Testing is only for the newbs and the novices….right?  

It’s true! Those who launch themselves into a career in fashion and beauty photography NEED a well rounded and sharp portfolio. There’s only one way to start…and that’s to start shooting. We all have to do it, however I’m here to argue that we should never stop, and here are 4 good reasons why: 

1. Photographers are Creatives - We Need Personal Projects

I’m going to be bold and proclaim that this applies to ALL creatives. A creative has one thing they need next in line to breathing…..and that’s creating. Often, well established fashion and beauty photographers will become busy and preoccupied achieving the creative visions for their clients…and while we LOVE doing this, we have a part in us driving itself forward underneath the day-to-day hustle of being a photographer, and that’s bringing your own downloads into reality. There are reasons you need to keep creating YOUR visions and if you can manage it, schedule time to do so. 

Keep reading…..

2. Your daily jobs aren’t often your BEST work

I remember going almost 12 months without adding anything to my portfolio. It was stale and worse…though I’d been shooting like a madman for months, I didn’t feel I had ANYTHING worthy to add to it. Whilst you may be booking a lot of shoots, whether they truly showcase your individual style can be hit and miss. 

Even though your clients might be singing your praises, you may feel you are not quite hitting heights creatively. This is where testing comes in, unleash the tiger and only let your BEST hit your book. 

3. Staying Fresh

Sounds simple but in reality it’s like showering or brushing your teeth….you can’t expect to brush or shower once a week and expect to stay fresh. I’m not suggesting to test that often, but you get the point. Have you ever read a journal entry you wrote 12 months ago and thought..‘OMG did I really write that??!!’ I have the same experience looking at old work. 

YOUR WORK EVOLVES WITH YOU

You are always growing and learning, so your work must evolve with you. Add to your ‘image journal’ and you will keep up better…with your own growth. 

4. Perception

If I haven’t said enough to sell the idea to you yet as a well established photographer to keep testing, here’s another. Your portfolio could be your website, but most often these days it’s social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) that people keep on top of your movements with. If potential clients are watching you and you go quiet, it could be perceived as you not operating. This is ok! If you’re not looking to book work consistently, if it’s just a side hustle or whatever your reasoning. But if it’s just because you’re too busy with paid work and you just don’t want to post any of it, it could come across that way. Clients come, some stay, but if you want to keep fresh interest rolling in, you need to create it by breathing fresh air into your presence. 

The bottom line is, if you want to continue to build a successful career in fashion photography, there’s a hustle culture to keep up with. I’m a busy fashion photographer, I’m also a single parent and I know how hard it is to find time to really delve into your passion the way you want to. When you do your passion for a living, there’s an ebb and flow to how much you can manage your own projects….but I promise, it will reward you! 

Nadia Masot - Brisbane’s very passionate Beauty and Fashion Photographer

I love to get creative at least once a quarter and shoot an editorial if I can possibly find the time. So, at the end of last year, I did just that!

Brisbane’s fashion profile has been gaining traction in recent years. The 2023 Brisbane Fashion Festival boasted gorgeous pieces on the runway and attracted hoards of fashion lovers throughout the region. The labels showcased on the runway inspired this editorial piece and what better backdrop than a heritage Briz-Vegas parkland for the job. These brands include Sonia Stradiotto Couture, I am my Husband’s Mistress, Astille & jewellery by Dear Henley and Liquid Fire Mantra.

Leis Park in Lawnton, Queensland boasts old concrete railway pylons (bereft of the railway nowadays) that provided a slightly urban slant to our dreamly, sunset frolic in the parkland. 

My team and I were lucky enough to have French fashion mag pick up this editorial and publish it.

Check it out!

Also, we had so much fun filming the editorial in action. Check out the video:

Team:

Photographer | Videographer | Retouch: Nadia Masot

Art Director | Stylist: Riely Saville

Make Up | Hair: Vivianne Tran and Kylie Eustace

Models: Caitlin Napier @ Chic and Tiann Asha @ Vivien’s

Shot in the semi-rural location of Jacob’s Well near the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Teasing Blue Skies is a slightly edgy fashion story showcasing metallics, puffed sleeves and layered bold prints with a splash of vintage pieces thrown in for flavour.

Here’s a little BTS reel just for funzies!

TEAM

Photography/Retouch: Nadia Masot www.nadiamasot.com.au @nadiamasot.official

Styling: Kate Moloney www.mokate.co @katebmoloney

Hair | Makeup: Jessica Cagney www.jessicacagney.com @jessica.cagney

Model: Lily Blucher @ Vivien’s

This beautiful, empowered Mum-preneur wanted high-end, statement images for the launch of her new website. Karis helps women find success in business and wellness by stepping into the power already within them.

Styled by the decadent taste of Riely Saville & with makeup by Julianne Edwards, Karis Harlon flitted about the halls of amazing shoot location Casa Blanca - Brookwater as I captured her ecstatic energy…..it honestly was a dream shoot. When all the ingredients are there, magic happens. Check out the images and video from the day on karisharlon.au and below.

I invite you, whatever conscious business endeavour you have, to come brand with me and my team. Let’s play!