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Starting your Career in Fashion Photography 

They are all around us. On posters, on television, in magazines. Ultra-thin models strutting along the runways of London, New York and Milan wearing the latest items from today's designers. Their petite figures and constant pouting are all around us. But who captures these images that completely surround us and tell us how to look? These images are the products of years of experience and study, manipulating the light and colour while considering the composition to produce the most attractive images possible to display new fashion. They are the products of the fashion photographer.
Photographers like Mario Testino are just as celebrated as models and designers in the realm of fashion. They present high-fashion to the public and have the responsibility of representing it in its best light.
Money and fame may be the dream of any aspiring young newcomer, but entry to this exclusive universe is as difficult as it is desirable. To reach the golden heights that many hunger for, one must extraordinary ambition and persistence. With every successful fashion photographer, there are thousands left in the gutter promoting their work in hope of being picked up.
To get started in this competitive field you must obsessively study your craft. You can never stop learning, so keep absorbing everything you find, especially in fashion magazines. There are fantastic resources on the internet. You can find books on the subject at Amazon.com. The basic equipment you will need to start out is a good camera, some standard lighting equipment and a tripod. On any shoot, make sure you have extra film so you don't have to interrupt your flow. Research the different types of cameras and the unique looks they produce, as your choice of camera will affect the look of your work.
You really need to have a portfolio of your best work on you at all times. If a fashion editor shows any interest in you, they are going to want to see what you can do. Clear, bright photographs give the best impression. 4x5" is a good format to present your work in, but if your work has been published you can take a copy of that too. If these are not an option then a decent quality 8x10" will do fine. Make sure you have at least 20 photographs in your portfolio and try to show your grasp of different styles. Provide proof of your skill in capturing full figure shots.
Fashion is about accessories too so a close-up partial body shot can make a great photo- say an image of a watch on a young woman's wrist. When you apply for a job be aware that you may have to leave your portfolio there for a couple of weeks. To deal with this you should make copies of your portfolio so that you can apply for more than one job at the same time.
Today it is becoming necessary to upload your work online. Make sure you website has a great look- you are an artist after all and presentation is everything. You can promote you work for free by entering it into online contests. The internet is a great place to network for professionals, so make sure you use it.
Fashion editors want to see a unique perspective in your work. They want to see character and soul. Spend time learning the technical side of the art so that your creativity won't be limited by technical ignorance. If you have can endure the hardship of establishing yourself in this industry, you will reap the rewards later. Just keep improving yourself and don't give up.

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