Hildegard Titus is a photographer, journalist, filmmaker and curator. This month’s edition of Behind the Lens, Hildegard shares a few fashion photography tips as well as some of her work from the cool collaboration with Tulinawa Melber.
When I’m not photographing for work, or a specific client, I like to do some spontaneous fashion shoots. Whether you are taking professional photos with a client, or just taking some snaps with a friend, there are always a few tips that can go a long way to making your fashion shoot a success.
Here are some of my Fashion Photography tips:
Lighting:
I’m a big lover of natural light, and the best time to get it is just as the sun is rising or just before sunset, or what many call the golden hour. You will get a lot of beautiful hues and contrasts that you won’t otherwise get at other times of the day. I also prefer to use on a reflector instead of on camera flashes, get yourself one with at least two sides ( gold and silver) but if you wanna take it to the next level, get one with 5 (gold,silver,white,black and the translucent level). Can’t afford to buy one? Make your own with tinfoil and cardboard. Photography isn’t always about the latest gear, but more about how you use what you have, and thinking outside of the box.
Location:
I’m always on the lookout for nice locations, especially when I spend some time out in nature. Windhoek and Namibia as a whole have very beautiful landscapes, both in urban and rural settings. Don’t be afraid to take a deeper look, crouch on the ground and see different angles and perspectives, your perfect location might be right under your nose.
But when shooting in a secluded place, always bring a friend along to act as a third eye for thieves, or oncoming trains, or whatever else.
Don’t be afraid to get down on the ground; As much as photography is about capturing light, it is also about capturing interesting angle and perspective. Don’t be afraid to climb on trees, or get down in the dirt to get your perfect shot. Word to the wise, also wear comfortable shoes, clothes, things that you can really get into all positions in.
Get an assistant! Whether it is to help you hold up a reflector, be a second pair of eyes, or just overall help with a shoot, having an assistant is a heaven sent, treat them with the love and respect they deserve because you really couldn’t do it without them.
Models:
Make sure to always have them hydrated and feeling comfortable. Bring them a bottle of water or a light snack to get their energy going. Play some fab tunes to make them feel extra cool, and also be their hypeman. A happy and comfortable model will make an amazing shoot. Also don’t be afraid to ask them to speak up, play with different pose ideas, concepts etc. a shoot is about collaborating after all, and your models are part of the process.
Get a team:
Especially if you are doing a professional shoot, get a make up artist, hair stylist, wardrobe stylists and models booked in advance. Try to arrive at least an hour or two to your location so you are set up for when the rest of your team arrives. The more organised you are as a photographer, the easier your shoot will go. Try to shoot group shots in the beginning in case any of your models have to leave earlier, or lighting changes etc. then get to working on your individual portraits.
Inspiration:
Pinterest, magazines, YouTube! Everything. If you see something you like, try to recreate it, figure out what they did with lighting, test different concepts outs, then make it your own. You can really find inspiration all around you.
Photos: Hildegard Titus @aafrobeat | hildegardtitus.com
Model, Styling and Makeup: Tulinawa Melber @2linawa
