Hasselblad tips for aspiring fashion photographers

Fashion photography presents clothing and brands in a way that shows their character and the desired image. It tells stories and conveys an attitude to life. This requires creativity, photographic knowledge and the right equipment. Would you like to become a fashion photographer? This article gives you some tips on how to get started.

Fashion photography: what does it involve?

Fashion photography is versatile. There is pure advertising photography for online stores, catalogs and advertisements. It supports purchasing decisions, which is why the focus is on the appealing but realistic presentation of clothing. If, on the other hand, you work for fashion magazines, this is editorial fashion photography. This mainly presents trends, conveys brand messages or depicts a lifestyle.

Street fashion photography is a special style. It appears spontaneous and documentary. These photos can be found in magazines, advertising materials or on social media. High fashion photography is extravagant and artistic. It mainly shows unusual designer fashion, often on large posters or in specialist magazines.

High-quality photography with a Hasselblad camera

Being creative, trying things out and gaining experience are all important when starting out in fashion photography. But the technical equipment also has a significant influence on the quality of the photos. A Hasselblad camera meets the high demands of professional fashion photography. For beginners, the comparatively compact and lightweight medium format cameras in Hasselblad's X series are of particular interest. There are also the modular V and H line cameras.

In any case, these are medium format cameras. Their sensor is larger than the usual full-frame format and has an impressive 15 f-stops. This results in very detailed photos. Depending on the model, a resolution of 50 or 100 megapixels is possible. This allows you to capture details of clothing from a distance and emphasize them in post-processing by cropping without any loss of quality.

For fashion photographers working with a Hasselblad camera, a reliable and stylish camera bag is essential as a transportation solution. The Relon® XL offers generous storage space and optimal protection for your equipment, including the Hasselblad X2D. With its elegant design and the use of recycled premium nylon, it is the ideal companion for discerning photographers.

Professional cameras - perfect fashion photos

Thanks to the 16-bit color depth, no image information is lost even in very dark or bright areas of a photo. A special feature of this brand is the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS). This makes it possible to reproduce colors true to life. You benefit from this above all if you use Phocus, Hasselblad's image editing software, for post-processing.

Whether on the catwalk, for studio photography or outdoors, fashion photographers often work with the continuous shooting function when the models are moving. With a Hasselblad camera, you don't have to worry about running out of storage space while shooting with continuous shooting in RAW format, because a 1 TB SSD is integrated. You can also insert external memory cards.

To store everything safely and stylishly, a camera bag that not only offers space for the Hasselblad camera, but also provides well-thought-out storage space for accessories such as memory cards and lenses, is worthwhile. The Little William Red Dot combines classic elegance with practical functionality and, with its compact format, is ideal for shooting in urban areas - mobile, organized and always ready to hand.

Hasselblad photo technology for fashion

When models move, strike different poses or walk down the catwalk, a powerful autofocus is required. Hasselblad offers this with every camera. It focuses quickly and precisely on a subject, so that perfect snapshots can be taken. This allows concentrated work and interaction with the model without interruptions.

The in-body image stabilization of a Hasselblad camera guarantees sharp images even with small movements. Shooting from different perspectives is easier thanks to the large tilting touch display. Hasselblad also has suitable accessories in its range. Fixed focal length and zoom lenses are mainly relevant for fashion photography.

Becoming a fashion photographer: How to get started

Before starting out in fashion photography, take a look at the work of professionals. Let them inspire you so that you have an idea of the direction in which you can develop your style. Take a look at fashion magazines, advertising photography and social media accounts.

Before you go to market with your offers, gain sufficient experience by trying out a lot. You are unlikely to work with professional models for practice purposes. But there are certainly people in your environment who will be happy to support you in this role. Also look into the legal aspects of fashion photography, such as model contracts, copyright and licenses.

Successful fashion photography and teamwork tips

As soon as you have a professional image, you will be working in a team with models and stylists on shoots. You are responsible for coordinating everything and creating a pleasant working atmosphere. Make sure you communicate effectively and convey the purpose and vision of the shoot to everyone involved.

Above all, the chemistry between you and the models must be right. Give constructive and positive feedback during the shoot. You can find suitable models through agencies, online advertisements, social media or personal contacts.

Prepare the fashion shoot

You need a suitable location, a team of models and stylists, the right technology, clothing and accessories. To better clarify the presentation of the fashion during the shoot with the team, working with a mood board has proven to be a good idea. With this collage of styling ideas, make-up looks, poses, colour combinations or props, you can visualize your ideas.

To create varied visual worlds, it can also be useful to change the location during the shoot. For a smooth change of location, we recommend a well-designed camera backpack such as the Matterhorn which not only offers space for your Hasselblad camera and several lenses, but also holds a 13" laptop and other accessories in a safe and organized manner.

Storytelling is also typical of fashion photography. You can see how this works in fashion magazines and on social media. There is always an element that connects the shots of a session. People like stories. A story arouses interest, appeals to emotions and can set trends.

Image composition, styling and light

Remember that you want to present fashion, not primarily a portrait of the model. However, deliberately chosen styling contributes to storytelling. Details of the clothing that are of particular interest to the viewer must be visible. Photograph the models in natural, static positions, but also in motion. Take different perspectives to capture the perfect subject.

For photographers who value mobility and quick access to their equipment, the Slingbag SL is an excellent choice. It offers enough space for a Hasselblad camera with lens attached, and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to carry for long periods of time. Ideal for dynamic shoots where flexibility is required.

The background influences the mood of the photo, but must not distract from the main subject. Which lighting and camera settings are the right choice depends on the lighting conditions and the desired effects. Try it out and gain experience. Professional Hasselblad cameras and the right accessories offer you the best conditions for this.

Become a fashion photographer and maintain contacts

Networking is extremely important for professional fashion photographers. Network with potential clients, models, stylists, make-up artists and other photographers. Collaborations will give you access to interesting projects and raise your profile. Perhaps you will succeed in becoming an assistant to a professional.

Publish your best work on your website and on social media. Keep this portfolio up to date. Also look into the possibilities of online marketing so that potential customers become aware of you.

Conclusion: Hasselblad as a camera for fashion photography

Starting out in fashion photography is an exciting venture. In addition to creativity and plenty of practice, high-quality technical equipment will help you to develop your own unique style. Professional cameras from Hasselblad stand for detailed and color-realistic photos that offer plenty of room for your artistic vision.