Content creation and REELS in fashion photography
If you look at social media today, one thing is particularly noticeable: Short videos dominate the feed. These so-called REELS offer entertainment and attract the attention of users. If you compare today's feeds with those of a few years ago, it becomes clear that videos have almost completely replaced static images. This trend is particularly noticeable in fashion photography. Brands such as Bonita, Brax and Lascana (links to the respective articles in the comments) are increasingly focussing on dynamic content to showcase their collections.
The whole thing is easier said than done - the production of REELS is much more complex than that of images. Nevertheless, I have almost no more bookings that come without video content. In this article, I'll show you how to create a particularly good REEL in fashion photography.
Bonita's Fashion Photography REEL Shooting on Mallorca
Mallorca, my second home, has established itself as an excellent location for fashion shoots. The island offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for visually appealing reels. From endless beaches to picturesque mountain landscapes and charming villages, the diversity of the island makes it possible to capture different moods and styles.
Especially in well-edited videos, this variety in the scenery offers a very special eye-catcher. Brands such as Bonita used these backdrops in our last shoot to present the essence of their fashion in captivating reels. The natural light and varied backgrounds allow each item of clothing to be shown to its best advantage.
What are short REELS?
Brands and influencers use these short videos to reach their target group quickly and effectively. The ability to convey a strong visual message in a short space of time makes reels an indispensable tool in modern marketing. In other words: the trend is unbroken.
Short reels are short, dynamic videos that are usually only 15 to 30 seconds long. They are specifically designed to grab viewers' attention quickly and captivate them with engaging content. These short clips are ideal for social media as they are quick and easy to consume and often achieve high interaction rates.
Even though the videos are so short, it still takes at least an hour of shooting and often several hours of post-production. So the term Short REEL really only refers to the end product - the production is anything but fast.
What makes a good REEL?
A good reel in fashion photography and everywhere else is characterised by creativity, high image quality and a strong visual narrative. For me, the following points are the key elements:
- Clear messageA REEL should convey a concise and understandable message.
- Visual appealHigh-quality shots and a well thought-out composition are essential.
- Creative editingEffects, cuts and music should support the content and arouse the viewer's interest. But be careful with GEMA music!
- StorytellingA good REEL tells a story that captivates the viewer.
- CommitmentREELs should encourage interaction, be it through calls to action or appealing content. The call to action should not be missing under any circumstances.
Realisation: How to make a good REEL
Creating a good REEL requires creativity, planning and a little technical skill. But with a little practice, all this is no problem at all. Here are the steps I go through when producing REELS. These tips can help you produce impressive reels even without expensive equipment:
Define topic and goal
Clearly define what you want to achieve with your REEL. Whether it's product advertising, storytelling or entertainment - a clear goal helps you stay focussed and target your presentation precisely.
Create a storyboard
Sketch out the most important scenes of the REEL. This will help you to visualise the structure and ensure that all shots can be produced at once. This saves you re-filming and a lot of editing if the lighting conditions are different later on.
The right equipment
A smartphone with a good camera is often sufficient. Make sure you have sufficient lighting and use a tripod to avoid camera shake. Natural light is the most pleasant. If the videos are well lit, you can also save a lot of time in post-production.
Filming
Keep clips short and concise. Changing perspectives and angles make the video a lot more interesting.
Edit
Use editing apps such as InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush or iMovie. Add suitable music and use text overlays to emphasise important messages. Pay attention to smooth transitions and a harmonious overall picture. Find examples from your own feed that are particularly appealing and analyse why.
Music and effects
Music sets the mood of your REEL. Pay attention to GEMA-free music here. Use effects and filters sparingly to create highlights without overloading the video.
Call to action (CTA)
There should be a clear call to action at the end. Whether it's more information on your website, following an account or buying a product - make sure your viewers know what they should do. Otherwise all the work will have been in vain.
Bonitas Fashion Photography
Bonita has understood how to take full advantage of REELS. By combining fashion photography and dynamic videos, the brand creates an engaging and modern presentation of each new collection across multiple social media channels. The use of Mallorca as a location enhances this effect with the unique aesthetics of the island. Looking forward to more projects!
Fashion photography and branding are closely linked. Through careful planning and creative realisation, brands can effectively communicate their identity and message. In fashion photography, it is important that the images not only reflect the collections, but also the brand's attitude to life and values.
Fashion photography has evolved thanks to REELS and offers fashion brands new opportunities to present their collections. As a photographer in Frankfurt and Mallorca, I can definitely confirm that this combination is unbeatable. I am also using more and more videos on my own marketing channels.
Do you want to present your latest fashion collection in a creative and appealing way? REELS and the breathtaking locations of Mallorca are the perfect choice.