The 2000s was an era of transition in fashion photography. With the arrival of digital photography and social media, the industry underwent a paradigm shift, leading to the emergence of new aesthetics and techniques.

One of the most notable changes in fashion photography during the 2000s was the focus on sleek, polished images. Photographers like Mario Testino and Steven Meisel defined this new aesthetic, characterized by a focus on beauty, glamour, and luxury. These photographers created images that were aspirational, representing an idealized world of high fashion.

Steven Meisel's photograph of Stella Tennant in the 2000s is an iconic photo of the fashion aesthetic of that era. In this image, Tennant appears as a strong, androgynous figure with a piercing gaze. The high contrast and dramatic shadows create a dark and powerful mood, while Tennant's expression is at once stoic. Steven Meisel's photography of Stella Tennant is a prime example of the bold and captivating style of 2000s fashion, showcasing the beauty and strength of its subject in a striking way:

*Stella Tennant, US Vogue, October*, 2003
**Steven Meisel**

Another significant development during this period was the increasing use of post-processing techniques. Digital technology allowed photographers to manipulate images in previously impossible ways, leading to the creation of surreal and fantastical images that challenged traditional notions of reality. Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle were among the photographers who used post-processing techniques to create visually stunning images that captivated audiences.

New digital camera technology also allowed photographers like Arthur Belebeau and Kenneth Willardt to create images of almost surreal intensity and depth. These photographers played with saturated colors, striking contrasts, harsh lighting and shadows to create images embellished almost to the extreme. Their work is characterized by a hyper-realistic aesthetic that celebrates the artificial and the exaggerated.

This photograph has a strong visual intensity due to the contrast in colors and an almost surreal look. This image is considered representative of the trend of the time for strong color photographs with striking compositions. The emphasis on visual images in social media and online publications increased dramatically during the 2000s, reflecting how photographs became a popular form of communication. This photograph can be seen as an example of this trend, highlighting photography's ability to attract attention and communicate a visual message:

This image was taken at the beginning of the decade, by photographer Kenneth Willardt, in collaboration with makeup artist Rebecca Summers. This photo exudes great sadness and emotion, which can be felt throughout the image. The colors in the photo are deep, intense and evoke a certain melancholy. The photograph also has a surreal appearance, due to lighting effects and is very expressive, evoking deep and complex feelings:

However, it wasn't just about the aesthetics of fashion photography in the 2000s. The era also witnessed a growing awareness of the industry's impact on society and the environment. Many photographers began to incorporate ethical and sustainable practices into their work, making it more socially responsible. For instance, Juergen Teller’s fashion photography featured images that celebrated individuality and diversity, pushing back against the industry’s tendency to homogenize beauty standards.

This photograph is reflected in an unguarded and seemingly unposed expression. In one of his most memorable portraits, he photographed supermodel Kate Moss with her pink hair disheveled. This photographer likes the direct approach and being as honest as possible with himself and the subject:

*Making a Move, London 2003* , 2003
**Juergen Teller**

In conclusion, the 2000s was a period of transformation in fashion photography. The rise of digital photography, the emergence of new aesthetics, and a growing awareness of the industry's impact on society and the environment all contributed to the evolution of the field. Despite the many changes, fashion photography during this era remained a vital and influential art form, pushing boundaries and inspiring new generations of photographers.

By Thea Lauret

CAPTURING A NEW ERA: TRENDS THAT DEFINED FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE 2000S