An incredible journey to 1970s Fashion Photography

Fotoprostudio
Jul 31
5 min read

Ready to Time-Travel and Dive into the Glorious Era of 70s Fashion Photography?

Put on your silk scarf, adjust your oversized sunglasses, and get ready to discover crazy anecdotes, behind-the-scenes secrets, and fun facts that will light up any feed. Let’s blast off into the fabulous world of 1970s fashion photography, where bold styles, iconic photographers, and groundbreaking cultural shifts came together to create some of the most timeless images in fashion history. 🚀

1. Welcome to the boldest decade in fashion!

The 70s were an explosion of color, rebellion, and experimentation. From disco fever to bohemian glamour, fashion photography became a canvas for showcasing groundbreaking new styles. Can you imagine today’s supermodels with impossibly big afros and 20 cm platforms posing on runways surrounded by illuminated mirrors? That was the essence of the era: a psychedelic cocktail that still blows our minds today.

2. The rise of supermodels: From Twiggy to Pat Cleveland

Twiggy: The androgynous girl with doll-like eyes was the first supermodel. At 16, her fresh face and slim body revolutionized beauty standards. Her iconic eye makeup and geometric dresses continue to inspire many photographers today.

Model Twiggy on the cover of Vogue
Pat Cleveland: was the first African-American model to shine on international magazine covers. Her charisma and infectious energy were captured by legendary photographers such as Sante D’Orazio, immortalizing her radiant laughter and triumphant spirit.

The model Pat Cleveland

Would you like to hear a fun fact? To capture Twiggy’s playful spirit, her photographer David Bailey placed little paper boats on the floor for her to jump over… and that’s how he achieved those dynamic poses!

3. Photographers who defined the ’70s

1) Helmut Newton

The German master of elegant eroticism. His black-and-white images blended luxury with provocation. Did you know Newton preferred shooting in luxurious hotels because he loved mirrors? He would set up a “mirror party” with models—and even himself—to play with impossible reflections!

2) Guy Bourdin

Saturated colors, surreal compositions, and a dramatic flair that bordered on the cinematic. Bourdin often retouched his negatives to the point of wearing them out—just imagine how obsessive he was about every curve and line!

3) Irving Penn

Pure minimalism. Penn favored neutral backgrounds and almost sculptural poses, giving full prominence to the shape and texture of the garments. His still lifes of shoes and fabrics began as experiments… but ended up becoming iconic!

4. Backstage antics

Life behind the scenes in the ’70s was a rollercoaster of disco music, cigarette smoke, and… flying saucers! Okay, the UFOs part is an exaggeration—but almost.

Polaroid quartet: Before shooting with their professional cameras, many photographers conducted a “test session” using Polaroids to check poses, lighting, and styling. Some of these are now auctioned for thousands of dollars!

Polaroid in the '70s
Prop dogs: During the boho craze, some fashion directors brought prop animals (yes, fake ones!) for the models to interact with, making them appear more natural.
The dressing room anthem: Every photographer had their favorite song for a live moodboard. If you heard “Le Freak” by Chic or “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan, you knew something epic was about to happen.

Did you know that Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol’s muse, would protest if her favorite cocktail wasn’t served in the studio? A Martini with olives, of course. 😉

Andy Warhol y Bianca Jagger together in a party — Andy Warhol y Bianca Jagger

5. Analog technique: The art of imperfection

Today, we take Lightroom and instant previews on the camera’s screen for granted, but in the ’70s, photographers lived on the edge.

Roll after roll. Each photo was costly: developing, printing, and contact sheets. There was no room for error!
Skylights and windows. Many studios used natural light filtered through fabrics to create magical atmospheres. Remember those soft glows? They were pure artisanal ingenuity.
Developing in the bathtub. Some photographers developed film rolls in makeshift darkrooms—even in their own bathrooms! Hot water, chemicals, and a lot of courage.

Would you dare to shoot without seeing the results instantly? Surely, you have more than one “analog” experience worth sharing.

6. Style icons and their timeless looks

Farrah Fawcett: The red-haired goddess of “Charlie’s Angels” sparked a craze for wavy bangs and fitted shorts.

Farrah Fawcett
David Bowie: With his alter ego Ziggy Stardust and androgynous makeup, he proved that fashion knows no gender.

David Bowie
Bianca Jagger: With her wide-shouldered tailored suits, she established that power dressing is for both men… and women.

7. Fashion photography fun facts you didn’t know about the ’70s

The broken shoe flash. During a shoot, a model broke his shoe while jumping… and instead of stopping, the photographer used the flash burst to capture the perfect fracture!
Stolen props. It was said that some models “borrowed” hats and scarves from the studio as souvenirs. Today, they’re worth a fortune on vintage eBay.
Cigarette smoke as a filter. Yes, it was used to add mystery. Today it sounds toxic, but smoking sets were almost ritualistic sessions back then.

Improvised underwater photos. Without waterproof cameras, a genius placed a Nikon inside a sealed plastic bag for a poolside shoot. It worked… until the bag gave way! 😱

8. How it influences Instagram and TikTok today

The ’70s vibe has made a strong comeback on social media:

Nostalgic presets: filters that mimic film grain and warm tones.
Slow-motion on platforms: that open-vest pose with windblown hair… now tastes like vintage deluxe!
Pose challenges: #Poses70 where influencers recreate iconic moves from Jefferson Airplane.

9. Tips for recreating the ’70s look today

Color palette: burnt orange, earth brown, mustard, and turquoise.
Key pieces: flared pants, fringe jackets, blouses with psychedelic prints.
Statement accessories: oversized sunglasses, neck scarves, and maxi-deco necklaces.

’70s Fashion Photography Look
DIY lighting: Use a white sheet as a diffuser and a floor lamp with a warm bulb.
Light post-production: add some grain, lower the contrast, and warm up the tones in your editor.

Don’t forget the attitude! A relaxed vibe and natural movement will make all the difference.

10. Conclusion: The enduring legacy

Fashion photography of the 1970s not only gave us spectacular images but also laid the foundation for the visual storytelling we use on social media today. Its blend of boldness, spontaneity, and handcrafted technique continues to inspire photographers, stylists, and influencers around the world.