Fashion photography areas and topics

There are many avenues for a fashion photographer

Freelance (without an agent)
Freelance with an agent
Employed by a retailer
Employed by a publication (magazine, book publisher, newspaper, etc.)
Employed by a fashion house
Employed by an advertising company
Employed by a fashion manufacturer
Employed by a direct-mail company
Open your own studio

Periodicals
Ad agencies
Department stores
Fashion houses
Modeling agencies
Retailers
Catalogues
Galleries
Stock photography agency

The Myths, the Realities and the Basics
I Can’t Take Pictures, Can I Become a Fashion Photographer?
I Can’t Use a Darkroom
Is There Work Outside The Big Fashion Magazines?
Every Fashion Photographer is a Critical Success
It’s Not All Behind The Camera
“Art” In Fashion Photography vs. Commerce
I Don’t Live In A Major Fashion City
What Are The Up-Sides To Being A Fashion Photographer?

Getting Ready for the Big Break
Market Size
Details of Employment Numbers
Salaried vs. Independent
Industry Classifications: Lots of Different Kinds of Fashion
Photography
Magazines
Catalogues
Advertisements
Stock Photography
Paparazzi
Art
Portraiture

Personality Traits of a Fashion Photographer
Visual Imagination
Artistic Sensitivity
Be Ready to Work In Difficult Conditions To Get The Shot
Organize: The Whole Shoot Is Your Responsibility
Skills
Make The Clothes Look Better
Put Everyone In The Right Place At The Right Time
Know Your Camera! (Technical Skill)
Understand The Equipment (Technical Skill)
Scout a Scene
Get A Crew
Stay On Budget

Working with a Model
Respect is the Name of the Game
Help Them Relax, They May Be Nervy
Models You Hire vs. Models From An Agency
How To Deal With Their Tantrums Without Disaster
Know The Poses
Creating A Model’s Portfolio

To Go to School or Not to Go to School
Some School Profiles
Some Things To Consider In Schools
How Long Do You Need To Study?
Correspondence Courses
Can It Be Done Without University Training? Yes!
Creating Portfolio
Don’t Sell The Shots, Sell Yourself
Be Original
Use The Web
Get Great Shots, Use Your Best
The Physical Portfolio

Career Game Plan
Why You May Need An Agent
They Know People, So You Know People
Workflow With An Agent
The Things You Don’t Have Time For
Help With Post-Production
They Want To Make Sure You’re Taken Care for

Finding The Right Agent
Qualities Of A Good Agent
The Whole Career
Beware of Scam Artists
They Ask For Money
Certification
Don’t Rush!
Copyrights
Get Entry-Level Experience
Apprenticeships

Distribute Your Portfolio
Nab A Few Clients
Use Your Contacts
Don’t Go AwayMeet People
Have Something To Give Out
The Money: A Little To A Lot

Work Up To The Big Time
Different Money For Different Shoots
The Real Fashion Photography Work Environment
Freelance
Staff

Being Successful
Success Traits
Love the Work
Be Determined To Get Your Work Out There
Willingness To Work The Long Day
Creative Desire to be New and Better
Be In The Right City
Classics
Some Other Cities You May Not Have Though About
No Runway Show In Your Town… No Problem!