Your Future Career in Fashion Photography
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.
In the fashion world names like David LaChapelle and Jill Greenberg are just as in-demand as the top fashion models that dominate the visual media. Fashion photographers are a subtle brand of celebrity, walking a delicate line between artist and industry professional.
The extravagant lifestyle of socialiseing with the rich and famous is the aspiration of many who ecome into this business. But the truth is that this is a bleak field to work in if you don’t have complete conviction in what you are doing. This must be your passion, as the path to success will try you without mercy. For every success there are hundreds of failures who never get a glimpse of the fame and money they strive for.
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.
Having a great portfolio to show off your work is vital to success. Have at least 20 photos in it to give you room to show off your skill in producing a range of styles. Developing photographs in the 4×5″ format is the best way to display your work. If your work is in a publication, use that as well. If you are having trouble getting any of these, a good quality 8×10″ will suffice. Make sure you show your ability to take photographs of different aspects of the human figure. A full figure photo with character will take you a long way.
It is important to remember that jewellery is a part of fashion, so a partial body shot, for example a shot of a wrist watch on a well-formed wrist can be a good photograph to have. Make several copies of your portfolio and always have a few with you. When applying for a job, this will allow you to leave your portfolio behind without hindering you.
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 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.
Last 5 posts by Dan Feildman
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