Street Fashion

Shooting in public places is perhaps one of the most important and exciting forms of commercial photographic image making for today's modern photographer. Fashion and advertising photography has evolved into a photo-journalistic style that places the 'product' into real life situations and locations. Despite this, in most Western countries, the practice of street shooting has been unilaterally banned by some form of local security authority or other. In Bulgaria, more sensible approaches apply and, to date, there is no restriction on street shooting provided public access is not hindered in any way and common sense is applied when taking up camera angles.

Perhaps the host's favourite project with the visiting photographers because of the sheer fun and all out action of the photo-shoots themselves. Bulgarian women of all ages are very beautiful and predominately slim with a big interest in fashion. All want to watch the photo-shoots once the location gear starts popping off and check out what is going on and why are these people speaking English? We have a story from every street fashion shoot and get asked many times 'How do I become a model?' Bulgarian young people speak very good English so there is lots of interaction.

Initially, setting up the location for street shooting and the actual shooting itself can, at times, be quite daunting for the photographer with little experience of being under the public spotlight but, after a short while, being the centre of attention soon becomes second nature and a lot of fun. Here, in Bulgaria, it is certainly not unusual for the bystanders to check the camera back with the model and give their honest opinions of the images! Certainly a project not to be missed.

(Click on the images to 'Enlarge' or 'Holiday Projects' menu button above for more projects).