If you have an interest in fashion, perhaps a career as a Fashion Photographer sounds exciting to you. They typically photograph models who wear the designer’s fashions and accessories in hopes of encouraging sales, all while displaying or highlighting one’s talents and creativity.
As a Fashion Photographer, a formal educational degree is not required, however, as with any profession, the better your education, the better your chances of landing that dream job. By earning an online Bachelor’s degree in Photography, you will also benefit by getting promotions and the salary you deserve.
Fashion Photographers must have a creative eye for the concept of which a designer would like to portray. An education about design and lighting will help you to understand the importance of capturing the essence of your subject. Professional photographers must also be competent in digital photography and a variety of editing software, such as, programs that crop photos and touch up images to correct flaws. An online Bachelor’s degree program in Photography will also educate you in the history of photography and fine arts.
As a beginner, you will want to learn how to showcase your best work through building your own portfolio. Most include photos taken in the beginning of your career and include other photos taken as you advance in your abilities. In addition, you may want to create an individualized portfolio for each type of job a client may be looking for that is tailored to their fashion sense. You will want to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest in technology to assure that you progress with the times, and that your photos should reflect that, as well. Typically, a potential client will want to see if your style fits their vision for their product before hiring you.
Networking and excellent work performance references will be a major help to you as you work to obtain photo shoot bookings. You will be responsible for reserving a venue that is appropriate, in addition to, arranging for travel and meeting with publishers and designers. Your client’s vision must become yours, however, your artistic expertise should set you apart from all the rest!
Being a self-employed Fashion Photographer, you will have other responsibilities besides working in photo shoots. You must be able to handle the business side of photography. Such duties will include marketing, scheduling, handling finances by managing income, as well as, your costs. You will want to be aware of all copyright laws to protect your work, in addition to, maintaining a website that showcases your photos. You must keep your name and your work current with the times to assure a prosperous and successful business by maintaining positive contacts in the industry.
Last, but certainly not least, you must stay familiar with all fashion trends and fads. In addition, it helps to be an avid reader of each fashion magazine out there, as well as, being aware of each designer and their specialty or trademark designs in fashion.
If you are interested in this field, please see our choices of the Top Online Schools for Photography Degree Programs.