The concept of fashion and the ideal of beauty are themes that have captivated society for centuries. Inspired by music, films and events, the fashion world is constantly changing, either reflecting current trends or, in many cases, setting new ones. The world of fashion photography is a tough and varied one. All the skills required in fashion photography are widely applicable to other genres, with creativity and technical knowledge the only essential basics, though organisation and communication also contribute significantly to good results.
However, in this genre of photography, creative ideas have to be based on the fashion itself, with everything else being staged around it. The particular language of the fashion brands, but also the products themselves, bring great challenges. In most cases, photographers will already have their subjects and backgrounds on location. The art of making a career in fashion photography lies in not sticking to tried and tested visual patterns. Instead, success in this genre may mean breaking the rules, finding unique perspectives and remaining open to new ideas.
Besides the fashion items themselves, a model is the essential component of a fashion shoot. You can book models through agencies but this can be expensive, particularly for a beginner. In the fashion industry, networking is worth its weight in gold. Activate your contacts and search for suitable models on social media platforms, such as Facebook groups, to find interested people to help your project. Build your portfolio with some simple tricks and learn how to stand out from the crowd.
Find your style
Get an overview about various genres for a clear vision of your creative goals
With photography, fashion items and accessories are brought to life and can gain an emotional level with the help of visual implementation and storytelling.
You may initially assume that the sales aspect comes first, but this is not always the case. There are numerous fashion genres in the photographic scene, taking over magazines and social media. Professional photographers usually do not concentrate on one fixed genre, but often pursue two or three styles in their work.
This has several advantages: firstly, you are constantly being challenged creatively, always keeping up to date with trends in the industry. In addition, genres such as runway and street style or editorial and beauty photography almost go hand in hand.
When finding your niche, it is important to try out many styles and realise your own visual projects in addition to commercial
