Fashion Photography Is an Interesting

Fashion photography is an interesting research area because of various reasons. On the one hand, it is safe to state that it reflects the needs and desires of the society where it is produced. On the other hand we could state that fashion photography is one of the main instruments through which companies impose trends. These refer not only to what people should be wearing, but to what they should be thinking as well. More than a communication medium, fashion photography has the power to influence people's ideals regarding life style and also the construction of the social persona.

Programme of study

Under these circumstances, I believe that a research topic such as the evolution of fashion photography could provide us with a deeper insight upon the evolution of society as well. In addition, it would be interesting to see how the power dynamics of fashion photography on the one hand, and of society on the other have switched the position of dominating power. Furthermore, it would also be interesting to see the manner in which the development of technology has had an impact upon the development of fashion photography. The relation between art and fashion photography is another aspect that could be researched and analyzed, taking into consideration the latest trends according to which the boundaries between fine art and commercial photography are more and more blurred. As a case study we could take into consideration the fashion photographers who have had the greatest influence upon the evolution of fashion photography. It would be very interesting to see how their style has evolved throughout the years and which have been the elements that touched people in a relevant manner. And since what we are dealing with is the construction of meaning through visual means, the research should also be based upon analyses in this area. Last but not least the manner in which fashion photography approaches the issue of gender, reflecting or imposing social trends could also be an exciting part of our research.

Evaluation

The purpose of the research is to obtain factual information about the evolution of fashion photography, but not only. A descriptive analysis of the data can serve as the departure point for the very interpretation of the facts. In order to be able to provide the reader with a relevant interpretation one must also take into consideration the changes and developments which have taken place in other areas (such as science, technology, philosophy, art, etc.)- since they have also influenced the overall direction of development of society. All these elements must be researched and correlated in order to achieve an objective analysis of the manner in which fashion photography has evolved.

Research Sources

As far as the research sources are concerned, they must include books, scientific essays and online information, ranging from blogs to specialized case studies. The books could help with the history of fashion while the academic essays could give an insight upon the most important changes which have occured in fashion photography throughout history. Photographic databases showing the works of the best known fashion photographers must also be used in order to illustrate the conclusions of the paper.