How To Light a Fashion Shot

Once you have a location, scout for specific angles and interesting natural light. You can do this alone and well in advance of your shoot date.

Set up a date and time far enough out to acquire your assistant, model, and any permits you may need to shoot in your desired location.

Be the first to arrive at the shoot. Bring coffee and breakfast items for the crew and models. You’re a professional, after all.

Get the first model set up in the desired position.

Position the model facing the main light source. If you’re using natural light, this is the sun.

Have your assistant hold the light reflector to shine some “fill light” wherever there may be shadows on the model. Point the reflector toward the darker areas by catching the natural light and reflecting it onto the model.

Compose your shot.

Focus on subject.

Take a light reading by metering the subject.

Select your shutter speed and aperture, based on your readings.

Start shooting while having the model gloriously showing off what is being modeled. Don’t be afraid to shout direction and ideas toward her.

Shoot until you run out of disk space or film, and when you’re content you have the desired “shot.”