80s Editorial

Power, ambition, and hair the decade that believed more was always the answer

80s Editorial aesthetic photography reference
Reference80s editorial
Shoot Brief · Call Sheet● TC 00:00:00:00
Aesthetic80s Editorial
Roll068
Status0 / 5 Shot
LightStrong, hard directional light a fresnel o
WardrobePadded shoulders, bold lapels, primary or

Shot list

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FR·01A
Studio beauty portrait with strong overhead key light, pronounced shoulder pads creating a strong silhouette
FR·02A
Full-length fashion shot against a deep shadow-free background, subject in a power pose
FR·03A
Close portrait with hard light creating sharp cheekbone shadow, the makeup deliberately theatrical
FR·04A
Environmental shot in a glass-and-steel office environment, subject at a desk in full dress
FR·05A
Action shot mid-stride in an exterior architectural space, trench coat or structured jacket in motion
Roll
00 / 05
⌁ LightingStrong, hard directional light a fresnel or 7-inch reflector above and slightly to the front; the resulting shadows on the face were a deliberate aesthetic choice in 80s studio fashion photography

strong, hard directional light a fresnel o ✦

⌁ WardrobePadded shoulders, bold lapels, primary or jewel tones, statement belts, power jewelry nothing soft or apologetic

padded shoulders

Director noteReference the editorial work of Helmut Newton and Herb Ritts for posing language the body should be extended, angular, and in control; the subjects in 80s editorial never looked uncertain

Locations

Glass-fronted office building exteriorCorporate lobby with marble and chromePhoto studio with classic seamless and a strong light rigUrban plaza with strong architectural geometry

Explore the aesthetic

Style guide
Color palette

About this brief

How do I photograph the 80s Editorial aesthetic?
Power, ambition, and hair the decade that believed more was always the answer. Reference the editorial work of Helmut Newton and Herb Ritts for posing language the body should be extended, angular, and in control; the subjects in 80s editorial never looked uncertain
What shots should I get for a 80s Editorial photo shoot?
Capture: Studio beauty portrait with strong overhead key light, pronounced shoulder pads creating a strong silhouette; Full-length fashion shot against a deep shadow-free background, subject in a power pose; Close portrait with hard light creating sharp cheekbone shadow, the makeup deliberately theatrical; Environmental shot in a glass-and-steel office environment, subject at a desk in full dress; Action shot mid-stride in an exterior architectural space, trench coat or structured jacket in motion.
What lighting works for 80s Editorial photography?
Strong, hard directional light a fresnel or 7-inch reflector above and slightly to the front; the resulting shadows on the face were a deliberate aesthetic choice in 80s studio fashion photography
Where should I shoot 80s Editorial photography?
Good locations include: Glass-fronted office building exterior, Corporate lobby with marble and chrome, Photo studio with classic seamless and a strong light rig, Urban plaza with strong architectural geometry.
What wardrobe works for 80s Editorial photography?
Padded shoulders, bold lapels, primary or jewel tones, statement belts, power jewelry nothing soft or apologetic

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