I'm about to open my first studio and I was wondering how do models feel about a photographer having a wardrobe? Would you rather bring your own or do you like seeing new stuff?
Zoey Blanche
Posts: 20
Florence, South Carolina, US
Though im still relatively new, in my experience, I LOVE having some wardrobe there, but I always bring my own just in case, as there are times where a particular item I decided to bring last minute ended up being exactly what we ended up using.
Leone P
Posts: 477
Batley, England, United Kingdom
e m i l y wrote: I don't want to be shot in things that are always used for every model, or even have been shot in a lot.
Why not? I don't mind as long as the wardrobe is clean. Its for my portfolio so regardless of wether someone else has worn it, its still new to my port. Bonus.
I see no problem with a photographer having a nice selection of clothing. Sometimes it is much better than what the model may bring to a shoot. It is nice to have options. Also it can help a model with her own wardrobe expenses.
Ive done a few shoots where the Photographer provided the wardrobe. I don't mind as long as its clean and if there's lingerie it has to be brand new with tags still on with a receipt.
Try not to shoot multiple models in the exact same outfits
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That one's always troubled me. I can see the ego aspect, especially in smaller markets where the fact may be more likely to be noted, given that it's a smaller circle, but in the case of a larger market, where the association is unlikely, or travelling models where it's even more unlikely, or in the case of period costumes, what's the practical point? And if you're not going to shoot anyone else in the outfit, why not just give it to the model? And if you do that, why maintain wardrobe at all? Why not just hire a wardrobe stylist who, nine times out of ten, will just pull from her preferred sources so the same outfit is likely to be pulled from time to time anyway.
I style almost all of my shoots and supply wardrobe and often shoes and accessories.
I always ask the model to bring something she would like to shoot in too, and we often combine our wardrobe to make new looks. I do try not to shoot the exact outfit on more than one model, but you can often mix and match to get different looks.
Lingerie is a one time use commodity, the model gets to keep what she wears, an added bonus for good models.
Rays Fine Art wrote: in smaller markets where the fact may be more likely to be noted, given that it's a smaller circle
This.
And, you're right - it's not a big deal because it's original to my portfolio. I just find it kind of boring to shoot something that's already been shot to death -- and certainly the photographer must feel that way after awhile? -- or perhaps I'm wrong in that assumption.
I've heard some models complain about dirty clothing at other photographers' studios. It may have be laundered, but hanging on a rack in the open, it'll get dusty. That leaves the impression it is not clean or washed.
Since I do not want images of a dozen different models in the same outfit, I tend to buy the outfit with the notion of giving it to the model as part of her compensation.
If I had models or others hiring me for a shoot, then having a clothing rack starts to make sense. The shot is for them, not me. Repetitive images are not likely, but watch out on referrals. If you shoot one women in a red outfit, and she recommends you to a friend, then you suggest her friend wear the same red outfit, well, that'll be awkward.
Having wardrobe already at the shoot is awesome. You may want to look into places like Ross, TJ Maxx, and thrift shops that have lower prices and name brand things. Once you feel that you've shot it more than you'd want you can do a shoot and offer the wardrobe as compensation
That one's always troubled me. I can see the ego aspect, especially in smaller markets where the fact may be more likely to be noted, given that it's a smaller circle, but in the case of a larger market, where the association is unlikely, or travelling models where it's even more unlikely, or in the case of period costumes, what's the practical point? And if you're not going to shoot anyone else in the outfit, why not just give it to the model? And if you do that, why maintain wardrobe at all? Why not just hire a wardrobe stylist who, nine times out of ten, will just pull from her preferred sources so the same outfit is likely to be pulled from time to time anyway.
"splain to me, please.
Shooting the same wardrobe on traveling models works okay for some shoots because it is a new shot for the models portfolio. Not so great for a photographer to have the same outfit several times in his portfolio unless he can change it up a bit with different styling, MU & H and backgrounds, or a very different model.
I only know one wardrobe stylist who handles latex so I'm pretty much on my own for styling.
I use wardrobe and then sell to get something new.
JimBobLc
Posts: 192
Martinsburg, West Virginia, US
I usually tell the models I have some items, and they're also welcome to bring their own (polite way of saying if they're squeamish about wearing what I have then bring their own of that item). I think a model should have her own nice photogenic panties, bra, and shoes. However at the end of the day no panties no bra no problem lol. I did get one fairly large sized Uggs-style boot, a steal I thought at $12, that I thought would not obviously be too large looking in a picture, and most sized models could wear if they had no proper shoes.
'catalogs and fashion shows'. According to you port notes. Have you any idea how many models/shows clothes may have been worn ?
I don't fully understand you, but in my experience, these things are typically shot in/shown once -- maybe twice...
My comment was more in regard to the amateur photographer who photographs different models in the same outfits, which can quickly get boring, but I also see it from the other perspective that an original shot is an original shot...
c_h_r_i_s
Posts: 13,346
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
e m i l y wrote:
I don't fully understand you, but in my experience, these things are typically shot in/shown once -- maybe twice...
My comment was more in regard to the amateur photographer who photographs different models in the same outfits, which can quickly get boring, but I also see it from the other perspective that an original shot is an original shot...
