Fashion Meets Times Square: A Photoshoot Among the City Lights

Nobody pinch me this photoshoot was unreal!

Times Square is arguably one of the most iconic and recognizable locations in all of New York City. Situated at the junction of Broadway and 7th Avenue, it is a major commercial intersection and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan. Known for its bright billboards and advertisements, Times Square has become a hub for tourism, entertainment, and retail.

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With its flashy neon lights, distinctive towering skyscrapers, and vibrant city energy, it's no wonder Times Square has become such a popular backdrop for photoshoots of all kinds. The chaotic streets and dazzling displays provide an unmistakably New York aesthetic that fashion photographers love. Times Square offers countless angles, textures, colors, and themes to work into creative shoots. From street style photography to high fashion magazine editorials, Times Square is a setting that evokes a true New York city vibe.

In this photoshoot, we will explore how Times Square can be utilized as the backdrop for an edgy, fashion-forward photoshoot concept. From styling and creative direction to lighting and post-production, we will cover all the elements that bring this iconic location to life in a distinctively New York fashion shoot. The goal is to produce images with a cinematic, atmospheric quality that captures the essence of this famous Manhattan neighborhood.

Times Square in New York City is known for its bright lights, energy, and constant action. It's a place where giant digital billboards and LED screens glow 24/7 as crowds of people walk the streets taking in the sights. There's always something happening in Times Square, from street performers to musical acts, making it a dynamic urban backdrop like no other.

This photoshoot aims to capture the essence of Times Square by using its visual elements as inspiration for styling, props, and effects. The goal is to transport the models into the bustling heart of Manhattan and evoke a sense of the city's restless spirit and flair for drama. Times Square was chosen specifically because it's such an iconic New York location that will be instantly recognizable. Its larger-than-life neon advertisements and kineticism provide countless creative opportunities. The photoshoot will highlight fashion against the backdrop of Times Square's characteristic sights, sounds, and energy.

Times Square is known for its bright lights, bold colors, and eclectic mix of fashion. When planning a photoshoot inspired by this iconic New York location, lean into these elements with your styling choices.

Bright, saturated hues are a must for any Times Square-inspired shoot. Opt for pops of neon, particularly pinks, greens, oranges, and purples. Don't be afraid to clash colors and patterns for an eye-catching look. Metallics like gold and silver also evoke the glitz of Times Square.

Look for graphic prints, especially those with a retro vibe. Geometric shapes, polka dots, and stripes all pair well with the Times Square aesthetic. Mix multiple patterns together for a bold, dynamic style.

Big, statement accessories complete the look. Oversize sunglasses, wide belts, stacked bangles, and long necklaces make an impact. For headwear, consider a retro pillbox hat or wide-brim fedora. Sparkly platform heels, thigh-high boots, and sneakers in bright hues keep the outfit grounded.

NYC Photoshoot?

Umm Yes Please!

Makeup should be glamorous yet playful. Metallic eyeshadow, bold lip colors, heavy mascara, and strategic glitter accents reinforce the Times Square style. Use blush to sculpt exaggerated cheekbones. Get creative with eyeliner shapes and faux gems around the eyes or cheekbones.

In summary, think fun, flashy, and fierce when styling for a Times Square photoshoot. The location's legendary style and spirit should shine through.

When doing a Times Square inspired photoshoot, the hair and makeup looks should evoke the bright lights and energy of the iconic New York location. For makeup, go bold and sparkly. Glitter eyeshadow, bold lashes, and a glossy lip will photograph beautifully. Keep the skin fresh and radiant.

For hair, opt for big, bouncy curls or sleek, straight locks. Use products to add shine and make the hair look extra dramatic. You can also do fun accents like headbands or barrettes that tie into the theme. Accessorize with statement earrings or other eye-catching jewelry.

The models should look glamorous yet approachable. Aim for hair and makeup that is aspirational and fashion-forward. It should be noticeable and fun while still seeming wearable for a night out. While photographed beauty looks can be more dramatic than real life, maintain some naturalness and avoid going overboard on editing later. Embrace a bold spirit with the hair and makeup to bring the energy of Times Square into the photos.

Not actually shooting in NYC? Capturing the bright lights and visual excitement of Times Square requires carefully planning your photoshoot lighting. Here are some tips:

- Add colored gels to strobes to recreate the vibrant neon lighting of billboards and signs. Blues, reds, greens, and purples work well.

