How to get into the world of fashion photography

Does fashion photography excite you much?

You’re at the right place.

Fashion and beauty are the most common contracts for lookbooks, magazine covers, and billboards in the commercial photography industry. In the real world, where thousands of other photographers have mastered the same skills, it's the intangibles that count most.

You must develop your aesthetic sensibilities and learn to see the world in a certain way. Photographers must be proficient in each aspect of photography technique, including concept development, composition, lighting, props, and post production editing.

Here’s a guide on how to get into the world of fashion photography:

Learn the basics:

Photography is a vast subject. Just like a photographer must know how to operate a camera, a fashion photographer must understand the basics of fashion. A good understanding of the subject will be very beneficial to your career.

Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

Read magazines, watch fashion documentaries, get into the history of fashion. Become proficient in both fashion and photography. Don’t let limited knowledge stop you from getting better results.

It's critical to learn the fundamentals of fashion photography and editing in order to achieve the desired looks.

Practice makes perfect:

Practice sessions will help you get better at what you do and will also serve as a networking tool. Start small and easy if you don't yet have a team. Collaborate with friends and make self-portraits.

Showcase what you can accomplish with the tools you have in terms of style and concepts to freelancers and other aspiring creatives online. Nowadays, aspiring fashion influencers are constantly in need of a fashion photographer. Reach out to them and put in as much work as you can.

The key is to move on once you've finished practicing, rather than trying hard to be like the masters. Instead, simulate life. That is what art accomplishes. Develop your own style, and you'll be duly rewarded for it.

Build a portfolio:

Photo by Behance

If you want to work as a fashion photographer, you must have a portfolio. Nowadays, a lot of photographers build websites to display their greatest work. This can be done easily using tools like WordPress, or you can hire a designer to create a website for you. Ensure that your website is updated with the most recent shots of your work and displays a range of your abilities. You want to showcase the fashion photos you've taken.

Market your work:

Photo by Behance

Now that you have an appealing portfolio in hand, it's time to start planning photo shoots. Look for magazines, models, and brands you want to work with and study their styles.

Get your work exhibited in the market. Nowadays, good photographers get their work seen and hired by leveraging both social media and traditional portfolios. Have a professional social media presence where you build your brand and showcase your work. Share your best work with the world, whether it's on social media or in a portfolio book. To make it to the long way, you must constantly market yourself.

Advance your career

Your progress in the field is highly dependent on how you manage your professional responsibilities. As a professional, you must be adaptable and capable of working in a variety of situations.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Maintaining everything with the shoots can be difficult sometimes. Most fashion photographers not only work for themselves, they also handle business and marketing matters such as schedules, finances, and keeping in touch with clients via e-mails and phone calls. They also network and meet with industry contacts on a regular basis. So, learn to be a multitasker in the field.

Quality is recognised over time. Whatever you do, who you work with, or what people say, always do your best, be consistent, and create things you can be proud of.

Photo by the blowup on Unsplash

Fashion is a difficult industry. It is indeed aggressive and competitive. And it is quite possible that, despite all of your efforts, you encounter rejection. Right from the start, figure out why you want to do this. Your reason and persistence is what will get you through the toughest times.

If you are a fashion photographer (or aspiring to become one), join our team at Pyx Photography. We are currently growing our fashion portfolio and looking for creative professionals like you.