I showed my book at a modeling agency in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and, although they liked my work, they criticized me for not having a "fashion look." I had to agree with them; my pictures were more portraits than fashion. So, in the meanwhile, I've been working on that look. Here's my latest result. Any comments?

-- Peter Hughes (leo948@yahoo.com), March 05, 2000

Answers

-- Peter Hughes (leo948@yahoo.com), March 05, 2000.

What is the product this photo is selling? The only possibilty from this shot would be makeup but it's not in colour and makeup would need to be colour. Nice portrait however. Also nice idea as far as a portrait goes but..............

-- Artie (Artie@artiephotography.com), March 05, 2000.

You seem to be in the same boat as me, but I think for both of us (from what I have seen of your work), it's nutin a little focus at (maybe) the expense of some soul can bring...

Nice photo, too. How did you tone it, traditionally or digitally? Looks Like Selectol Soft in Ilford FBWT with selenium, but my monitor makes everything look like that...or Ektalure...

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), March 05, 2000.

As per Artie's comment, it seems no one is interested in buying a fashion model's soul...but rather the soul put into the building of an haute & sparkly dressy thingamabob, worn skin tight wit' da' nipples pokin' tru...which is fine but my soul-eye rarely resides in my penis...

-- shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com), March 05, 2000.

Hi Peter,

To begin with, I agree with everyone that this is a nice portrait of a girl with beautiful facial features and hair. I would, however, like to add some comments that will hopefully help you in your pursuit to photograph for a modelling agency.

The primary interest an agency has in photographs is clear definition of the model's face, hair, and figure. From these information, the agency and potential clients can then decide on where the model has the "look" that is required for a particular project.

Therefore, this shot can be improved if the face is not draped by the parallel shadow lines. I personally think this type of shadow lines only work when they define or enhence the shape of her face. Next, the hair stylist can probably provide some help. Lastly, for the figure shot, select an outfit with a style that you think can be best brought out by your model's body type--not just what you like to see.

I know the frustration because I have been there before. I ended up turning away from the industry because I feel it is too limiting creatively. I continue to do, as a hobby, what the agencies call "magazine shots" which are not suitable for the agency's purposes.

Good luck.

-- David Hou (dna2367@hotmail.com), March 05, 2000.

Interesting, different peoples' definitions of "fashion." Actually, when the clothes are featured, I think of it more as "catalog."

As Avedon said, fashion is about selling a fantasy. Perhaps this photo could be used to sell perfume?

I understand what the modeling agencies want. And yes, it is limiting creatively. I did this shoot as a TFP for the model, who hasn't seen the results yet.

I'd rather not reveal my technical data.

-- Peter Hughes (leo948@yahoo.com), March 05, 2000.

You got that bang on, Peter. I live in Toronto--in terms of fashion, it is pretty much a "catalog" city; thus, my definition of fashion.

-- David Hou (dna2367@hotmail.com), March 05, 2000.

On having the fashion "look", I decided to steal composite cards from models featured on the blackwood-steele site.
some examples to copy and work towards: one
two
three
anyways. Just three of many examples on the site, for both men and women :)

-- Edward Kang (ekang@cse.nd.edu), March 06, 2000.

give this site a try .

for a site that is very well done on the subject of fashion.


-- Edward Kang (ekang@cse.nd.edu), March 06, 2000.

Also, nothing gets closer to "fashion" than that good old "hit over the head with a frying pan" look on the models face... That'll do it every time- That probably is the separator between catalog and fashion... (well, there's also the price of the clothes...)

Nice mood on the shot though..... that's getting there-

-- Chris Yeager (cyeager@ix.netcom.com), March 06, 2000.

you could pay more attention to the hair styling it's more than a little tousled...and it's dated in a late 70's, early 80's parted in the middle, feathered fashion... and try your hardest to stay away from the oldy but gawdy "window blind effect" of key lighting, it's a little much....I'm just trying to put the hip-o-meter on it Pete...kind of postulating what a fashion editor might say of this one in particular...

-- Trib (linhof6@hotmail.com), March 06, 2000.

Perhaps the problem lies more in your portfolio. A portfolio has to cover all the bases: it needs to show that you can handle the basics (such as straight catalog shots), do more sophisticated work (replicate some _contemporary_ fashion shots), and do something original (just about anything goes).

-- John Kantor (jkantor@mindspring.com), March 06, 2000.

And I'm not so sure that the hair is as much out-of-date as it is badly damaged by over-bleaching.

-- John Kantor (jkantor@mindspring.com), March 07, 2000.