- Use rear curtain sync to create light trails from passing cars and other city traffic. This sets off the flash at the end of the exposure rather than the beginning.

- Try slow shutter speeds of 1/15s or longer to intentionally blur motion of people walking by. Use a tripod for sharper results.

- Create lens flare and bokeh effects during post-production using digital filters and effects. Use sparingly to accentuate, not overwhelm, the Times Square atmosphere.

- Set up strobes on light stands at wide angles to spread light evenly across the entire scene. Feather and diffuse light as needed.

- Use reflectors to bounce and fill light on the opposite side from strobes. Pay attention to the quality and color of reflected light.

- Take light meter readings to properly expose the models. Times Square often has mixed lighting conditions to consider. 

- To recreate the visual energy of Times Square, use rear-curtain sync, slow shutter speeds, and gels creatively. But focus primarily on properly lighting the models themselves.

Don’t be afraid to be bold!

You won’t know if it “wont work” until you try it!

Modeling is a crucial part of bringing the overall styling, makeup, and creative direction to life in a photoshoot. When working with models for a New York City Times Square inspired fashion shoot, there are some key directing tips to keep in mind:

- Communicate the overall vision and mood upfront. Explain that you want to capture the bright lights, energy, and flashy side of Times Square. Share reference photos to make the vibe clear.

- Give movement and posing guidance. Suggest poses that convey the city's kinetic pace and sense of fashion. Have models walk briskly, look over their shoulder, stop and check their watch, or hold shopping bags.

- Encourage expressive facial emotions. Tell models to have an excited or amazed look on their face when reacting to the city sights. Capture candid laughter and joy.

- Use the entire set space. Guide models to utilize the full backdrop, walking from one end to the other. This adds dimension versus having them stand in one spot.

- Offer hands-on feedback. If a certain pose or movement doesn't look right, gently adjust the model into a better position that flatters their body and the clothes.

- Maintain a fun energy. Remind models this is a lively theme, so they should channel the chic hustle and bustle of Times Square. Let them get playful with their poses if it fits the vibe.

The key is collaborating with models, communicating the shoot's vision, and giving gentle guidance to achieve dynamic, on-theme photos. With the right direction, models will bring the NY city glamour and energy to life.

After the photoshoot is complete, the real work begins in post-production. This involves selecting the best photos, processing the raw images, editing and retouching to get the final images ready for delivery.

Once the shoot is over, the first step is to import all the images to your computer and review them. Go through each shot and rate them, flagging your select picks. Narrow these down to your top 10-20 photos that best embody the overall theme and vision for the shoot. Avoid shots that are too similar and pick a diverse range of poses and styles.

Open the RAW photo files in Photoshop, Lightroom or your preferred RAW processing software. Adjust the white balance, exposure, contrast, highlights and shadows to get the ideal look for each photo. Optimize the tone curve for vibrant, punchy images. Apply noise reduction if needed.

Conduct more targeted edits on each photo in Photoshop to perfect them. Carefully retouch any imperfections on the models' skin. Eliminate any distractions in the background. Adjust colors, saturation, vibrance for the desired look and feel. Add subtle vignettes, grain or other effects. Dodge and burn to accentuate highlights and shadows. Sharpen important details.

Spend time on intricate editing until each image looks professionally polished and magazine-worthy. Output your final selects as high-res JPEGs or TIFFs, ready for delivery and publication.

A New York City Times Square inspired fashion photoshoot is an exciting way to capture the energy and glamour of one of the world's most iconic locations. This dazzling urban backdrop evokes a sense of style, entertainment, and nonstop action. Taking fashion photography and placing it into the bright lights of Times Square gives an editorial edge while still feeling relatable.

Recreating the big city vibe allows models and fashion to take center stage. Vibrant LED screens, neon signs, and busy streets provide eye-catching effects. This photoshoot concept brings together global brands, tourism, and the performing arts into one unified theme. At its heart, Times Square represents hopes, dreams, and ambitions of making it in the big city. Capturing fashion photography on this set pays homage to both the models and location.

Ultimately, this photoshoot theme reminds us that fashion lives at the intersection of art, business, and culture. By blending commerce with creative vision, a Times Square inspired shoot produces unforgettable and shareable images. The results give models, photographers, and audiences a new take on one of the most legendary destination spots in the world. For those dreaming big, this dazzling photoshoot concept delivers magic.