Fashion has been a primary subject of photographers since the first experiments with photography. The court photographer of Napoleon III, Pierre-Louis Pierson, is generally considered the first Fashion photographer. Although less commonly associated with fashion, San Francisco is no stranger to experimentation with new technologies. It is how the city’s own Levi Strauss & Co. developed the patent for their trademark copper rivets in 1873, Haight-Ashbury became the incubator of a cultural movement, and Apple created the personal computer. True to the intrepid spirit of the city, the theme of this year’s San Francisco Fashion Week was “Revolte Libertad”. The best Fashion photographers in San Francisco follow the tradition of the West Coast’s inventive ethos and push the genre into new territory.
At Wonderful Machine, we define Fashion photography as imagery that emphasizes clothes, shoes, and accessories. Fashion photography usually features professional models but can also simply display items in a still-life setting. Each San Francisco Fashion photographer featured in this listicle has demonstrated their ability to capture high-quality fashion imagery.
Although photographer María del Río was born in Mexico and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she made California her home when she moved there independently at 18. Now, the San Francisco Fashion photographer is an active and engaged member of the Bay Area community both professionally and socially. She is a sought-after commercial and editorial photographer and a committed CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer who works with teenage foster youth. María shoots commercial and editorial Fashion photography for major clients like JCrew, Gap, Vogue Ukraine, and the New York Times.
Her portfolio shows extensive experimentation with light to create distinct moods. Often capturing the dry and warm tones of natural daylight, María’s work casts deep shadows that accentuate the subjects of her images. Alternatively, she works extensively with bright and direct fill flash to create images with shallow contrasts that have a sense of immediacy. María’s work displays a range of techniques, styling, and processing that make her a top San Francisco Fashion photographer.
Devon Lach is both a commercial photographer and creative producer whose focus is on creating inclusive work that meaningfully represents a brand’s ethos. Her portfolio includes shoots with numerous boutique fashion brands and major retailers. No matter the client, Devon creates images that emphasize the diversity of both the models and the clothing style.
Her work with boutique designers and shops shows each piece in great detail in a clean, natural light. Realistic and direct images that feel unaltered convey a feeling of sincerity and realism. Devon’s images are more about creating a space to reveal the subject than an atmosphere of opulence or edginess to entice viewers. She has an eye for the genuine character of the subjects and clothing she documents. In a field saturated with trends and haute glamour, the ability to see through the hype is a unique skill.
San Francisco photographer JJ Casas is a talented up-and-coming voice in the photography and marketing industry. He shoots diverse genres and styles of commercial photography, is the creative director of photo and cinematography production company, 8:45a, and recently released a copywriting application called Copywritr. JJ is industrious, dedicated, and ambitious.
The University of San Francisco graduate creates images with sharp contours and deep shadows. Rich color contrasts create a sense of drama and tension while accentuating the qualities of the piece of clothing. In contrast, his black-and-white imagery is equally dynamic and evocative.
Cheyenne Ellis is a graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography and a student of pioneering photographer Irving Penn. She sets herself apart from other Fashion photographers in San Francisco in the way she captures casual and easygoing images in natural environments. Growing up between Malibu and Mammoth Lakes, California, Cheyenne has honed her eye for capturing natural light in the sun-drenched serenity of the California countryside. She also grew up on set, following in the footsteps of her father, a movie stuntman and director, and is at home coordinating crew, props, and models in the bustling work environment.
Cheyenne’s fashion imagery is laidback, casual, and full of tender moments. Soft natural light sets a warm and friendly tone throughout her portfolio. She shoots primarily outside of the studio in natural environments. Whether on the beach or in the beautiful rolling steppes of the California Sierras, her sun-saturated images are a far cry from the serious and stylized aesthetics of New York or Paris. Strikingly familiar, light-hearted, and laidback, Cheyenne’s Fashion photography is quintessentially Californian.
Together, Angel Cintron and Stephen Nava created the photography production company CiNava. Their goal is to explore the “sexy, raw, and edgy side of fashion,” through conceptual themes. The Mid-West natives introduce their unique vision into a field that can, at times, be stilted, formulaic, and redundant. In the spirit of true style, Angel and Stephen try to push the agenda with provocative styling, angles, and lighting.
Both on-set in the studio and on location capture bold and vivid colors that express the dynamics of a designer’s style or an editor’s vision. Controlled studio environments allow them to manipulate light and experiment with staging and styling. Artificial lighting and uncluttered scenes create an ideal environment to explore the body, movement, and the unique garments with which they are working. Alternatively, outside of the studio, sunlight and nature provide a backdrop that creates a dynamic interplay between fashion, body, and environment. In either context, Angel and Stephen are two Fashion photographers in San Francisco who transform subtleties into centerpieces.
San Francisco Fashion photographer Anna-Alexi Basile says that her world is ruled by color. Her portfolio is vibrant with many monochromatic images. She explores the interactions between tones and light around the subject of a model and fashion. Crisp shadows and clean lines are present throughout her work, creating a strong sense of structure and composition. The influence of growing up between Italy and Florida is apparent in the way natural light illuminates subjects and spaces. It is often strong, direct, and, just like the sun, falls from above. Her methods fill out the subject’s features in a rich warm light that casts strong shadows.
Anna is an Adobe Ambassador who teaches classes on photography, style, and organization. She travels around the world for commercial and editorial shoots alike. Some of her notable commercial fashion clients include H&M, Levi’s, and Vogue Business.
Natasia Dusapin is a native Parisian who lives between San Francisco and Los Angeles. She is a graduate of the prestigious Les Gobelins Photography School. Her campaigns with high-profile brands like Gucci, YSL Beauty, and L’Oreal have garnered international recognition. In addition, Natasia’s work has also been featured in the prestigious fashion magazine Purple.
Nastasia is fluent in both video and still commercial imagery. She creates ethereal scenes with female protagonists. Natasia’s images often feature a grainy analog texture, soft shadows, and washed-out yet vibrant colors. Frequent use of bokeh and high depth of field create dramatic compositions that embellish the subject’s character. This draws viewers into the image, so to speak, by giving presence to the subject and their story. Her fashion images are often light and playful yet emotional and nostalgic. Sun-washed and ocean-sprayed, Nastasia’s work embodies the spirit of California dreaming.
Fashion photography is an especially challenging and competitive field. As a genre, it was born right alongside the technology itself. Some of the first photographs were also fashion photographs. Although it would take another half-century for it to develop as a genre and industry unto itself, the seeds were sewn from the first photographic experiments. A San Francisco Fashion photographer must be as innovative and inventive as the city in which they live. The seven gathered here show that innovation and style go hand in hand.
Further Reading
Read more articles about Fashion photography on our blog.
Specialty: Fashion Photography
Let us help you Find Photographers, source Stock Photography,
Produce Your Shoot — or just reach out to hear more!