Ever since the coronavirus pandemic has hit the world, nothing has been the same as before. It has changed the whole scenario and affected every industry, from garments sector to the fashion scene. Under such circumstances the only way to survive is adopt to new normal and that’s what the fashion industry has done very recently. In order to overcome the inertia created by the pandemic and stay active during the isolation period, the fashion world has invented a new technique to carry out emergency works – the virtual photoshoot.

What’s this all about?

On a funny note, some people say that this is the fashion industry’s answer to the pandemic. On a more serious note, it’s an alternative to real-time photoshoot, executed entirely on video-calling apps or messenger. Italian photographer Alessio Albi has widely been praised as to have made use of this trend for the first time. Later on, others just followed his footsteps.

How is the photo captured?

It’s just a screen-shoot. Here, there is no role of the beauticians as the model himself or herself will be responsible for beautifying herself. After all those beautification, the photographer collaborates with the model through the video-calling app and instructs the model to pose in the right way. After getting the right pose and posture the photographer takes a careen shoot. This is how it is done. That’s it – nothing else!

Is it popular in Bangladesh?

The good news is that fashion industry of Bangladesh is very vibrant. They have not frustrated the fans in this regard as well. Many photographers and models are taking part in virtual photoshoot. Renowned fashion photographer Abu Naser is one of those who pioneered virtual photography in our country.

Is it going to stay in the fashion scene?

The problem with virtual photoshoot is that it does not really produce high-end images. It is not possible to maintain quality to a great extent. Photographers feel that it will not be possible to carry out big-budget oriented photoshoots for big clients using this technology in the long run. It’s just a substitute for real photography during this pandemic. As soon as the situation improves, this trend will lose its appeal as well.

Well, no matter whether this trend is going to stay or not, the fact is that virtual photography has taken the social media world by storm. Everyone is talking about it and some of them are even doing it. However, for the time being just go with the flow and enjoy the new trend.

(The writer is a fashion enthusiast.)