Fashion Photography

Fashion photography is one of the most glamorous of all of the photography careers. Many aspiring fashion photographers dream of traveling around the world to exotic locations taking amazing photographs of beautiful people and earning extremely high salaries.

While some of this is true for those that become fashion photographers, the reality is that it is a very demanding and difficult job with very high expectations and challenges. Fashion photographers are often required to create almost impossible shots in just a few seconds of specific lighting. Not only do fashion photographers have to work with difficult conditions, but also often they are required to work with challenging individuals and extremely restrictive timelines.

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• Portfolios – if you are currently not in the industry, it is important to be able to show prospective employers samples of your work. Develop a portfolio of different aspects of your photography. Include various types of shots such as still life, city, nature and of course, people. Use a variety of types of photographs including digital, black and white, as well as various types of finishes. Try to individualize your portfolio for each job. Do some research on the type of backgrounds or theme for the current job and try to tailor your portfolio to represent the same theme. If, for example, the job requires fashion photography in a city, provide city shots and pictures.
• Websites – a website that acts as an online gallery for your work is also a great way of providing access to your photos. Remember that an online site does not substitute for an actual portfolio but rather is a supplement.
• Published photos – if you have had your photos published in a magazine or book be sure to include this both in your portfolio as well as on your resume and website.
• Research the editor – spending some time researching the magazine and the editor will help prepare for the job interview. Know the style and type of photography that the magazine uses as well as the target audience for the publication. Being able to respond to questions regarding ideas and concepts for the shoot will be easier if you already know this information. Study the work of photographers that the magazine or publication regularly uses to get an idea of the styles that they prefer. Don’t try to copy these styles but talk about how your work will fit in with the magazine.
• Consider a photo agent – a photo agent is a professional that will market your photographs for you. He or she will represent you with regards to contracts and getting your photographs to prospective editors and possible projects. Often a photo agent already has a working relationship with a specific editor and can help in obtaining an interview.

A fashion photographer has an exciting and interesting career but it is often hard to land that first job. Taking the time to research the publication as well as preparing a portfolio of your work will help get an interview and perhaps even the job.