From Assistant To High-Fashion PhotographerBy Michelle SmithA career in fashion photography sounds like a dream job. But as with most dreams, there are dues to pay. A fashion photography career is not one to pursue if you are only slightly interested in the industry. Fashion photography is a goal-driven industry that does not accommodate casual attitudes. To be successful, a person must have savvy a combination of technical skill, creativity and contacts.
Fashion-Photography BasicsPart of the illusion of fashion photography is that it is a job all about fun. New York photographer Megan Garcia quickly dispels that misconception saying fashion is serious. The fashion photographer has a job that many outsiders don’t consider— sales.
Fashion photographers are not commissioned to take pictures for the sake of art or creativity. Fashion photography is a promotion tactic. Anyone who pursues this career should be prepared to withstand pressure to produce images that compel viewers to buy something, whether it is a dress or a magazine showcasing a dress.
This requires more than just an eye for clothes and accessories; this kind of photographer must also have an eye for people. To convey a message or cast a style a certain way, a fashion photographer must have creative vision and knowledge of how to pose models and props.
And taking pictures is not the only job responsibility. Fashion photographers find locations where their photo shoots will take place and hire models that fit into the vision. They take pictures that not only sell fashion but communicate the client’s image or season that a garment is suggested to be worn.
Social and interpersonal people skills are a must. Fashion photography, even in a freelance capacity is far from being a solitary profession. Not only does it deal with fussy clients and models, but it also deals with art and photo directors, editors and support staff.
Becoming a Fashion PhotographerCompetition in the world of fashion photography is a major challenge. Anyone considering this career path should know there are more offers than opportunities.
Oftentimes those considering a fashion photography career consider getting a degree in photography or fashion photography. This can be helpful, but it is not necessary. With the help of digital technology, many of the jobs go to talent over schooling.
Garcia only recommends formal education if it is a strategy to secure contacts. “Depressing the shutter at 125th of a second doesn’t take long to learn,” she says.
An education will definitely strengthen technical skills, but alone it will not do much to get a fashion photography career off the ground. And no matter how prominent the school a person attends, or how much money she invests in her education, she is still likely to work in lower positions such as photography assistant or even secretary before getting noticed.
Fashion photography is a business where contacts are a matter of life or death. Garcia says the best way to break into the business is to make coffee for someone who knows someone.
It’s true that a formal education is not required to be a successful photographer, but that does not mean just anyone can develop a fashion photography career. Garcia says that developing your taste in fashion can take a lifetime.
A perspective fashion photographer needs exposure to various aspects of the fashion industry. She needs to cloak herself in the business, associating with designers, models and art directors. She needs to study magazines and fashion shows.
Self-promotion and networking are also dire matters. At the beginning of a fashion photography career, the new photographer is not likely to have a reputation. She must therefore strive to connect with people. However, the most important marketing tool is going to be her portfolio, since many potential clients will not be meeting face to face.
A portfolio is essential but will prove useless or even detrimental if it is poorly assembled. Whatever style a fashion photographer wants to portray—whether dark and moody or effervescent, California sunshine—resist the temptation to be everything to everybody. Picking a niche can help define your talent, at least to start.
To increase the chances of getting a commission, a fashion photographer should research and know her client’s needs as much as possible before submitting her portfolio. It is not advisable to expect a portfolio to be a one-size-fits-all resource. It will likely have to be modified, even if only slightly, for various perspective clients.
Assembling the PortfolioThe display of creativity begins with the portfolio. This is the fashion photographer’s opportunity to impart a memorable impression, so it must get the perspective client’s attention, hold her attention and compel her to write a contact. As previously stated, fashion photography is competitive, so if the portfolio isn’t brilliant, the career will stall. If a fashion photographer cannot sell herself to her potential client, the client is not likely to believe that the fashion photographer will be able to sell anything else.
Anyone who wants to move through the ranks of the fashion photography world should pay explicit detail to her development. Instead of trying to fly to the top, an aspiring fashion photographer should humbly accept positions where she can learn, such as being an assistant. Assisting can be as beneficial to the assistant as it is to the professional needing assistance. Plus, there may be odd jobs available that help build a portfolio.
Being exposed to a senior professional allows a new professional an up-close view of the inner workings of the industry, allows her to meet important contacts and gives her insight to avoid beginner’s mistakes.
Career AdvancementFor many photographers, high-fashion photography is the ultimate goal. Everything that is required in fashion photography, from networking to creativity is required to a higher degree in this stratosphere.
Entrance into the world of high-fashion photography is granted only after the fashion photographer has developed an eminent reputation and skill set. Whereas other fashion photographers tend to work with a team, the high-fashion photographer is the head of the team. She is usually responsible for hiring and organizing everyone from models to scene painters.
High-fashion photography is limited to the most ambitious, motivated, dedicated and talented fashion photographers. It is unrealistic to expect to begin a career in the world of high-fashion photography.
The Full PackageA photographer can have the best education, the best equipment and even top-notch connections, but a fashion photography career is dependant upon a full package. A talented photographer who is creative, artistic and has technical skill to bring her ideas to life faces the possibility of a lucrative, high-energy career in fashion photography.
