Tips on how to photograph this black Stephen Burrows dress?

[Jen S]

How do you take good pictures of a black jersey dress with dramatic features that don’t read on camera? I guess getting a model would be ideal but any non-model suggestions? Thanks, and here’s the dress:

 

[denisebrain]

I see what you mean, it is hard to convey the motion that a model could bring to this—but it's still dramatic!

I would suggest photographing it from far enough away that you can take in the whole dress, and take the photo from the dress's mid level, not from above. Then if you are able in photo processing, lighten shadows a little to bring out the edging a bit more.

 

[Jen S]

Thanks. That's a good idea. Maybe I'll also see if I can scrounge up a model! The sleeve really seems to demand it.