What Are the Makings of a Successful Fashion Photographer

Have you ever thought about becoming a fashion photographer?

There is no sure-fire business plan or strategy that can help aspiring photographers succeed in the fashion industry. However, it’s worth knowing what it takes to start getting good job offers and big paychecks.

Here's some fashion photography career advice that everyone who’s trying to get into this industry should know.

Build a Portfolio

The portfolio is the most powerful tool that showcases the style, technique, personality, experience, and overall work of the photographer. Before trying to get in the door of any fashion editor or brand, make sure you have a stellar portfolio with a variety of styles from a stunning gothic dress to wedding parties and fashion accessories and everything in between.

While it’s more cost-effective to have a portfolio online, most industry professionals also want to see an old-fashion book. It should contain a variety of your best shots. If you have been published somewhere, don't hesitate to flaunt it. 

Get Picture Editors Interested in You

Before reaching out to a picture editor, research the editor and what the magazine does. Also, brainstorm how you can incorporate your work in the magazine’s story.

The best way to get editors’ attention is to show previously published work. However, keep in mind that some editors take advantage of the fact that there are so many photographers out there. These editors will offer very small compensation or delay payments for months.

In the early stages of your career, you may have to deal with ‘these' editors. The good news is that you can avoid this annoyance by working with a photo agency. They will be the middle man and do the selling for you.

Get High-Quality Education

Although having photo agents save you time and stress, there is another high-priority thing that you need to consider before putting your work out there – a quality education.

For instance, RM Instituto Moda e Design offers programs that combine education and practical work in a dynamic environment. 

Here you'll work side by side with internationally acclaimed professionals who lead today's market and will guide you on projects. They will help you break the barrier between you and ‘everyone else' while perfecting your craft.

The principal objective of our faculty is to encourage talented young individuals from all over the globe to broaden their educational background with a progressive master program in photography, preparing them for successful careers in this field, explains the Director of RM Pasquale Volpe.

Find a Photo Agent

Young fashion photographers might want to consider selling their work through photo agencies if they don’t have enough connections to do it themselves. Having agencies to deal with the business part allows photographers to fully focus on the creative side of their job. 

Even some of the leading professionals in the fashion industry have agencies behind them because they are too busy to talk to clients and arrange business deals.

Share Your Work on Social Media

Everyone is on the internet right now from sought-after magazine editors to brands that are always in need of talented fashion photographers meaning that one of the best ways for young professionals to advertise is to share their work on social media.

Don’t allow negative comments to bring you down, instead grow your social media accounts filling them with your best work and your unique personality.

You don’t want to be strictly professional because people love to meet the person behind the brand, but you also don’t want to share stuff that you wouldn’t want your potential clients to see.

To build a successful career in the competitive fashion industry, aspiring fashion photographers need to develop a unique style, technical skills, and establish relations that will connect them with the right people and companies.

For these reasons, it’s best to get a high-quality education followed up with a lot of practical work. That way you can take on real, paying projects ASAP.