Fashion Magazine Review: Allure – March 2015

I have been on a beauty kick lately with all of the photo shoots that I have been doing. Allure is another magazine I have been subscribed to for a long time and regularly keep up with, but haven’t done a post yet. If you are interested in beauty photography and gorgeous portraits of women, then Allure is your magazine!

ALLURE FASHMAG REVIEW – March 2015

1. Mario Testino // The Art of Illusion // http://www.mariotestino.com

I am a huge fan of Mario’s! I have seen his work countless times in magazines and through my own searches of fashion photographers. He is an extremely talented photographer and very inspiring to me. For this shoot the focus was on make up and head shots. Read the description in order to get a better understanding of his vision.

What I really like about this spread is the creative use of the concept. He isn’t just showing a beautiful model with beautiful make up. Everything is kind of strange and abnormal. There is at least one thing about the model and her look that is a little “out of the ordinary” such as the bright contact or the crazy gold nails.

I say this in every post, but it is so true, fashion is about exploration and creativity. There is no right or wrong way to create an appealing fashion image. The artist, in this case Mario, had a vision of what he wanted to create and he executed that idea perfectly. It may be weird and strange, but it is his expression of the concept. As a photographer I have learned that not everyone is going to like my work, but that is okay. I don’t need that kind of validation. I just want to produce beautiful images with a voice of their own.

2. Sebastian Kim // A New Blueprint // http://www.sebastiankim.com

Sebastian Kim is another photographer that I have seen a lot of work from. He always produces such nice images that are done flawlessly. His work is also everywhere right now. If you go to his site, he has an amazing collection of his work from many different magazines. This spread is all about jeans and jean material! I loved this shoot and thought it was super fun!

All of the images feature a white seamless backdrop which allows the eye to focus most on the model and her clothes. the lighting is flawless and shows the viewer exactly what they want to see. The skin is retouched perfectly with just the perfect amount of highlight and shadow.

The posing is very strong and shows movement and style. I love how he chose specific looks for specific poses, something I am trying to figure out right now. Not every look is right for every model or the clothes that she is wearing. It is important to know what looks good and what doesn’t. I love the “A” look he made with the model in the dress above. It is very flattering and beautiful.

Overall this was a really good issue of vogue as far as photography goes! A few old names with amazing work to showcase!

As always, let me know what you think in the comments below!

Until next time, live your dreams and may passion never die!

Kirk