The fashion photography industry is fierce. With many emerging talents trying to win places at the top, starting at the bottom can seem daunting. Moreover, finding a foot in the industry requires hard labour, devotion and patience. Since there are no hidden secrets or shortcuts, budding fashion photographers must fortify their arsenal to win the battle. Though if you’re just starting and wondering how to become fashion photographer, here is a pathway you can follow.

Let’s dive right into it, shall we?

Deciphering the Steps Needed to be a Fashion Photographer

Like any other branch of photography, fashion photography is a work of art. Hence, it goes unsaid you must exude an artistic streak and creative flair to become a fashion photographer.

Photographers put in a ton of hard work to get that one winning shot that can become a cover or hoarding. It only comes from innate skills that elite fashion photographers have in common. Though such expertise stems from experience, here is all you need to understand about how to become a high fashion photographer.

1.Refine Your Fashion Photography Skills

Before you start on your journey, know your niche. Aspiring photographers often don’t know where their skill set lies. Would you be comfortable with the fast-paced world of fashion? What type of fashion photographer do you wish to become? Are you interested in catalogue photography, high fashion, model or editorial fashion?

Once you know your niche, start honing your photography skills because clicking stunning fashion photos takes more than a camera and technical knowledge. You must have an eye for it and understand the art of composition. Then practice, practice and practice!

Before working with models, polish your skills by taking pictures of family and friends. It will broaden your perspective and give you enough room to work on your light and other settings without pressure.

2.Assemble a Fashion Photography Portfolio

When you search for gigs, employers prefer to see your portfolio. Fashion photographers showcase their best work through portfolios, a collection of their best work.

When you are just starting, building a portfolio of fashion photography for beginners can become difficult due to a lack of work. In the beginning, you can take the help of your friends, family members or local models to conduct photo shoots.

Moreover, prospective clients pick photographers based on the style and the skills exhibited in their portfolios. So, you must keep your portfolio up-to-date. Also, pay attention to the latest trends and strive to improve your fashion sensibilities to score more work opportunities.

Since the fashion industry leans heavily on keeping up with the latest trends, photographers in the fashion industry must do the same.

Curious to know about the latest fashion photography trends? Read more here!

3.Develop Enviable Communication and Marketing Skills

While most people overlook communication and marketing skills as good-to-have-ones rather than necessary, hear us out!

Photographers capture humans and their surroundings through their lenses. Hence they must convey their vision and meaning to the model beyond a shadow of a doubt. They can accomplish this with relative ease through a verbal exchange. Further, a good grasp of marketing practices can assist them in establishing their reputation in the industry.

Networking can be a game-changer in determining how much and what type of work you’ll get. That’s the pivotal distinction between a successful fashion photographer and any other photographer. Further, you must be nice to everyone and build rapport. If people picture you as credible, reliable, and pleasant, you won’t see a shortage of work.

4.Invest in Fashion Photography Courses

While You don’t require specific fashion photographer qualifications to carve a niche, it improves your employability chances and provides you with hands-on learning experiences. Some schools offer fashion photography programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. But you can get a diploma or certification course to get a headstart in your career.

During the training, you will learn about ISO, lighting, exposure, composition, photo editing and other crucial aspects of taking front cover-worthy shots. You may also work on photography assignments that will enhance your portfolio.

Research specific fashion photographer course in detail, ensuring the training provider has industry credibility and can offer enough exposure to start your career. Additionally, if model photography interests you more, learning how to become a model photographer and choosing a program focusing on this aspect of photography should be your goal.

Believe it or not, the cost of entry and training in this career field is low enough that practically anyone can get started in fashion photography and earn maximum rewards. Now that you know what skills are needed to be a fashion photographer, let’s look at the perks of making it to the top fashion photographer in India.

How Much Money do Fashion Photographers Make?

You must be wondering – is fashion photography a good career in India? Or, how much do fashion photographers make per shoot?

The short answer to this is, of course, yes! Fashion photography is a lucrative career option in India.

Now, let’s talk about earning too! The fashion industry is growing at rapid rates, and so are career choices. Besides, fashion photographers get decent salaries. According to Ambitionbox, the average salary for a fashion photographer in India is about 4.4 Lakhs per year (INR 36.7K per month).

As per Jobted, a senior fashion photographer with 10-20 years of experience makes 6.87 lakhs on average. Fashion photographers with more than 20 years of experience earn 7.1 lakhs on average.

Additionally, the industry is reasonably recession-proof, which automatically enhances the number of job opportunities. Fashion and accessory designers work around the year and introduce new styles, regardless of the economy.

Wrapping Up

Flashy milieu, glamorous models, hobnobbing with the celebs and fat paychecks, an established fashion photographer can expect it all. If you have an eye for detail – you have the necessary edge to make it big in this industry. But you should have all the leverage you can to create a niche in the fashion industry. Just knowing how to become fashion photographer may not be enough.

So, if you’re hungry to learn the nuances of fashion photography, enrolling in a structured course is a good start. Buy that camera, reinforce your footing and just plunge into the field you are most passionate about! Apply for the Diploma in Fashion Photography at JD Institute Of Fashion Technology and shoot for the stars.