Balancing Photography with Passion Projects - with Annemarie Sterian
The Magic of Creative Freedom in Fashion Photography: Tips for Aspiring Photographers
Fashion photography often seems all about meticulous planning, but some of the best creative breakthroughs come when you step away from the script and just have fun. Whether you're experimenting in the studio or capturing unplanned moments, there’s a lot to learn from allowing yourself to be creative without pressure.
Embracing the Unplanned
One of the most important lessons for any photographer is embracing the unplanned. While it’s essential to plan big shoots, sometimes the magic happens when you let go of structure. As one photographer shared, their best work often came from moments where things didn’t go according to plan—like when they accidentally stuck two prints together, resulting in a unique texture they never expected. This spontaneous creativity, while seemingly imperfect, often leads to fresh, exciting results.
“Grab a paintbrush and try slapping some paint on a photo you didn’t know how it was going to turn out,” they said. It’s these unexpected moments that fuel new ideas for planned projects.
Making It Work with What You Have
Perfectionism is a common hurdle in photography, especially when it comes to styling and location. But what happens when you don’t have the perfect clothes, equipment, or setting? The key is to make it work. Sometimes the most powerful shoots come from working with what’s available. The photographer reflected on a shoot where they didn’t have time to hire a stylist, so they pulled together outfits from a fast-fashion store. The result? One of their favorite sets of images.
You don’t need everything to be “perfect” to create powerful images. Often, the best results come from trusting your gut and embracing what’s in front of you.
Building a Photography Business: Starting with a Studio
For those considering a photography career, particularly with a studio, it’s essential to start by figuring out what you want to shoot. Before jumping into opening a studio, it’s helpful to gain some experience by working in one to see if it’s the right fit. Studios host everything from product shoots to video productions, so it’s good to get a feel for the variety of work involved.
If you’re thinking of opening a studio, stand out by offering something unique. Whether it’s a homey vibe or a specific feature like natural light or plants, find a way to make your space different from others in your city. A great studio isn’t just about the physical space—it’s about creating an inviting community where people want to collaborate.
Tips for Aspiring Fashion Photographers
If you're just starting out, don’t feel pressured to have it all figured out. Build your portfolio with smaller, personal projects. The photographer’s journey included countless low-budget shoots that helped them experiment and develop their skills. They even shot a feature for Vogue Philippines after a successful pitch and several location shoots in South Africa.
Location shoots are a great way to diversify your portfolio. The photographer’s trip to South Africa taught them a lot about shooting in various locations—from beaches to deserts—and helped them gain experience for future projects. Even when they faced challenges (like a back injury), they found creative ways to keep shooting, proving that it’s all about staying flexible and making the most of what you have.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Photographers:
Let Go of Perfection: Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Some of your best work will come from happy accidents and spontaneous moments.
Trust Your Intuition: Whether planning a shoot or improvising, trust your instincts and allow yourself to experiment.
Start Small: Build your portfolio with smaller projects to learn and grow. Don’t wait for the perfect setup.
Make Your Studio Stand Out: If you’re opening a studio, focus on what makes your space unique and welcoming.
Build a Community: Collaborate, network, and create a space where others feel inspired to work with you.
Learn Through Location Shoots: Step outside the studio and experiment with diverse locations to expand your portfolio and skills.
At the end of the day, photography is about creativity, experimentation, and growth. By embracing both structured planning and spontaneous creativity, you can create work that feels both exciting and authentic.
So, if you're thinking of diving into the world of fashion photography, take these tips to heart. Build your portfolio, experiment, and most importantly—have fun with the process!
