Fashion editors put in a lot of work to create a successful shoot, there are many steps to create a successful shoot. Starting off with a vision from the fashion editor’s vision. For each individual, they all have their unique ideas and vision for the shoot, therefore what the shoot looks like could be completely different depending on the editor responsible. After having a vision, the editors conduct research to get more inspiration and better execute the photoshoot. There are multiple research methods used from looking through books and drawings, having conversations with others, to traveling to different places. After all of that work, communicating and picking the model is also very important in order to achieve the desired image. The photographer could also greatly contribute to the outcome, different photographers portray the story differently. Some could be very straight forward and impactful while others could take a more subtle approach.
One of the editorials that were shown in the expresses a controversial cultural commentary, the editorial by Polly Mellen that was in the 1975 May issue of Vogue. The set of photos of women in a bathhouse, where there were disconnections between the girls. This set of photos is very thought-provoking and many people did not like this set of photos. They thought it was unnecessary and it was taking advantage of the girls. I think Polly Mellen having the courage to put out this set of photos itself is a sort of social commentary, her and her photos challenged the society and Vogue’s readers.
This documentary gave me many inspirations and gave me a better idea of how to create a successful shoot. As my final project does require a photoshoot I find this documentary very helpful. I think the sense of storytelling is very important in a photoshoot, it provokes the viewers to think, and have a deeper thought about the image they see. Considering my topic, I would love to incorporate inspiration from the documentary into my project by putting more effort into building a proper stage suited for storytelling. Meanwhile, I will also communicate with my model about what type of story do I want her to express through her body. Although I am the photographer but I will still be careful to make sure I can tell the story that I want to tell.
