Photographic Model - PART 1

PART 1

The various categories of modelling both photographic and non-photographic include:

1. Editorial Fashion

2. Advertising Fashion

3. Catalogue Advertising

4. Illustrative Advertising

5. Product Modelling

6. Runway (catwalk) Modelling

7. Specialty Modelling

8. Artist Model (see Part 2)

a) Life Drawing & other art

b) Photography

Editorial Fashion

This area of photography is in an editorial style as opposed to the product advertising pages in the magazine. In this area of photography, the photographer is not responsible to a manufacturer of a product, but to the look and style of the magazine. The brief is to create an appealing look and identity for the magazines audience. The editors of the magazine create editorial fashion concepts and the photographer is responsible for the rest. Often this provides the photographer with more control over the photography, giving him/her the power to choose models, locations, moods, and effects of the entire shooting. It is generally a far more creative process for the photographer and model. The photographer must of course follow the concept brief precisely.

Advertising Fashion

Advertising fashion is not as loose as editorial fashion. The photographer is now working for a manufacturer of a product or their advertising agency or representative. Clear guidelines and objectives are stated and must be followed precisely. In the scheme of advertising fashion, it is the photographer's job to present the product in the best way he can with his/her skills. The photographer may have no say in model selection whatsoever.

Catalogue Advertising

The purpose of catalogue advertising is to present products from clothing to jewelry and other accessories in an appealing way. Usually some creativity is sacrificed for a more blunt approach that displays the product in an obvious manner. Detail is important, as the products need to be displayed in a clear, unambiguous way. The primary objective is for the catalogue client to understand exactly what the product is and offers.

Illustrative Advertising

Illustrative advertising is usually done on location but can be executed on a set in a studio. The result is meant to reflect real life events in the real world. It can be likened to environmental portraiture but with a concept for advertising a product. Generally there will be one, two or more models (and perhaps some extras) posing and reacting to each other in a setting or environment that is natural to the product. An example would be sun cream at the beach or lingerie in a bedroom.

Product Modelling

Product modelling is in the same genre as advertising fashion, but the product cannot be classified as a fashion item or accessory. This includes such items as aeroplane propellers, chainsaws, computers, furniture and other items that don't fall into the fashion category. These products have the same need as advertising fashion though; the manufacturers want them to look good and will hire models to insert into their products.

Runway (catwalk) Modelling

Everyone has seen the runway model, particularly when the top designers come to town to show their wares. The runway model is not photographed on these occasions (they maybe photographed subsequently for magazine articles/advertising etc). They model the garments for an audience to unveil a new line/range/style or designer to the market. The runway model is usually strikingly beautiful. This is because they work in real time with the audience and need to present as perfect as possible. The runway model doesn't have the luxury of having a photographer touching up any physical or aesthetic flaws in photographs.

Specialty Modelling

This type of modelling is quite different from the above. It involves various parts of the body and the model specialises in those body parts. A model may have particularly desirable hands for the modelling of jewelry or cosmetics. His or her hands may be clear of blemishes, displaying long fingers beautifully manicured fingernails and knows how to pose the hands to their best advantage. This model relies on her hands for work. The same can be said for most parts of the body when products require close up work. The manufacturer of the product will be wanting the best available in skin clarity and tone, for lips, face, hands, feet, breasts, back, stomach, shoulders, feet and any other body part that is needed for a product.

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