There is a lot that goes into a good photograph. Taking a good photograph requires as much participation from the subject as from the photographer, along with a combination of other factors such as background and lighting. This is especially true in case of fashion. Taking glamorous pictures of fashion models can be as demanding as it is exciting. This article seeks to explore 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 fashion photography? The first and foremost requirement is a deep interest in and understanding of fashion. It is necessary to study about the fashion industry in detail. Building up a library of fashion magazines and photos would be a good idea.
It is also essential to have a good understanding of different kinds of lighting, backgrounds and tones. Taking up a course in photography and studying various photographs would go a long way in helping the person understand what kind of tone, background and lighting would suit a particular subject. There are institutes that offer courses specific to fashion photography. A good aesthetic sense is a must-have to enter this field.
A thorough understanding of the various kinds of cameras and their functions is, of course, a very crucial requirement. If a person decides to set up a fashion photography studio of his own instead of joining an employer, he would be required to build up on certain basic equipments. Some of this equipment are a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera, a digital camera, a tripod, additional lenses, different types of filters, an exposure meter, a background screen, background reflectors, different posing accessories, lighting units as well as a dressing room and a brightly lighted mirror for models. A highly developed business sense would be a great help in this situation. Awareness about various computer software programs and applications for preparing and editing images would be a very desirable strength.
Being updated with the various technological changes that take place in the field of photography would enable the person to stay abreast in his career. At the same time, he should have the ability and willingness to adapt to new technological changes rapidly. A good sense of humour and people-handling skills, coupled with a diplomatic attitude, would greatly help in building up good relationships with the models as well as with other technicians. Being highly professional is essential to build up a strong career.
A career in fashion photography can be highly demanding, physically and mentally. Extensively long shoots might be there at times, on both indoor and outdoor locations, which could be exhausting. This necessitates that the person should be physically and mentally fit. Moreover, to meet the challenges of the profession, it is essential that the person have a strong will power and focus.
A very important requirement for a person to enter the field of fashion photography is a portfolio. A portfolio of at least 20 photographs taken with different backgrounds, lighting and effects would give an idea of the kind of work done by the person. 4x5" is the standard size for the portfolio photographs, while the 8x10" size is also quite acceptable. Usually, fashion editors look for uniqueness in the photographers. Hence, the photographer should try and develop his own unique style. Imagination thus becomes 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 other strategic places such as at fashion magazine offices and advertising firms. Creating a website and putting up one's portfolio therein would definitely be a step in the right direction. Entering competitions is also a great way to get noticed.
A fashion photographer can work either independently with an agent, or join an employer. Usually, retailers, fashion publications, fashion houses and advertising agencies are the employers of fashion photographers. He can decide to be either a freelancer or a full-time employee.
How should one go about entering the career of fashion photography? The first and foremost requirement is a deep interest in and understanding of fashion. It is necessary to study about the fashion industry in detail. Building up a library of fashion magazines and photos would be a good idea.
It is also essential to have a good understanding of different kinds of lighting, backgrounds and tones. Taking up a course in photography and studying various photographs would go a long way in helping the person understand what kind of tone, background and lighting would suit a particular subject. There are institutes that offer courses specific to fashion photography. A good aesthetic sense is a must-have to enter this field.
A thorough understanding of the various kinds of cameras and their functions is, of course, a very crucial requirement. If a person decides to set up a fashion photography studio of his own instead of joining an employer, he would be required to build up on certain basic equipments. Some of this equipment are a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera, a digital camera, a tripod, additional lenses, different types of filters, an exposure meter, a background screen, background reflectors, different posing accessories, lighting units as well as a dressing room and a brightly lighted mirror for models. A highly developed business sense would be a great help in this situation. Awareness about various computer software programs and applications for preparing and editing images would be a very desirable strength.
Being updated with the various technological changes that take place in the field of photography would enable the person to stay abreast in his career. At the same time, he should have the ability and willingness to adapt to new technological changes rapidly. A good sense of humour and people-handling skills, coupled with a diplomatic attitude, would greatly help in building up good relationships with the models as well as with other technicians. Being highly professional is essential to build up a strong career.
A career in fashion photography can be highly demanding, physically and mentally. Extensively long shoots might be there at times, on both indoor and outdoor locations, which could be exhausting. This necessitates that the person should be physically and mentally fit. Moreover, to meet the challenges of the profession, it is essential that the person have a strong will power and focus.
A very important requirement for a person to enter the field of fashion photography is a portfolio. A portfolio of at least 20 photographs taken with different backgrounds, lighting and effects would give an idea of the kind of work done by the person. 4x5" is the standard size for the portfolio photographs, while the 8x10" size is also quite acceptable. Usually, fashion editors look for uniqueness in the photographers. Hence, the photographer should try and develop his own unique style. Imagination thus becomes 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 other strategic places such as at fashion magazine offices and advertising firms. Creating a website and putting up one's portfolio therein would definitely be a step in the right direction. Entering competitions is also a great way to get noticed.
A fashion photographer can work either independently with an agent, or join an employer. Usually, retailers, fashion publications, fashion houses and advertising agencies are the employers of fashion photographers. He can decide to be either a freelancer or a full-time employee.
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