Fashion photography is a type of photography that focuses on producing images of clothing, jewelry, and other fashion accessories that can be sold. A fashion photographer must have both artistic and technical abilities in order to create captivating still photos that attract the attention of potential customers. Fashion photography is regarded as a glamorous field, and breaking into it can be difficult. Starting a career in fashion photography, on the other hand, is a realistic goal.
Creating a professional portfolio is the first step toward a career in fashion photography. For any type of photographer, this is the most important marketing tool. Tear sheets of previously published fashion images should be included in this portfolio. However, if this is a portfolio for a newcomer, it should include at least 20 high-quality prints of the photographer’s best images. The portfolio’s entire purpose is to showcase a photographer’s technical and artistic abilities, so it should include images with a wide range of backgrounds, filters, lights, angles, and props.
Many prospective employers prefer to see a consistent theme running through your portfolio. The images don’t have to be related, but the fashion photographer’s personality and style should shine through. The photographs in the portfolio should also be relevant to the job that the photographer is attempting to secure. If the desired job is in advertising, the portfolio should include product shots or still-lifes related to the job. However, having one or two images in a different photographic style isn’t a bad idea. Strong portraits are good to include because they tend to stick in people’s minds.
A professional website is also required of fashion photographers. This is a low-cost way to display a large number of photos while also demonstrating image editing skills. A website for a fashion photographer should include portfolio images as well as any other high-quality photos that demonstrate the photographer’s photographic style. The photographer’s professional background, as well as a list of fees charged for various fashion photography services, should be included on the website.
An aspiring fashion photographer should begin networking with marketing directors at local fashion boutiques, modeling agencies, and advertising firms after creating a professional portfolio and website. Another good idea is to approach photo editors at mail-order catalogs and request to be included in their photography pool. They should also write introductory letters to photo editors at magazines and newspapers, but don’t expect to hear back right away.
To break into the field of fashion photography, you don’t need a degree. A photography degree, on the other hand, can help you make industry contacts and get hands-on photography training. Before graduating, many photography college programs require students to complete an internship, which provides another opportunity to network while also honing creative and technical skills. Enrolling in coursework focused on fashion design, merchandising, and marketing is beneficial for those interested in pursuing a career in fashion photography.
For photographers with a passion for fashion, fashion photography can be a lucrative and glamorous field. Many people believe that fashion photographers will always be in demand as long as there is clothing to sell. Fashion photographers can work for fashion magazines, fashion advertising agencies, fashion houses, clothing manufacturers or retailers, direct-mail companies, or newspapers, among other places.