Wednesday 2 November 2011

Fashion Photography

Over time, fashion photography has developed it's own artistic outlook, enhancing the image by adding the presence of glamarous locations or accesories. The aim is to display clothing and other various items, conducting advertisements for a number of magazines such as Vogue or Vanity Fair.

Observing numerous photo’s that have been taken over a considerable amount of time, I found the style in which a person is perceived to change dramatically. 1950’s fashion photography was quite shy in aspects as how to approach the subject, however I believe the persons photographed were left more natural due to this shyness and lack of technology from the era. As time passes on, this technology begins to advance along with the style and photographers vision, something that has become a worldwide talking point.

The focus no longer lies upon the location, clothes or promoting a fashion. A model has become a mere outline of this art, in which photo shop becomes the fill of colour. Countless celebrities have stepped foot in a studio to be photographed; only leaving to have their image distorted. This is now fashion photography. It is slightly saddening to see the change from past fashion photography, which promoted sophistication and natural beauty.

Take the Dove Evolution video for example, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U, link provided. A campaign to once again endorse natural beauty for people who do not have photo shop on hand. The photo's which are used in today's magazines are tailored to fit a 'perfect' size 0 image, that has affected countless women across the globe. A simple photo shown in a magazine can subsequently effect self-esteem - such as the image above of Eva Longaria. Her waist and hip have been slimmed and a magical shadow has been put in place. This kind of editing was not possible years ago, so it could be said a woman's outlook towards fashion was taken on with more confidence. 


Providing all points above, you must also understand that not all fashion photography has been doctored (most in advertisement are, however.) What kind of impact in this having on us as the audience? We are being flooded with two sides of the argument, with some magazines subtly promoting the perfect body, whereas others accept the fact photography has changed and is not helping us to view a clear judgement of an image.