Down to its essentials, photography is capturing light to craft an image—and fashion photography is no exception. Renowned fashion photographer Calypso Mahieu agrees. “[Lighting] can destroy or make a picture sublime very easily,” she says, underlining that her utilization of light is a secret weapon in creating her vibrant pictures.
If you’re an aspiring fashion photographer intent on picturing the best of style and couture, you will want to use light in the same way as Mahieu, and that means choosing the right camera lenses. These will determine the extent to which you can catch that light and manipulate it. With the right lens, you can shoot your subjects near or far, as brightly or dimly as you want—and ultimately set the right depth and mood for your photos to achieve their desired effect.
But which one should you start with? The following is an overview of the best lenses to use if you want to get into fashion photography.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM IF ART Lens
You won’t want to splurge on multiple specialized lenses when you’re just starting. This model is a great first lens because of its robust quality and versatility. Its 24-70mm focal length is perfect for capturing a vast array of angles and shots of a singular subject, whether you want a close-up on a remarkably detailed fabric or a wider shot to snatch a picture of the model posing in a particularly picturesque walkway. Sigma Art Lenses are also designed for detail via their higher apertures of f/1.4 to f/2.8—with this kind of sharpness, no part of a fashion design will escape you, and you’ll be able to present it with crystal clarity. The lens also has high-speed focus and an advanced optical stabilizer function. Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM IF ART Lens for flexibility and caliber when taking photos.
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens
Fashion photography isn’t all about clothing. It’s also about what stories you can tell within the four sides of a frame—and a Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens will give you everything you need to maximize that space. Its extreme aspherical elements can create a butter-smooth bokeh effect, while its extra-low dispersion glass element optimizes resolution while reducing flare and ghosting. Its F1.4 max aperture even makes it capable of night photography. If you want to take your work outside for more interesting shots—just don’t forget to leverage tools like photography reflectors to disperse and scatter light in different ways depending on the image you want to achieve. Pick the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens to craft a narrative around the clothing you want to exhibit.
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Zooming in doesn’t limit your ability to take an intriguing picture. In fact, a study in fashion photography portraiture notes the infinite choices you have within portraits—with clothing alone, you can alter the drape, texture, form, and luster of the fabric while directing your model to emphasize or downplay the silhouette to emit strength or vulnerability. A Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens has 13 elements in 9 groups and a 9-blade aperture system, which means you can easily shift from a soft haziness perfect for a fairytale-dress photoshoot to razor resolution for high fashion images. It also has a 12-pin communication system that boosts the Digital Lens Optimizer, eradicating image deterioration. Choose the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM Lens to depict striking, intimate fashion portraits.
Building fashion photography skills means developing an eye for manipulating light. Use these lenses to widen your options and depict the best of fashion
