Fashion photography dates all the way back to 1856 when Adolphe Braun, French photographer, created a photo-book for Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione. Virginia was the first model to ever be portrayed in official clothing.

In 1867 Harper’s Bazaar created the first fashion magazine and shortly after in 1892 Vogue followed and created their now best selling fashion magazine. Both of these magazines were first illustrated by hand an in 1913 portrait shoots of models and actresses began to feature in Vogue as fashion editorials.

Photography being used as an advertising tool didn’t become popular until early 20th century when fashion became more accessible to a wider audience.