How Do I Get Started in Fashion Photography?

Fashion photography is a photography genre that is devoted to creating marketable images of clothing, jewelry and other fashion accessories. A fashion photographer must possess the artistic and technical skills necessary to produce captivating still photos that catch the eye of target consumers. Fashion photography is considered a glamorous field, and it can be very hard to break into this industry. However, starting a career in fashion photography is an achievable dream. The first step towards a career in fashion photography is to create a professional portfolio. This is the most important marketing tool for any type of photographer. This portfolio should include tear sheets of fashion images that have already been published. If this portfolio is for a newcomer, however, it should include at least 20 high quality prints of the photographer’s best images. The whole point of the portfolio is to show off a photographer’s technical and artistic skills, so it should include images using a ... more

Find some models who are willing to do TFP sessions with you and build a book of your work. Use fashion magazines as idea resources for lighting, posing and camera position. After you have 10 to 12 perfect prints that show your style, take them around to some of the event companies that produce local fashion shows and apply to be one of the shooters at their next event. I am assuming you already have the equipment you need. ... more

Go to a talent agency and ask about courses and meetings with photographers. Maybe they would let you shadow a shoot. Write to magazines asking for advice, both fashion and photography. Collect ones you like. Get a camera and start experimenting with sets and use friends with their own makeup and clothes to get used to the idea. Then register for courses and see if freelance work is available. Research the internet and enter contests: build up a portfolio for college. It will be expensive but it is an interesting career. Offer to do a two-year certification. You may have to do two years of apprenticeship and freelance work. Get a job in a photo shop if you can processing pictures and doing customer service. ... more