Fashion photographers create photos that show products from various sectors of fashion, such as haute couture, traditional fashion, swimwear, underwear and footwear, as well as hair products and cosmetics. In addition to being an experienced photographer, a thorough knowledge of photography and design software is also required to become a fashion photographer, as well as a good understanding of art, fashion history and current trends. Even if only a few fashion photographers manage to earn high salaries working for the great designers, for the most important magazines and for the best brands, becoming a fashion photographer is certainly a very versatile career opportunity that offers many job opportunities. Read the following steps to find out how to become a fashion photographer.
Steps
Step 1. Determine if you have the skills or potential to develop the skills needed to become a fashion photographer
- You will need to have a strong artistic sensibility to create an atmosphere and an environment in which to best show your products. Of course, you will also need to have a keen eye on composition and light. To develop your artistic eye, take an art class or spend your time studying art and photography books.
- Technical skills are essential. Most emerging fashion photographers nowadays use digital photography, as it is the most versatile method of creating and processing images and can be used for print as well as for a variety of digital media. To learn how to use camera and lighting equipment, as well as digital photography software like Photoshop that edits photos, look for a school that runs photography classes and sign up.
- You have to be able to work as a team and you have to know how to be a team leader. Depending on the degree of experience achieved in the realization of the photographic services, you will work with a group of collaborators or you will have to instruct them on their particular tasks. Also, working with models and models requires excellent communication skills, to get them the look you have in mind. Train your communication and collaboration skills in every social and professional environment in which you are inserted and observe colleagues who know how to work well in a team, to see how they behave.
- Having excellent organizational skills is essential to plan photo shoots and, if you want to be a freelancer, to start your own business. Study the behavior of successful organizers, best-known businessmen and regularly read interviews where photographers talk about their photo shoots as well as magazines and books explaining how to start your own business.
Step 2. Develop your photography and editing skills
You can do it yourself through practice and online tutorials, or you can take a photography class and get a certificate. Whichever method you choose, experiment with creativity to develop your own photographic style.
Step 3. Learn all you can about fashion and art
Knowing past and present trends will help you better understand how to present fashion products in your photos. Some of the best fashion photographers, in their photos, often refer to great works of art, and everyone knows what the latest trends are on the street. The more you know, the more elements you will be able to use in your photos to make them visually interesting.
Step 4. Work as an intern at a fashion photography studio or fashion magazine to gain field experience
Step 5. Network with those who work in the fashion industry as often as you can, starting with your internship or your first job in the fashion industry
To make a career in fashion, you will need to cultivate a lot of professional contacts. Network with clients and fashion agencies by attending fashion shows and other events. Always carry business cards with you to distribute. If necessary, volunteer for photo shoots or events that will see the participation of high-profile clients.
Step 6. Create a portfolio containing your work to show to clients
Make sure your portfolio shows the full range of skills you have and that it contains your best work.
Step 7. Stay flexible about your fashion preferences, at least until you've made a name for yourself in this industry
If you work as a freelance photographer, you need to take as many jobs as possible, so if you present great photos that span a wide range of products you increase the chances of being hired to do a photo shoot.
