How to Become a Photographer in the Modeling Business

Successful fashion photographers must be able to work well with their subjects.

As a fashion photographer, you will put your technical as well as people skills to the test every day. Fashion photography's allure can be attributed to its promise to be near supermodels and beautiful clothing, or to travel the world. In the era of the digital camera, Internet and an ever-growing array of communications, you can become a fashion photographer no matter where you live.

Instructions

1. Study and practice your craft. Whether you attend college or a trade school, or study your trade independently, you need to become technically proficient in photography. While having a "good eye" and an artistic nature is critical in the fashion world, knowing the most up-to-date technical aspects of photography will give you the edge.

2. Build your portfolio. Find your industry niche, whether it will be black-and-white, highly stylized or more straight forward, traditional photography. Take photographs of local fashion-school classes when they put on fashion shows or at friends' weddings. Share your portfolio in a traditional quality binder as well as by creating an online website to showcase your work to potential boutiques, magazines, advertising agencies and designers. Create multiple copies of your physical portfolio, using high-quality paper, in case you need to leave a copy behind with a prospective client.

3. Decide whether you would like to work for an agency or as a freelance fashion photographer. The world of fashion photography offers many avenues for you to choose: freelance, with or without an agent; within a fashion house, advertising or modeling agency; or for a retailer.

4. Create and distribute business cards. Always be ready to offer your business card with your most current information, especially your website address, so that any prospective clients -- wherever you meet them -- can easily see your work.

5. Start networking and marketing yourself. Make business connections in your community. Volunteer to take photographs of local events for retailers, for example, and ask that they share your business card with customers and fellow retailers for future events. Become active in local professional organizations such as photography groups where you can share your work and receive feedback on your portfolio.

6. Make contact. Query publications, fashion houses, publications, direct-mail catalogs and any other venues to seek work. Be proactive in seeking work, especially as you start your career. Direct these businesses to your online portfolio to see samples of your work.

7. Visit online photography directories such as The Photography Directory, which offers a listing of photographers and photography-related websites. This resource has listings of advertising agencies, modeling agencies, magazines and professional photography organizations.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay current with the latest fashion trends by reading fashion magazines.

• Use photo-editing tools to enhance your images or to make them more distinctive. For example, you can create a vintage appearance by adding a sepia-toned effect.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisics: Photographers
• StyleCareer.com: Fashion Photography
• Learn Something New Today: Into the World of Style and Fashion Photography
• AllArtSchools.com: Tips for Starting a Photography Business
• StateUniversity.com: Photographer Job Description
• The Photography Directory