A Look Back on London Fashion Week: Shooting Tips and Tricks

London Fashion Week 2023 has once again dazzled the world with its extraordinary showcase of outstanding fashion and unique creativity. Designers from all corners of the globe — including 16Arlington, Burberry, JW Anderson, and Simone Rocha — graced this prestigious event, alongside many other notable industry powerhouses. Each took to the runway unveiling their latest collections and setting the stage for the upcoming fashion season. 

London Fashion Week has always been a melting pot of inspiration for photographers, ready and waiting to capture the latest style and beauty trends. There’s no denying that LFW is a prime opportunity for photographers to showcase their expert shutter skills, so let’s discuss the benefits of our photography courses, and some valuable insights, tips, and tricks to help you elevate your fashion and makeup photography skills. 

How to capture fashion photography like the pros

To capture high-end, luxury fashion photography like a seasoned professional, you need to master the art of visual storytelling. Here are a few tips on making the most of your shot:

Understanding composition

In the world of fashion photography, composition is everything. Embrace the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques to create visually compelling images. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and focal lengths to add depth and drama to your shots. Remember, the goal is to emphasise the fashion statement while maintaining a harmonious balance within the frame. Tell a story with your shot — don’t just take it.

Manipulate the lighting

Lighting is the cornerstone of exceptional fashion photography, and it can truly make or break your shot. It’s important to learn how to control natural light, experiment with studio lighting setups, and embrace the interplay of light and shadow. You can do all this in the comfort of our photography studio which is available for hire.

Understanding the nuances of lighting will allow you to highlight textures, fabrics, and the intricate details of your fashion subjects. After all, if you’re shooting on a runway, you won’t get much say in the lighting that you’re given. This is why it’s your job to master unique shots in a variety of different lights so you can be prepared for whatever comes down the runway.

Work with the models

Effective communication with models is crucial for capturing the desired mood and expression of your final photographs. Build a rapport with your models, provide clear direction, and encourage their creativity. Remember — it’s as much their photo as it is your own. Be sure to listen to their needs, and come up with effective solutions and compromises if need be so both sides feel heard and comfortable.

A strong collaboration between photographer and model can result in images that exude confidence, elegance, and style, making you stand out behind the camera. Attending portrait photography workshops can help you get comfortable with directing your subjects and finding the perfect poses.

Image by Ari Gurdon, using the FUJIFILM X-T10 with the XF56mmF1.2 R Lens. 

“In the middle of the luminous backstage chaos of London Fashion Week, a model in imposing sunglasses meets my lens, her unseen eyes speaking volumes as a dresser readies her for the spotlight.”

The art of mastering makeup photography

Makeup photography is an art form that requires meticulous attention to detail. If you’re looking to excel in makeup photography, here are a few tips that we recommend:

Make use of macro photography

When photographing makeup, focus on macro photography approaches to showcase intricate textures. From shiny, glittery lip glosses to daringly bold matte lipsticks, each and every product deserves to be captured in the way they were made to be.

Use a macro lens to capture the fine details of eyeshadow, lipstick, and foundation. And for static objects like a setup of makeup products, employ techniques like focus stacking to ensure every element is tack-sharp, allowing viewers to appreciate the artistry of the product packaging too. 

Learn about colour management

Makeup photography often revolves around vibrant colours and bold shades — and lots of variation in between. You can ensure accurate colour reproduction in your shots by calibrating your monitor and using colour charts. This will help maintain the integrity of the makeup artist's work and satisfy the expectations of clients and viewers alike.

Use highlighting techniques

Experiment with different camera highlighting setups to accentuate the features of individual makeup looks. Soft, diffused lighting can emphasise the overall look, while specular highlights can bring out the shine in lip gloss and metallic eyeshadows. Remember to always pay attention to reflective surfaces and make note of these as you shoot, as makeup products can produce unexpected glares which could ruin your photograph.

Image by Ari Gurdon, using the FUJIFILM X-T10 with the XF56mmF1.2 R Lens. 

“In the midst of London Fashion Week's whirlwind, a serene moment captured: eyes closed, pink cheeks flushed, as the perfect shade is applied to model's lips.

The model was perfectly lit so that the make up artist could do his job properly. That also made it much easier for me too.” 

Conquer shooting on the move

Fashion shows are dynamic events filled with movement and energy, and being able to shoot on the move will come in handy to capture action-filled images.

Make use of fast lenses and high ISO

Equip yourself with fast lenses, preferably with a wide aperture, to let in more light and maintain a high shutter speed. This will allow you to freeze motion and capture crisp images even in low-light conditions. The new sensors on our X-T5 and X-H2’s are perfect for lowlight environments, so don't hesitate to crank up your ISO settings when necessary to avoid motion blur, too.

Apply predictive focus and continuous shooting

Utilise predictive focus modes on your camera to track moving models effectively. Combine this with continuous shooting mode to capture a sequence of images, increasing your chances of obtaining the perfect shot amidst the chaos in motion.

Try out panning techniques

Experiment with panning to create dramatic, dynamic shots. By moving your camera in sync with a moving subject, you can achieve a sharp subject against a blurred background, adding a sense of speed and urgency to your photographs. This works especially well if you use an external flash paired with a slower shutter speed, this can add light trails to the background of a static subject. Just be sure to check your surroundings first!

Identify key moments

Familiarise yourself with the show’s schedule and anticipate key moments when models will enter the runway, pause, or strike captivating poses. This can be the ideal opportunity to capture those breathtaking, in-motion shots that tell a story of a thousand words.

Become an expert with FUJIFILM’S House of Photography 

To refine your skills and improve your fashion and makeup photography, consider taking a look at our available photography courses and photography workshops.

We have courses that cater to photographers of all experience levels, from beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals to seasoned experts seeking to stay at the forefront of our ever-growing industry. 

Visit FUJIFILM School for more information on how we can help you upskill your photography techniques.