Fashion Photography

Fashion Photography

What does the job entail? –

A fashion photography job entails the photographer being able to work with the model that is in front of them as well as selling what is on the model. Companies that employ photographers want them to be able not to make the model the main focus in photographs but their products that they are trying to sell. On a run way at a fashion show a photographer is expected to capture the fashion model showing the product/s at there very best, both in motion and still life. Also being able to work on a random location and in a studio.

What skills/qualifications are needed for the career? –

I would say that camera skills are needed as Macro shots of jewelry is a common part of fashion. Macro can be used to take photos of detail in a garment that a model is wearing. Being able to communicate well with the fashion company to understand what they want and what the campaign is about. Also being able to direct and work with the model/s wearing the fashion pieces, as they need to work with the camera. Plus an A level or BTEC in the course would be highly beneficial as it would have given you plenty of experience behind a camera and expanded your knowledge. Studio work is also need as most fashion shoot are done in studios.

What would the typical starting & senior salary be? –

It depends on what company you are working for, if it is a high end company that is well known such as Vogue, Elle, Cover Girl, Ted Baker, Jimmy Choo etc.

Where are positions advertised? –

Positions advertised can be from word of mouth, a friend, on the company’s website, modeling agencies, cat walks, fashion magazines etc.

Is it contract or self employed work? –

It is contract work as the company would employ the photographer to do the campaign a season or depending on how good they were with the first campaign, they might book them for a year contract.

What equipment is used? –

Normally when doing fashion photography I would say two cameras are need incase the other malfunctions and a laptop to do tethered shooting. As well as spare batteries, a tripod, a ring flash for when doing straight on portraits, maybe a remote for flash or camera, wide angled lens, macro lens etc. They would also need portable studio equipment like lights, fans, pop shield and maybe a white backdrop.

Fashion Photographers -

Nigel Barker

Raya