Runway photography is a genre of photography that showcases not only the subject (model) but also shows much more details such as the dress and pattern of the design of the material, models pose, turns and posture is also key for runway photographers. I was at the recently completed Lagos Fashion Week and I must say I learnt a lot regarding runway photography, and to this end, this article will help younger photographers who are starting out as runway photographers get better at it.
TIPS TO BECOMING BETTER RUNWAY PHOTOGRAPHERS
- LIGHTING AND WHITE BALANCE: Photographers should first understudy the venue for the shoot and ensure there’s enough lighting to get good images, It is also important to ensure a proper white balance, as you may need to switch to a “tungsten” or “indoor” setting. It is also key that the photographer gets to the venue of the shoot before time to understudy all of these to ensure that they get good images.
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RIGHT GEAR: Your camera and heavy lenses most likely the 70-200mm F2.8 lens can be so heavy for you as a photographer considering the duration of the event and so it is advisable to bring a monopod to support and stabilize your camera. This is because there might not be enough room to accommodate a tripod.
- RIGHT POSITIONING IS KEY: It is important for photographers that shoot runway to get to the venue of event on time and this is because there are also a couple of photographers that shoot the same thing and not getting enough space and positioning for your camera and gears can affect the quality of your images.
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TAKE VERTICALS: Runway photography means vertical shots. You are framing the model from head to toe, so turn your camera sideways(landscape position). As well, this suits the pages of fashion magazines, especially if your goal is the cover. And photographers should not forget to tell stories with each of their images and ensure they have a couple of other images aside from images from the runway.