Becoming a Fashion Photographer | Recreation and Leisure

By DanFeildman
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Word Count: 606

In today's world we are saturated with images. All around us there are images of thin women dressed in the latest fashion. They are on TV, in magazines and all over the internet. But who brings these images to us? Who captures these photographs that command our attention, these photographs that exude style and character while highlighting the clothing to enhance its elegance? These people spend years practising the art of capturing light and colour perfectly with a camera. They spend years studying composition to make their images achieve the most impact. These people are fashion photographers.

Photographers like Mario Testino are just as celebrated as models and designers in the realm of fashion. They present high-fashion to the public and have the responsibility of representing it in its best light.

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.

To get started in this competitive field you must obsessively study your craft. You can never stop learning, so keep absorbing everything you find, especially in fashion magazines. There are fantastic resources on the internet. You can find books on the subject at Amazon.com. The basic equipment you will need to start out is a good camera, some standard lighting equipment and a tripod. On any shoot, make sure you have extra film so you don't have to interrupt your flow. Research the different types of cameras and the unique looks they produce, as your choice of camera will affect the look of your work.

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 ot 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.

Fashion is about accessories too so a close-up partial body shot can make a great photo- say an image of a watch on a young woman's wrist. When you apply for a job be aware that you may have to leave your portfolio there for a couple of weeks. To deal with this you should make copies of your portfolio so that you can apply for more than one job at the same time.

The internet is becoming a useful portal to display your work. Set up your own website with your portfolio online, and submit your photographs to online competitions. This will help get your work seen and a well-presented webpage can bring in a lot of clients.

Fashion editors want to see a unique perspective in your work. They want to see character and soul. Spend time learning the technical side of the art so that your creativity won't be limited by technical ignorance. If you have can endure the hardship of establishing yourself in this industry, you will reap the rewards later. Just keep improving yourself and don't give up.

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