There is a lot that goes into a good photograph. Taking agood photograph requires as much participation from the subject as from thephotographer, along with a combination of other factors such as background andlighting. This is especially true in case of fashion. Taking glamorous picturesof fashion models can be as demanding as it is exciting. This article seeks toexplore the option of a career in fashion photography the prerequisites as well as the pathway to enter the industry.
How should one go about entering the career of fashionphotography? The first and foremost requirement is a deep interest in andunderstanding of fashion. It is necessary to study about the fashion industryin detail. Building up a library of fashion magazines and photos would be agood idea.
It is also essential to have a good understanding ofdifferent kinds of lighting, backgrounds and tones. Taking up a course inphotography and studying various photographs would go a long way in helping theperson understand what kind of tone, background and lighting would suit aparticular subject. There are institutes that offer courses specific to fashionphotography. A good aesthetic sense is a must-have to enter this field.
Being updated with the various technological changes that takeplace in the field of photography would enable the person to stay abreast inhis career. At the same time, he should have the ability and willingness toadapt to new technological changes rapidly. A good sense of humour andpeople-handling skills, coupled with a diplomatic attitude, would greatly help inbuilding up good relationships with the models as well as with othertechnicians. Being highly professional is essential to build up a strongcareer.
A career in fashion photography can be highly demanding, physicallyand mentally. Extensively long shoots might be there at times, on both indoorand outdoor locations, which could be exhausting. This necessitates that theperson should be physically and mentally fit. Moreover, to meet the challengesof the profession, it is essential that the person have a strong will power andfocus.
A very important requirement for a person to enter the fieldof fashion photography is a portfolio. A portfolio of at least 20 photographstaken with different backgrounds, lighting and effects would give an idea ofthe kind of work done by the person. 4x5" is the standard size for theportfolio photographs, while the 8x10" size is also quite acceptable. Usually,fashion editors look for uniqueness in the photographers. Hence, thephotographer should try and develop his own unique style. Imagination thusbecomes a must-have quality for a fashion photographer.
To enter the industry, it would be a good idea to print out some business cards and leave them, along with the portfolio, at agencies and at otherstrategic places such as at fashion magazine offices and advertising firms. Creatinga website and putting up one's portfolio therein would definitely be a step inthe right direction. Entering competitions is also a great way to get noticed.
A fashion photographer can work either independently with anagent, or join an employer. Usually, retailers, fashion publications, fashionhouses and advertising agencies are the employers of fashion photographers. Hecan decide to be either a freelancer or a full-time employee.
Do you think it sounds like what you would enjoy doing? In case it is, what are you waiting for? Go, capture the stage!
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