By Dan Feildman
Everywhere we look we see images of beautiful women wearing the latest fashion, dressed from head to toe in the hottest looks from the catwalks of the world. These are the fashion models of today and tomorrow. These slick images surround us, but who creates these lasting impressions of cool? Who takes the time to study the art of capturing style and depth to produce a completely unique look with every image? Who else, but the fashion photographer.
Names like Michael Muller and Patrick Demarchelier are as famous as super models in the world of fashion. They command a special brand of power in being the arbiters of visual taste and are celebrated accordingly.
The glamorous lifestyle may be the outsider's perception of fashion photography, but reaching success is a truly testing process. This profession is ruthless, and without the focus of strength to persist, the competition will throw you to the side. With every famous photographer there are thousands of others earning nothing from their trade.
You have to study your subject every day. Read, learn and think about everything you encounter. Everything you experience will contribute to how you perceive the world and consequently your art. Read fashion magazines whenever you can and invest in some quality fashion photography books. You can get some off Amazon.com easily. If you're serious about fashion photography then you need to have at least one professional-grade camera, some basic lighting equipment and a tripod. Look into the different types of camera as they will affect the photos you take.
You really need to have a portfolio of your best work on you at all times. If a fashion editor shows any interest in you, they are going to want to see what you can do. Clear, bright photographs give the best impression. 4x5" is a good format to present your work in, but if your work has been published you can take a copy of that too. If these are not an option then a decent quality 8x10" will do fine. Make sure you have at least 20 photographs in your portfolio and try to show your grasp of different styles. Provide proof of your skill in capturing full figure shots.
When you apply for a job, you can expect to leave your portfolio there for a few weeks, so make sure you make copies of your portfolio so you don't have to be idle while hearing back from employers. For a different look try taking partial body shots, for instance photographing watches on wrists. They make a great contrast to the rest of your work.
Having an online presence is becoming an important part of fashion photography. Setting up a website with your portfolio on it could be the key to your success. Research ways to promote your website, such as entering online competitions and participating in online fashion forums.
Fashion editors are looking for character in your photographs. Develop your craft
The glamorous lifestyle may be the outsider's perception of fashion photography, but reaching success is a truly testing process. This profession is ruthless, and without the focus of strength to persist, the competition will throw you to the side. With every famous photographer there are thousands of others earning nothing from their trade.
You have to study your subject every day. Read, learn and think about everything you encounter. Everything you experience will contribute to how you perceive the world and consequently your art. Read fashion magazines whenever you can and invest in some quality fashion photography books. You can get some off Amazon.com easily. If you're serious about fashion photography then you need to have at least one professional-grade camera, some basic lighting equipment and a tripod. Look into the different types of camera as they will affect the photos you take.
You really need to have a portfolio of your best work on you at all times. If a fashion editor shows any interest in you, they are going to want to see what you can do. Clear, bright photographs give the best impression. 4x5" is a good format to present your work in, but if your work has been published you can take a copy of that too. If these are not an option then a decent quality 8x10" will do fine. Make sure you have at least 20 photographs in your portfolio and try to show your grasp of different styles. Provide proof of your skill in capturing full figure shots.
When you apply for a job, you can expect to leave your portfolio there for a few weeks, so make sure you make copies of your portfolio so you don't have to be idle while hearing back from employers. For a different look try taking partial body shots, for instance photographing watches on wrists. They make a great contrast to the rest of your work.
Having an online presence is becoming an important part of fashion photography. Setting up a website with your portfolio on it could be the key to your success. Research ways to promote your website, such as entering online competitions and participating in online fashion forums.
Fashion editors are looking for character in your photographs. Develop your craft
You really need to have a portfolio of your best work on you at all times. If a fashion editor shows any interest in you, they are going to want to see what you can do. Clear, bright photographs give the best impression. 4x5" is a good format to present your work in, but if your work has been published you can take a copy of that too. If these are not an option then a decent quality 8x10" will do fine. Make sure you have at least 20 photographs in your portfolio and try to show your grasp of different styles. Provide proof of your skill in capturing full figure shots.
When you apply for a job, you can expect to leave your portfolio there for a few weeks, so make sure you make copies of your portfolio so you don't have to be idle while hearing back from employers. For a different look try taking partial body shots, for instance photographing watches on wrists. They make a great contrast to the rest of your work.
Having an online presence is becoming an important part of fashion photography. Setting up a website with your portfolio on it could be the key to your success. Research ways to promote your website, such as entering online competitions and participating in online fashion forums.
Fashion editors are looking for character in your photographs. Develop your craft so you have the technical ability to express yourself in your work. There are a lot of great resources online to show you the basics of fashion photography. If this is your passion, don't give up on it. Success is possible, but you will have to work hard to earn it.
About the Author:
When you apply for a job, you can expect to leave your portfolio there for a few weeks, so make sure you make copies of your portfolio so you don't have to be idle while hearing back from employers. For a different look try taking partial body shots, for instance photographing watches on wrists. They make a great contrast to the rest of your work.
Having an online presence is becoming an important part of fashion photography. Setting up a website with your portfolio on it could be the key to your success. Research ways to promote your website, such as entering online competitions and participating in online fashion forums.
Fashion editors are looking for character in your photographs. Develop your craft so you have the technical ability to express yourself in your work. There are a lot of great resources online to show you the basics of fashion photography. If this is your passion, don't give up on it. Success is possible, but you will have to work hard to earn it.
About the Author:
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