WARDROBE / SUPPORT SERVICES

As part of wardrobe and clothing you should be encouraged in learning about fashion. Thirty years ago most women had some experience in sewing. From that experience they had an understanding of what different fabrics were like, what standard cuts of skirts were, different types of collars, different types of pockets, and many more variations that could make up a garment. All of this is still important today when modeling clothes. It helps to know how a fabric will drape or move when you are modeling it. It helps to know if a pocket is deep cut or shallow cut so you can show that. It is very important to know what the lines are of a garment so you can accentuate them and not break the line of movement. Fashion history and how the fashion industry works may be fun to learn, but it is more important to understand the garment itself.

In a secondary market, on a lower budget shoot, for your own composite and portfolio you will need a basic working wardrobe. When starting in photography most modeling books will list the basic wardrobe a model should have. This, of course, is where the simple black dress came from. I am not sure what should be in one's closet today, but a range of basics would be good. You must have a business suit for interviews, cold calls, and modeling. Most photographers are grateful when a model has a formal dress. The formal is best for the super dress-up shot. You may have to wait till you get going and call on a few photographers to see what you might want in a basic wardrobe.

The following list will introduce you to professionals who belong to the ever growing community of those who will assist with Costumes and Wardrobe.

COSTUME – WARDROBE