TRIUMPH Lingerie Fashion Editorial & Photography Tips

You would think by now that both Jess and I would be so comfortable with each other, and no challenge would ever deter us. Well, lingerie was definitely one of our most recent, challenging and new experience for the both of us. It was Jess’s first time getting in front of the camera in lacey bra and knickers (wait, wasn’t she one of BONDs Boobicon Ambassador?); and my first time directing her body in a way that her curves were accentuated in all the right places for the entire 3 hours. We had 5 different looks to nail, and by the end we were pretty chuffed by our efforts. Hard work, but was all worth it.

Even though this shoot was no different to any of our usual fashion editorials, but I thought I’ll share a few handy tips to take away when preparing for a blog or editorial shoot, especially if it is your first time as a fashion blogger working with the photographer, other team members or client.

  1. Know exactly what you want to achieve, ie, colour and theme
  2. Pull together your favourite reference images whether it is the poses, expression, locations, hair, makeup and wardrobe styling. It will give your team a sense of your direction. We called this the “mood board”
  3. Prepare your outfits/looks well in advance. It’s useful if you could show them to your photographer so he or she can finalise the location of choice
  4. Brief your team so everyone in on the same wave length, and an opportunity for every to collaborate and suggest ideas
  5. Have your brief signed off by your client before you start shooting. This will avoid later disappointment or any misunderstandings
  6. On the day, bring all your outfits (steamed and pressed), any props, food and great energy
  7. Anything can happen on the day of the shoot, so be prepared to be flexible and try different things. It’s all about having the collaborative spirit!
  8. What normally helps is to go through a few images on the back of the camera (or better, tether the images to the computer screen) together so you have the opportunity to adjust any clothing, props, expressions before fire gunning another set of useless images.

What Photographers should do:

  1. Photographers should always be a part of the creative process, so make sure you are given updates and provide feedback where neccessary
  2. Scout and choose locations in advance that would match the theme and outfit styling
  3. Don’t be trigger happy on set. Compose the shot in camera, and wait for the moment before snapping
  4. Make sure all the settings (ie, exposure, lighting) is correct before shooting
  5. Give verbal direction, even if it means using your hand to guide them. If you want to move their body, always ask for permission before making contact.
  6. Make your client happy and comfortable in front of the camera, including your team members. Never demand but have an energetic and collaborative spirit
  7. Never over edit your images ie, skin smoothing to the point where the it starts to look like a plastic doll
  8. Always go through your images, cull and select only your top favourite images for presentation. Trust me, your client won’t have time to go through 1000s and 1000s of images
  9. Choose filters wisely if you intend on using them. If your client wants to keep the images clean and have clarity, then don’t use filters with lots of fade that will wash out the detail of the clothing.

Lastly, have fun on set even if it means braving the cold and stormy weather.

I hope some of these tips will be useful, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask away.

Ok good night sleeping beauties and enjoy what we have created for Triumph Australia. xxx

 

makeup and hair // AIMMEY PHAM
talent/styling // JESS DEMPSEY
lingerie // TRIUMPH AUSTRALIA

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Self Worth

Many years ago I used to thrall through photography blogs to measure my worth, wishing I was as masterful as them or wanted my life to be as flavorsome as their food flatlay. It was only until I realised how ridiculously unhappy and stupid I was and snapped out of it. I stopped comparing and focused my time and energy on doing my very best. There is so much freedom in that truth.

If that’s you right now, please do yourself a favour and stop deceiving yourself with lies. You are unique and damn good at what you do.

Happy hump day everyone! x

 

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Christian Louboutin heels | Rag and Bones jeans | Zara checkered shirt | French Connect Selfie T Shirt | Korean brand bomber jacket | Sass & Bide Backpack
Ralph Lauren Polo jumper | New York Yankees cap

Great tips on shooting still life and models

September has been an incredibly exciting month for me as I was awarded two Silvers for my prints for the Canon Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP), and received my AIPP, Honour of Associates.

What does it all mean? Well in all honesty, it just means I have to carry on doing my best, think outside the square and nailing my shots.

 

On the other note, I’ve been receiving a lot of lovely emails and questions about my photography and work which I thought I might share with you on my blog. If you need advice or mentoring, I do have half-day or full day workshops available. Feel free to send me an email to hello@karenwoo.com.au for cost and details.

 

1. Can you suggest any tips for people shooting accessories with no models?

Lay out accessories against interesting and textured backgrounds by taking account of the style and colour of the accessory. You want to showcase the accessory the best form and light as possible. For example, if the accessory is pearl beaded wristband, you can lay it on interesting pine leaves, white wooden timber floorboard or soft linen fabric.

For example:

A || Here’s an example of using models to model garments (dressed by Cathleen Jia):

B || Here’s one hanging the garments against a background:

 

>> Which do you prefer?

This shoot has been featured on Polka Dot Bride. Click here for more images.

 

2. What was the most exciting shoot you have worked on and what did it involve?

Shooting Bryan Boy for Madam Virtue & Co. back in 2009 was extremely exciting because that was my initial taste of the fashion world. I currently shoot for Jess Dempsey, Australia’s popular fashion blogger and founder of What Would Karl Do (www.whatwouldkarldo.com) where my work have been featured on Covet Magazine, Bonds Blogsite and most recently, Marie Claire Netherlands. It’s an incredible feeling seeing your name written in an international magazine – a dream come true!

Working on What Would Karl Do photoshoots involves collaboration, preparation, quick thinking and creativity. I normally have 4-6 looks to shoot, so I have to work out which is the best location, angles and key shots that I must achieve.

3. Do you think photography advertisements are the best way to portray a product/label?

Still photography advertisements is one way of portraying a product/label, but I believe that film is also another way of showcasing a product/label because it provides movement and emotion. It all comes down what story are you trying to sell in the image.

4. Would you suggest studio or location shoots are better to showcase shoes?

It depends on the end-goal and the vision/concept you have in mind. Are you photographing for an online store that requires a clean background and showcasing only the shoe? If that is the case, then in studio with studio lights is a good option.

Alternatively, are you creating an advertising campaign? Then having the model wearing the shoe is another option. There are variety of shots you can take, focused purely on the shoe as they are walking, or full body shot to showcase how the shoe can be worn. This makes it believable and relatable.

 

A ||  Still life image of shoes against white background for online store:

B || Shoes on model:

 

5. How important is lighting and a good crew to create a great shoot?

Lighting is essential to creating beautiful photographs. It is important to learn how to shoot in natural light conditions as well as using studio lights. If lighting isn’t used correctly, you’ll find post-production a real nightmare. A general rule of thumb is to ensure the subject is facing correctly to the light (have catch lights in their eyes) and make sure every little detail looks perfect before the shot is taken. For example, is the subject’s clothes not sitting right, is their hair out of place, eye liner smudged etc.

Having said that, there are many other elements that make up a beautiful image which are the overall composition, styling, location, pose, expression/emotion and excellent crew. I find that when a crew is well informed of the concept prior to the shoot it really helps. I always meet with my client and discuss their concept and then draft together the mood board and plan. Communication and passion is key to success.

At the end of every shoot, I like to take a team photo. So here’s a team photo with my vintage glamour models, stylist, hair and makeup artist.