Haute Couture

What is  Haute Couture and why do designer's do it, when most items are nonfunctional? The term "haute couture" is French. Haute means "high" or "elegant." Couture literally means "sewing," but has come to indicate the business of designing, creating, and selling custom-made, high fashion women's clothes. Sounds simple enough. So then, why are these items ranked in a non-functional (not so practical) category? Well, the best example I can think of is Lady Gaga and her outlandish costumes for major WOW factor and stage presence. 

We all know, we would never be caught dead in this bubble dress going to the grocery store. but would you wear it to a party? An evening out with the girls? Let's consider the functionality; can you use the restroom freely? are you able to maneuver  through crowds? more importantly, can you get in and out of your car?  And yet, the designer's continue to produce styles like this - why? For the fame, for the money? 

Because they can!  Like photographers, fashion designers are artist, too! As a photographer, I am seeking bi-lines, credits, money and compensation for my images but I do not take on the task for that reason - I do it because I believe in what it is I am shooting -an artistic connection- to create an photo that promotes feeling and inspiration.

"To many photographers appearing in print and achieving a photo credit in a prestigious publication are the ultimate goals, but as poet Dorothy Parker said, "Beauty is only skin deep; ugly goes clean to the bone." When you encounter an offer to work primarily (or only) for a photo credit, and the costs of doing so are greater than your revenue, the beauty of that photo credit is skin deep, but the ugliness of what you are required to sacrifice in order to achieve that goes to the bone." (Best Business Practices for Photographers pg.xxviii)

 With that said, it is no wonder a designer will create such haute couture when the price is right. Just as a photographer is willing to go to great lengths to create a gorgeous, memorable photograph. In the business of photography, it more than just snapping the shutter button. There are so many other elements (I will be discussing on this blog) to creating a successful photography business, like planning and preparation.

 "Planning and preparation are cornerstones of success. The Roman philosopher Seneca once said, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

Therefore, be a boyscout; be prepared, even overly so.

"All of the circumstances you could find yourself in, and myriad other things could go wrong, go sideways, or just plain throw you off. If you do not have multiple backup plans and the resources to carry them out (preferably seamlessly), then you are not ready for the unexpected, and this lack of preparation will ruin your shoots(s) at the least desirable times." (Best Business Practices for Photographers pg.20)