Are you someone who loves “glam”? Do want to mingle with the stars; be responsible for making them look like a million bucks? Well, fashion is photography is all about soaking up a bit of Hollywood, but it is also so much more. Fashion photographers generally have a keen sense of marketing and are experts at selling a pose, a gesture - even a glance.

But the world of fashion photography is a very competitive one. It is not easy to get your work noticed because magazines, agencies, models, etc tend to stick with people who either already have a reputation, or up and comers who they know will deliver the goods.

This is not to say that fashion photography aspirations are out of reach. It simply means that you might have to work a bit harder to get your work recognized and establishing a clientele. The best advice for anyone looking to get into fashion photography is to approach younger agencies and take on any job with any model(s). Not only will you establish yourself within a company that has potential to be a great success, but you will begin putting a portfolio together and establishing contacts in the fashion community.

One of the keys to success in fashion photography is establishing a reputation as a professional, creative shooter. Fashion photographers must know a great deal about studio lighting and shooting in a controlled environment. In fact, your biggest skill might be design setting in addition to knowing the ins and outs of studio lighting. You will also have to be very good directing a crew who may be helping with lights, backgrounds and makeup. As a result, you have to know how to lead and articulate your ideas to many different people. Working with models is another challenge. Knowing how to set the mood for your models is a great obstacle that can be overcome through patience and effective communication. So in addition to having the technical skills, fashion photographers are skilled in dealing with people.

If you are starting out, try getting a job as an apprentice to a photographer. You will likely not be taking many pictures, but you will help with props, setting, costume and lighting. These will give you the foundation for understanding the technicalities of a shoot and preparing for your own shoots down the road. Take advantage of this opportunity and establish your desire and own sense of creativity and patience in dealing with others.