So you want to be a fashion photographer, don’t you? Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Sailing about on yachts with models, shooting in the Caribbean or Tahiti, or even Paris with your favourite model, aren’t these rewards of the job? Shooting models for Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated must be a lot of fun! Who wouldn’t like to travel to exotic locations and earn a fortune while working with and befriending the world’s most gorgeous women?
While everything described above is conceivable, it is not exactly what we do. Yes, yes, That’s how it appears in movies and on television. And, yeah, I was in Greece, Rome, and the Caribbean this year, working on photoshoots with stunning girls. But it’s not that easy, otherwise everyone would do it, right? Right!
“1. LEARN THE ESSENTIALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY”
Take some fundamental photography classes so you can learn how a camera works.
2. USE MODELS TO PRACTICE
Go out and photograph models. There are numerous websites where you may find models who are eager to shoot with you and live in your neighbourhood. Begin by searching the internet for model websites. After you’ve gotten comfortable photographing amateur models and have some fantastic photos in your portfolio, contact local modelling agencies by phone or email and offer to photograph their models for their portfolios. You might be allowed to photograph their models for free—or even get paid to do so.
3. FASHION RESEARCH MAGAZINES
Examine the fashion magazines in which you want to be published and learn their styles. With practise, you’ll be able to shoot as well as the photographers featured in magazines.
When you’re ready, send your photos to the photo editors at these publications. Their contact information can be found on the opening few pages of the magazine.
4. GET IN TOUCH
Maintain relationships with people in the industry by networking. Great fashion photographers, fashion designers, cosmetics artists, hair stylists, periodicals, and photo editors may all be found on social networking platforms. It may take some digging, but social media has a wealth of information to assist you in your search.
5. CREATE AN ORIGINAL STYLE
When you initially start filming, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to shoot in the style of other artists. This isn’t always a terrible thing. For ages, artists and sculptors have flocked to Paris’s Louvre to replicate the Mona Lisa and other renowned pieces of art.
However, once you’ve finished practising, it’s critical to move on and stop striving so hard to copy the great masters. Instead, mimic life. That is what art accomplishes. Work on building your unique style, and you will be rewarded richly for it.
6. DON’T GET TOO EXCITED ABOUT GEAR
Purchase a couple of high-quality lenses. You’ll find yourself working a lot with natural light at both the beginning and end of your career. Use that power wisely. It is the best light available. Of course, you will occasionally find yourself working in the studio. Purchase a couple of high-quality lights. After that, concentrate on the craft of photography. Man created the image, and the image created the man.
7. CONTINUE SHOOTING
It can take a long time to become a successful fashion photographer. Don’t give up hope. In the beginning, shoot as a pastime in your spare time. Make as much as you can. The experience will be priceless.
8. SEEK OUT A REPRESENTATIVE
An agency can help you promote your photographic profession. Begin approaching them once you have a portfolio full of photographs. They are incredibly competitive in the larger marketplaces, and getting your work in front of them will be difficult but well worth the effort.
9. BE HONEST
Terry Roberts, a fashion photographer based in Sydney, is the author. View his photographs at http://www.weddingphotographersydney.com, as well as his blog on how to become a successful fashion model and how to become fashion photography.
