The Photographers Role in Fashion:
The inner music of the eye
By: K.D. Perry
qualexcel@gmail.com
Fashion is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas of professional
photography. Though only a few top photographers live up to th
e
glamorous image of overseas travel, exotic locations, and beautiful models,
there is a continuous demand across the industry for originality and innovation.
Photographers who understand fashion trends and can deliver striking images that
sell the look and style of the clothes are much in demand and can command
considerable fees. It is the photographer’s job not only to photograph garments
but also to interpret the underlying ideas and associations suggested by the
season, the range of clothes, the designer or the design brand. Fashion
Photography requires more than a passing interest in fashion trends.
"To work in this area demands an ambition and dedication not suited for a
lazy dreamer..."
In a poetic sense, photographers are a visual aspect in what I like to call
eye music. Do you remember watching the Wonder Years as a child? Remember, In
Kevin’s mind Wendy was always running, walking, standing around with her hair
blowing in the wind and the sun peeking from behind, making it seem like she was
a Touched by an Angel Character? Well that’s what photographers capture for
companies like: Vogue, Gucci, Guess, even JC Penny’s catalogues etc. They
capture the music of their creativity. Whenever you see an Olympic race, what
typical theme song do you hear? When I see Tyra Banks walking down the runway, I
hear a wild and seductive rock song. Something like Dontcha’ from the Pussycat
Dolls. I quite often associate a picture with music. I can only imagine what
song or inspiration is running through the heads of some of the most in d
emand
photographers of this age like: David Jay, Claudia Fessler, Nigel Barker to name
a few.
"Without a photographer with a critical eye for perfection or in some
cases an eye for simplicity, fashion as we know it would be dull and dreadfully
boring."
Photographers immerse themselves totally in the world of fashion and develop outstanding creative and technical skills that will give their photographs an individual character and style. They produce a product with the "IT" factor. They also experiment and explore new ideas and techniques in their own time, and acquire the level of social and interpersonal skills appropriate to their particular area of operation. High Fashion Photographers operate in the upper echelons of the fashion world. They normally select their own team of assistants and specialists, including stylists, set-builders, scene-painters and models. These photographers are dedicated, hard-working professionals who produce unique and innovative images that will satisfy their clients' visualization. To work in this area demands an ambition and dedication not suited for a lazy dreamer, being that the day doesn’t end with the last photo, but they must continue networking and making new contacts by attending media events and social functions.
A lot more goes into the workings of a photograph. A mere feather floating by or a bee on the set could trigger an onslaught of ideas for a photographer. Without a photographer with a critical eye for perfection or in some cases an eye for simplicity, fashion as we know it would be dull and dreadfully boring. So the next time you see a photo, imagine yourself in their shoes. Imagine what song or motivation is running through their heads. Trust me when I say; it will be a greater experience than before when you just flipped the pages of GQ magazine mindlessly trying to find the cologne samples. There is a world out there that speaks beyond the average eye. Snap! Snap! Strike a pose! You never know who’s capturing your inner music or your inner dreams not yet revealed, which is a beauty we all have.