Fight Club ~~~

PUNK w Andrei Şeitan

Teaser : Selphie Bong Photoshoot – Second Skin

Cecilia Jiang Yizhou Testshoot

Harajuku Replugged

Model : Larissa S ( Basic Models Management )
Fashion Stylist : Geraldine Lim
MUA/Hair: Hana Hearts
Art Direction : Tuck Loong
Photography: Jeri Soh

How to win a Fashion photography competition

1)     Know the contest – First and foremost,  know the rules and regulations of the contest you are taking part in. Read the brief and know what is expected of you and what the restrictions might be. Certain contests require you to shoot on site at a particular location so make sure you have the clearance to shoot  and do find out what the guidelines are in regards to bulky equipment as they might  not want you to bring along a big crew and affect the day to day running of their businesses. Do also keep in mind whatever formats or restrictions in terms  of photoshop or the maximum / minimum number of images. ( You will not want to screw yourself over by destroying your chances by breaking the rules. ) Work within restrictions and have fun with it.

2)     Concept and Research – Brainstorm for ideas and research past winners and judges. If you know the taste of the judging panel, it might increase the chances of you winning something. Email them if necessary and get to know the inspiration for their work, I am sure they will be more than willing to share their past experiences. Do create mood boards or storyboards as they help everyone visualize better. Doing your “homework” allows everyone to be clear about what you want to achieve.

3)     Be Original – I have to stress while there is a certain formulae for getting recognized in certain aspects of photography, judges will also like to see something original and unique.  Do not follow the trend blindly and always be willing to take risks. While replicating the works of a master might impress some judges, it also shows a distinct lack of creativity. I have seen a shoot of the great bull run done to the death. There is like a couple of hundred of those photos out there winning prizes till it’s starting to get real boring. Be willing to take a risk, you might fail but if you do get recognized , they will love you for being different. Photography in an expression of your views of the world, so make sure you have got something to say.

4)     Gathering a team. While it is advisable to gather a big team of people to help in executing the shoot , it is still best to be able to have complete control over how you would want the shoot to be done. While it is awesome to have feedback and creative input, it’s crazy to have to accommodate to all aspects. Be in control but keep an open mind. A collaboration is supposed to benefit all the parties involved so do try to make sure everyone has something to put into their portfolios. The chemistry between a good team can create sparks to propel you to standout from the rest of the competition.

5)     Booking a model. Always choose someone who can bring out the theme of what you want. They do not need to be pretty in the traditional sense but must be able to pose. Engaging a professional will probably make your job easier but do have a few poses in mind in case you run dry. Also do get a release form ready as it will allow you to enter the photos for contests. You will not want the model or the modeling agency haunting you down for using their photos without permission. If you have an existing working relationship with a modeling agency, the booker might allow you to do testshoots and charge minimal amounts for contests.

6)     Location Scout – It’s probably easier if you can go in advance to recce the place. It will allow you to plan in advance what you want to do and where. It’s challenging to be on site as it might rain or the place might all of a sudden be closed or out of bounds. Do get permission to shoot as you might be prosecuted if you are trespassing. Ask around , I am sure you can find a good place to shoot. Tap into the resources of the people you know. It will aid you in the quest for excellance.

7)     Buying or making props , clothes etc – While it is awesome to have a stylist help you get clothes and accessories , it’s at times not within the budget to engage a professional. You can always buy / rent cheap and just mix and match for the look you desire.

8)     Logistics – Getting transport if you have a big group of people or big props. Vans or lorries are sometimes necessary to help you move equipment so do up a list first and see what kind of transport is necessary.

9)     Assistants – I cannot stress more the importance of getting some assistants. I started off s one and they can make a photographer’s job look so easy. Finding someone who has prior knowledge is beneficial so having a buddy tagteam up as your Photography Assistant will probably boost the quality of the shoot, especially if they know their ways around lighting equipment.

10)  Postprocessing – They say the best photoshop is the photoshop you do not notice so please do not overdo it. Some people tend to add in too many effects and it takes away attention from what it was meant to be about….. the CLOTHES.  Fashion is all about the clothes and in case you do not know what that means….. it’s about displaying the fabric, the detailing and how the designer wants you to perceive the brand, so if the outfits look good, so will you.

Good Luck and most importantly have fun.

Teaser: The Alien Within photoshoot ~~~

Model: Naomi S ( Basic Models ) http://www.basicmodels.com.sg/
Stylist : Shannon Oon
MUA/Hair: ShanDy Smexy Seah
Producer: Baofang Zhang
Lighting / Direction: Tuck Loong and Shaz Ghani

The Great Gatsby Teaser

Starcreations X AFF 2013

   

   

Tsumori Chisato Fashion Show at Audi Fashion Fest 2013