Fashion show clothes goes from venue to venue country to country and is worn by different models.
On the subject of clothes a lot of models look like they shop at K Mart. Very few have quality designer which is a must if your an agency model.
c_h_r_i_s wrote: Fashion show clothes goes from venue to venue country to country and is worn by different models.
On the subject of clothes a lot of models look like they shop at K Mart. Very few have quality designer which is a must if your an agency model.
Okay, well, not in the market I'm in...
And, I am an agency model, and it's never been required of me to have my own designer clothes. Nice, clean, pressed when asked provide own wardrobe? Yes. But never "designer", unless I'm modeling a designer's clothing, where I am here, and here:
yeah, i think you're forced to select models based on the sizes you stock in your wardrobe.
Paige Morgan wrote: However, it can be tricky to keep the range of things you might need on hand as a photographer, depending on what genres you want to shoot.
c_h_r_i_s
Posts: 13,346
Cheltenham, England, United Kingdom
e m i l y wrote: Okay, well, not in the market I'm in...
And, I am an agency model, and it's never been required of me to have my own designer clothes. Nice, clean, pressed when asked provide own wardrobe? Yes. But never "designer", unless I'm modeling a designer's clothing, where I am here, and here:
Models who test for folio shots will have a selection of designer clothes. But will own designer clothes as it's what makes them stand out from the K Mart crowd.
If a photographer can spend $1,000 on equip it's only right a model also spends on quality clothes.
c_h_r_i_s wrote: If a photographer can spend $1,000 on equip it's only right a model also spends on quality clothes.
Never on a catalog shoot or a fashion show have I been asked to supply my *own* clothing. That's the job of the designer.
For any other commercial job I've been on, I've been asked to supply my own wardrobe and the requirements generally look like this: "No black, white or red shirts, casual pants, no jeans." -- or, "Business look, heels, blazer, knee-length skirt or longer". The clients DO want you to come looking nice, with nice clothing, true. But the requirement has never been for "designer" clothes, and they don't care if you got them at K-Mart, either.
Kayz-Modelling
Posts: 294
Plymouth, England, United Kingdom
Stephen J Moss wrote: I'm about to open my first studio and I was wondering how do models feel about a photographer having a wardrobe? Would you rather bring your own or do you like seeing new stuff?
I don't have any issue with a photographer having their own wardrobe, but I always bring some of my own clothes a long as well.
As said before you just need to make sure you have a varied look in there and plenty of different sizes.
I've worked with photographers who have their own wardrobe, but I think I've only managed to get into their wardrobe once because they like what I bring better. It's not a bad idea to have your own stuff on hand. As a model, it's hard to fit into a "look" someone is planning without you sometimes so having a backup on hand is convenient.
Tiffiney C wrote: Having wardrobe already at the shoot is awesome. You may want to look into places like Ross, TJ Maxx, and thrift shops that have lower prices and name brand things. Once you feel that you've shot it more than you'd want you can do a shoot and offer the wardrobe as compensation
^yes. especially if you're shooting period stuff, pin up, or anything else that's harder for the model to get her hands on... Then you make sure the shot is styled the way you want it to be, and she saves a little on wardrobe without risking buying clothing you end up finding is not right for the image you are trying to create. I loveee when the photographer has a piece or two Ivan wear not that I've worked with a bazillion people. But on occasions where they did, I was happy for it!
Jade Honey
Posts: 633
Bodmin, England, United Kingdom
I ALWAYS bring either a hold-all or a suitcase with my wardrobe in but its always a bonus if the photographer brings something. It can add something to a shoot that you may not have thought of I don't mind shooting in something someone has already worn, like it has been said above, it's still new to my port.
Supplying outfits is never a bad idea. Any extra incentive you can offer the better. I have supplied outfits on numerous occasions and I just shoot for fun.
It can't hurt if you have the time & space for it. As others have said, make sure their clean.
In terms of specifics items. I'd keep it to generic outfits like shirts. Maybe a versitle, stretchy waistband skirt.
Things like undergarments, bras, or bikinis, they'd probably have issues w/ for hygiene reasons (even if you say you wash them). Dresses, shoes, I'd probably stay away from because of the need to tailor them to the model's specific bodytype (& thus costing you money) to make it fit right.
I have a whole wardrobe full of wardrobe. Of course I shoot a lot of nudes, so much of it is lingerie, accessories, and stuff like that. I buy at used clothing stores, eBay, a bunch of cheap Chinese manufacturers (great for one time use) and of course the MM Market.
I've shot with a models own wardrobe, but generally I'm not interested if I've already seen it in her portfolio' unless I can do something new with it. I almost always give the model the clothing we use, unless it is a foundation piece (coat, jacket, etc) that I can use again. If its lingerie or underwear the model always gets the item. Honestly, I rarely want to shoot the same thing twice anyway, and if the piece is really expensive (latex for example) I will sometimes offer it as trade if that is desirable to both parties (unless it has to go back to the mfr).
The tough thing is shoes. If you're a size 7, I can accommodate. If not, please bring a selection or I will specifically find something for a particular model/idea.
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