How does one become a fashion photographer?

[haring]

The question is simple. How does one become a fashion photographer?

[nickbedford]

The answer is probably complex.

First: get good at photography and portraits
Second: get good at photographing and directing models (even if they're your friends)
Third: ...
Fourth: Fashion photographer

[Christian Michael]

Originally Posted by nickbedford

The answer is probably complex.

First: get good at photography and portraits
Second: get good at photographing and directing models (even if they're your friends)
Third: ...
Fourth: Fashion photographer

Although short, sweet, and direct to the point. Right on the money! Many answers will follow but it boils down to the above with a huge amount of practice!

[Biomech]

And a whole chunk of luck! I was on a course last year (to fill some time) and there was a kid there studying fashion in London - or planning to. He wanted to be a fashion photographer. His photo's are AMAZING, but because they are heavily shopped, after the course he still wasn't confident with the camera tech but got spotted in London and I believe went on to get an apprenticeship with Vogue in NYC.

What also made this guy stand out is that he did the clothing and makeup for all of his shots, so I guess a heavy dose of fashion is in order as well as photography, at least to get noticed.

[Niresangwa]

I'd venture to suggest that Who You Know, as with most careers, is quite important too.

[Jim Bryant]

You need to get a fashion portfolio together and send photos to some of the top modeling/fashion agencies in Paris, London, Germany, NY and Tokyo. But, you'll have to stand in line. They only hire people who they have already worked with and have a reputation of getting the job done. Sorry, I don't want to burst your bubble but, it's a "Catch-22" thing. If they don't know you, they aren't going to hire you.

[nickbedford]

As Jim said, it's probably going to be a lot of work to get far.

Probably like music, which I understand all too well! That doesn't mean you shouldn't follow your passion to wherever it takes you. Hell, I'm still doing the band thing, ain't I?!

[Sime]

forget shooting... go be an assistant to a photographer that's in fashion... then, after a year or two, a second shooter, then, he or she may let you do an assignment on your own!.. simple right..

:-)

[Jim Bryant]

Sime, you're much too helpful, but truthful. The only way to get anywhere in that field is to become an assistant and do all the grunt work. Look at Annie Leibovitz. most of the time all her assistants did the work. They set up lights, did the test shots, posed the subjects and all she did can to come into the room and trip the shutter. She received all the fame and glory for someone else doing the work.

[Sime]

It's a sad fact... if it was easy, we'd all be doing it.. right? good money in it...

My best mate is a brilliant photog, fashion and beauty... he's assisting a high profile Fashion 'tog here in London and doing his own stuff on the side... been on it for two years and still not made heaps of headway...

don't give in though, there's always someone retiring, so there's always room for new blood!