life. We see this style in the better fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, it is usually the featured spreads and stories consisting of 5-10 pages. The models are put in a role or theme and tend to act out a story. The most obvious give away is the continuity of the wardrobe or poses. It may be all swimsuits or all business suites, and not a mix.

3 Types of Fashion Images - High Fashion Image

High Fashion – This is an area that goes all out. The models are unusually tall and have that runway figure. Their faces have a unique bone structure and tend to be 5′ 10″ and above. Or simply put, proportions that only 1% of the population is blessed with. The styling of the wardrobe may be a fantasy and may never be worn as pictured, rather it is styled to create a dramatic and powerful image. The models poses are eclectic and exaggerated, facial expressions can be calm or piercing. Sometimes the models face is calm and everything below the chin is in turmoil…or vice versa…a contradiction. All the individual elements of the models look and pose, the wardrobe, the styling, hair/makeup, and the lighting all work together to create a single powerful image…..an image that would completely fall apart and fail if one of the elements did not work. Every object and accessory has its place in this organized chaos, to create a flawless image.That is why we hire a crew of talented stylists/mua that can work together and complete the vision.

One can argue on inconsistencies from one image style to another, does one “editorial” image borrow an element from what I call a “catalog” image. Yes of course this happens, but if we look carefully we can differentiate and determine the style. At the risk of putting a label on an image, I wanted to give a brief explanation of the three types of fashion photography. The next time a client or model tells you that they want to do a “high fashion shoot”, ask them if they mean a “super wicked catalog” shoot….it can look just as good if you as the photographer, do your homework and hire the right crew.