How to Light a Fashion Shot

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video.

Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from jamiep and more videos in the Lighting Photographs category.

You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at http://www.howcast.com/videos/new or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at http://www.howcast.com/filmmakers/apply.

The difference between a good fashion shoot and a great one isn't the model — it's the lighting.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Camera
Model
Fashion items or accessories
Light disk or reflector
Natural light
And an assistant
Camera
Model
Fashion items or accessories
Light disk or reflector
Natural light
And an assistant

Warning: When shooting on location, special permits or permission may be required. Check with the property owner or governing body at your specific location for details and requirements.

Step 1: Scout for interesting angles and light

Once you have a location, scout for specific angles and interesting natural light. You can do this alone and well in advance of your shoot date.

Step 2: Set up a date and time

Set up a date and time far enough out to acquire your assistant, model, and any permits you may need to shoot in your desired location.

Tip: The hours right after sunrise and just before sunset are considered the "Golden Hour" for photographers, because of the richness of the light. Try to set up your shoot to happen or encompass this time frame.

Step 3: Arrive first

Be the first to arrive at the shoot. Bring coffee and breakfast items for the crew and models. You're a professional, after all.

Step 4: Pose model

Get the first model set up in the desired position.

Step 5: Position model to face light

Position the model facing the main light source. If you're using natural light, this is the sun.

Step 6: Fill light at shadows

Have your assistant hold the light reflector to shine some "fill light" wherever there may be shadows on the model. Point the reflector toward the darker areas by catching the natural light and reflecting it onto the model.

Tip: The lighter the portion of the reflector, the softer the light. Try the white before you go to gold or silver.

Step 7: Compose your shot

Compose your shot.

Step 8: Focus on subject

Focus on subject.

Step 9: Take light reading

Take a light reading by metering the subject.

Tip: For simplicity's sake, utilize all the natural light you can by placing the sun to either side of the model.

Step 10: Select settings based on readings

Select your shutter speed and aperture, based on your readings.

Tip: To get very fashion-esque shots, try using a short depth-of-field, blurring out all but the model herself.

Step 11: Start shooting

Start shooting while having the model gloriously showing off what is being modeled. Don't be afraid to shout direction and ideas toward her.

Step 12: Keep shooting

Shoot until you run out of disk space or film, and when you're content you have the desired "shot."

Thanks for watching How To Light a Fashion Shot! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

####
hothowtos, diy, do, it, yourself, essential, skills, fashion, instructional, learn, to, lighting, model, photo, howcast, fashion shoot video, fashion shoot, fashion shoot photography, fashion shoot behind the scenes, fashion shoot music, fashion shots, fashion shoot vogue, fashion shoot lighting, fashion shoot tutorial, fashion shoot outdoor, fashion shoot games, fashion shoot hair, fashion shots miller place, fashion shoot ideas, fashion shoot with iphone, fashion shoot producer, fashion shoot call sheet, light a fashion shot, light fashion shot, fashion shot, how to fashion shot

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• howcast
• fashion shoot video
• fashion shoot
• fashion shoot photography
• fashion shoot music
• fashion shots
• fashion shoot vogue
• fashion shoot lighting
• fashion shoot tutorial
• fashion shoot outdoor
• fashion shoot games
• fashion shoot hair
• fashion shots miller place
• fashion shoot ideas
• fashion shoot with iphone
• fashion shoot producer
• fashion shoot call sheet
• light a fashion shot
• light fashion shot
• fashion shot

[ScilentCity]

1:58 Hold on, Roy, I have to readjust the sun, I'll be right back!

[blacky159]

2:11 not short depth of field, but very bad photoshop. + the photos in the end sucked.

[musi1714]

ha ha the state of it,id be shot if i gave back a model those images!the lighting is a harsh as 200watt light bulb...

[TheGILBERTnetwork]

sounds like a bunch of portrait wanna be photogs are upset, lol. Make your own videos if you don't like these

[alusej]

lol



[MrRobgardner]

what a load of crap !!



[RoanS]

lol

[AndreaVuova]

OMG!! He cant even hold the camera the right way..... !!! after seeing this, I wanna jump out the window.... Aaaaaaaaah!!

[RAWR4REPTAR]

I marked all the ones that said,

"FIRST!"

or anything to that effect...

I thought "Bob" was supposedly taking over YouTube, not idiots writing "first".

That Bob thing was dumb, too.

[conmon95]

For the love of God...STOP!!!!!

Thank you...

[tanhockjun]

Ya you are right i agree with you :)