Photography vs. editing skills – which one matters the most for a fashion photographer?

In the thriving age of AI, creative artists might fear they’re replaced by algorithms that don’t understand nuance and human connection. Photographers all over the world are concerned about the rising interest in Generative AI, through which anyone can generate new content based on data patterns. But this is not the only industry shaken to the core by AI. 

Fashion models also seem in danger, as some fashion brands prefer to scan them to create 3D models of their features and use them for further promotions and campaigns. With growing concerns over the name-image-likeness issue, the fashion photography sector seems to be at a crossroads. 

However, human creativity is like no other, and photographers can counteract these challenges by enhancing their skills. But is photography or editing what pushes them beyond the mundane? 

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-woman-wearing-sunglasses-holding-a-cell-phone-to-her-ear-1nLTyduE1cY 

On photography skills 

Photography skills require a lot of practice ― playing with light, contrast, and exposure while training your eye to see what others don’t. When it comes to fashion, finding a model and collaborating with different people will help craft a clearer vision of what you’d excel at. 

Several photography skills will enhance your chances to put your photography for sale and build a fan base or a community that’s interested in your talents. Until then, you should try mastering: 

• The hardware parts. Familiarize yourself with cameras and their respective adjustments, as well as products like lenses, tripod stands, and lights; 
• The composition techniques. Principles like balance, color, design, and light are essential to creating great raw images; 
• The shaping talent. Fashion photography is about choosing the perfect location and pose, as well as the context for a specific campaign; 

Regarding gear, you don’t need to start with expensive and professional products as a beginner. You can still learn the necessary skills with basic photo gear and then update it. 

On editing skills 

While your photography skills will emphasize talent and creativity, editing is required for consistency across your portfolio. Building your own brand as a fashion photographer includes elevating visuals and being able to transform pictures through your unique style. 

Considering you will be collaborating with fashion brands, you’ll also have to adapt to their brand image and requirements, which is why editing skills are valuable. For example, some of the basic adjustments include:

• Balancing brightness and darkness for optimal visibility; 
• Correcting hues, saturation, and white balance for natural balance; 
• Separating the image into texture and color layers; 

Some creative techniques are also required:

• Adding depth and dimension with shadow refining; 
• Contributing to visual complexity and completing a story; 
• Creating cohesiveness across a series of images; 

Numerous editing tools for beginners come with intuitive interfaces and pre-designed presets. These will help you learn basic retouching skills and allow you to practice on copies, building up towards improving skills like refining backgrounds or perfecting color grading. 

How can you develop your artistic skills? 

One of the most prominent issues beginner photographers deal with is the lack of artistic skill. Photographing models and fashion shows seem pretty straightforward, but the truth is that skill and editing won’t help without the presence of talent. 

Therefore, analyzing the work of prominent figures in the fashion industry will help us understand how important artistic skill is. Nadine Ijewere is known for her exploration of non-traditional beauty ideals, Campbell Addy has one of the most striking pictures of empowerment, and Sharna Osborne specializes in the vibe of the alluring ’90s and ’00s. 

Becoming a pioneer in fashion photography requires a commitment to exceeding your limits, studying other artists’ work, and contributing your unique perspective to the industry. Immersing yourself in this sector is the best way to become a professional. 

Why watching out for trends can help

We’re often recommended not to follow trends in the artistic field and create our own path in the industry. However, following trends as a beginner can be helpful in a way that you discover new ideas and are able to ride the wave of popularity. 

For example, in 2025, we’re experimenting with:

• Bold color palettes to evoke strong emotions; 
• Nostalgia influences like sepia and retro-based campaigns; 
• Unconventional perspectives and challenging traditional norms; 
• Cinematic storytelling that includes narrative-driven shoots; 

Different techniques for every type of fashion photography sector

Finally, the fashion photography industry is much vaster than believed. We’ve got the editorial fashion photo sector, in which professionals focus on the unique style and purpose of the picture to stir emotions while also playing with shadows and colors to create a specific mood. 

The fashion campaign’s photography includes matching the pic with the brand’s identity, which is why images are carefully crafted to connect the brand with the audience. In this sector, we’re looking for intentional lighting and special settings to create a cohesive visual story of the outfit. 

In beauty photography, emphasizing facial features, skincare, or makeup is necessary, so soft lighting and attention to details are necessary. The idea is to create a flattering effect while emphasizing the subject’s features. 

Be open to all opportunities

Learning and practicing photography in fashion are the normal steps you’d take to build a portfolio. However, you’ll need to work your way up to the big leagues, which means being open to any opportunity that arises that will train your eye. 

Whether it’s about volunteering to photograph a local fashion show or someone commissioning you to take photographs for their homemade clothing collection, these small opportunities will slowly shape your network as well. Getting to know people who want to collaborate with you and being wary of the competition will ensure your continuous growth as a professional. 

Final considerations 

In photography, having the skills to operate the gear and edit the pictures is essential to create something unique. However, no aspect is more crucial than the other, as your talent and eye for beauty will matter more. If you want to become an expert in fashion photography, you must engage with the industry’s collaborators and immerse yourself in the art of capturing models artistically.