Within the first semester of second year Fashion Communication, we have studied Fashion Photography and Still Life Photography.

We were asked to plan our own photo shoot that had to be in the style of i.D magazine. This meant that we had to scout our own model and location for the photo shoot. We also had to style the models hair and make up on our own too. After being used to working in groups since the first year Fashion Communication magazine project, the prospect of working independently on a photo shoot was new to us but we were eager to get started.

We were provided with a list of seven song lyrics. We then had to choose our favourite song lyric which would be the inspiration behind the entire photo shoot. The song lyric I chose was, “10.30 in this hotel room, you and I locked in the gloom”.

From these song lyrics, I devised an idea for my photoshoot. An upper class, fashionable and wealthy woman had been thrown out of her house by her boyfriend in the middle of the night. She has no money and needs to find somewhere to shelter for the night. She seeks protection in a run-down ex hotel and tries to get some sleep for the night.

This then provided me with some inspiration for the styling direction I would go down. I decided to explore using art deco/1950′s style clothing. I.e, flapper dresses, fur jackets, retro briefcases, head turbans/fedora’s and oversized jewellery as this would exude the glamour and sex appeal I wished to create.

After planning how I wished my photo shoot to look, I then travelled back to Aberdeen to source a model and clothing to photograph. I instantly got in touch with a girl I had met at a local Fashion show who lives in Aberdeen and fortunately, she was happy to model for me. I then visited my favourite vintage store in Aberdeen called ‘The Closet’ to borrow some genuine 1950′s pieces.

http://www.closet-vintage.co.uk/

My father is a landlord, so luckily finding a backdrop for my photo shoot was quite simple. I visited a number of his flats based in Aberdeen and chose a run down Edwardian flat to shoot in. I felt that the building gave off a suppressing and dull atmosphere and would create a quirky juxtaposition with the glamorous model I had in mind.

When it came do doing the photo shoot, I found that the process went surprisingly well. Because I had done so much planning and organisation prior, I felt that this aided me greatly when it came to directing my model. I also showed her my sketchbook so she could understand my concept clearly.

During Fashion Photography, we were asked to compile a sketchbook of research. We began with collating photographs of models from magazines as a starting point for scouting our own models. We then looked into hair and makeup techniques that could change the appearance of the model. I started taking test shots of my model with different hairstyles and make up to show the diversity and range I could create.

To take our research even further, we investigated contemporary Fashion stylists Judy Blame, Hedi Slimane, Katie Grand, Katy England and then two stylists of our choice. This would us with inspiration when it came to the aesthetics of the photo shoot – garments, hair and makeup.

We investigated photographers such as Tim Walker, Rankin, Hedi Slimane, Nan Goldin and Marcus and Mert to develop our understanding of composition, lighting and creating mood/atmosphere.

All of this research was key when it came to communicating our concept to our models. I found presenting my sketchbook to my model essential. Without showing her the research I’d collated to date, I do not think my photo shoot would have been so successful.

Here is some of the photography taken by the Fashion Communication students for the Fashion Photography course.

Megan McCormick

Ian Curran

Ashleigh Duncan

Overall, the students really enjoyed the Fashion Photography module. It allowed us to develop our own signature photography styles and explore the use of costume, hair and makeup to enhance the mood we were trying to create. I really enjoyed sourcing the Vintage clothing from The Closet to create a 1950′s vibe. This course also allowed me to expand my styling experience as I was able to dress the model appropriately for my shoot.