Have you noticed that the streets during fashion week are always dominated with thin, pretty models in white? Let’s look at why street fashion photography is so lacking in diversity.
We loved street style because it wasn’t limited to celebrities but focused on everyday people. Street fashion has now become a celebrity game. iPhones have replaced the skills of professional photographers, and those who were once “ordinary” people are now celebrities and influencers. We can’t resist asking: Has street fashion lost its magic?
On the catwalks, diversity is slowly gaining ground. However, street fashion remains elusive. Photographers are faced with many challenges. Is it the photographer’s biased? Is it the editor? Or is it the guest list of the PR agency? Street fashion, unlike the catwalk should be more realistic and closer to reality to reflect the industry’s commitment to diversity. This is not the case.
Some photographers have noted that street fashion has become increasingly homogenous. Those who have not been photographed as often feel the change more than those used to being photographed. It’s not that they aren’t worthy of attention but the industry’s definition is too narrow.
What is the problem? Why do some people get photographed all the time, but others are not? Is it the photographer’s fault or not? Is it the fault of the photographer or is it the unintentional bias of editors, publicists or the entire industry.
We might need to rethink the definition of street style. Can we see a more diverse scene on the street if we expand our horizons? Or is it only that?
Join us as we explore the complexity of fashion photography and learn how to capture the diversity of our world through the lens.
“The fashion lens is aimed at everyone because there’s never just one form of beauty.”
