4 answers
Eduardo
Student
Concord, California
1
Question
Asked
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How should I get started if I want to pursue photography, specifically runway photography, and more fashion-oriented photography?
How should I get started if I want to pursue photography, specifically runway photography, and more fashion-oriented photography? I have little to no experience besides a high school class, but the career choice seems very intriguing. I'm curious about any courses or learning I could take, beginner camera, connections into the fashion space, and any necessary advice you wish to share!
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4 answers
Vanshika Jain
Photographer
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Vanshika’s Answer
Choosing a career in photography is exciting but can be tough. Begin by researching the profession. Look into investing in quality equipment, and explore available courses and learning materials. Check out art schools that offer degrees in photography. Make it a daily habit to go out and practice capturing interesting frames, even in ordinary settings. This will help you understand compositions, lighting, and capturing moments. Focus on mastering the basics—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The more you practice, the more you'll learn!
Research programmes and schools for formal and better education
Connect with fellow photographers through LinkedIn and social media
Practice everyday
Put together a portfolio and track progress
Vanshika recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice!
Eduardo
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
121
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hey Eduardo,
Since you are from California, I would suggest Art Center College. Google it. It's the best school if you want to be a commercial photography. It is an excellent school for photography. When you graduate, you will be prepared to shoot for money. Buy a used mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera and learn how to use it. There is a wealth of books that will give you the knowledge you need. Look at Vogue and Harpers Bazaar magazines. See what the images of the best fashion shooters look like. Not just photo layouts, but advertisements. Study how they use light, composition and posing. If your high school does a fund raising fashion show, volunteer to shoot that. Shoot a lot and often. If you have a girl friend, use her as a model. Find a good fashion photographer and ask to visit his/her studio so you can see how they work.
Develop an online presence with your work. ONLY show your very best images. Your website is your portfolio.
If you choose photography as your profession, it will have to be your obsession and passion. Making a buck in the arts is very challenging and requires persistence.
Best of luck!
Since you are from California, I would suggest Art Center College. Google it. It's the best school if you want to be a commercial photography. It is an excellent school for photography. When you graduate, you will be prepared to shoot for money. Buy a used mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera and learn how to use it. There is a wealth of books that will give you the knowledge you need. Look at Vogue and Harpers Bazaar magazines. See what the images of the best fashion shooters look like. Not just photo layouts, but advertisements. Study how they use light, composition and posing. If your high school does a fund raising fashion show, volunteer to shoot that. Shoot a lot and often. If you have a girl friend, use her as a model. Find a good fashion photographer and ask to visit his/her studio so you can see how they work.
Develop an online presence with your work. ONLY show your very best images. Your website is your portfolio.
If you choose photography as your profession, it will have to be your obsession and passion. Making a buck in the arts is very challenging and requires persistence.
Best of luck!
Joseph Spirtos
Enter art contests
13
Answers
Poland, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hi!
I would suggest entering some photo contests. It would help get your foot in the door whether you win or not. It would provide valuable practice and it's also fun! :)
p.s. It's a very rewarding feeling if you win!!!
I would suggest entering some photo contests. It would help get your foot in the door whether you win or not. It would provide valuable practice and it's also fun! :)
p.s. It's a very rewarding feeling if you win!!!
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
3
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey, Eduardo and all aspiring in the Fashion Photography Industry! (or any creative industry)
Here are some tips that helped me get into numerous Milan Fashion Week 2024 runway fashion shows and that I hope can help improve your photography skills and increase your connections.
Congrats on your curiosity about fashion photography! The fashion industry is an exciting way to express yourself in many different ranges. From design to modeling, to photography. You have the capability and space where you can be your true self in many different forms. The run-way photography is specifically an exciting experience. It is great that you have experience in a high school class! One thing you can start to do to get the ball rolling is repeat each lesson, or at least each lesson that you enjoyed, and re-do it. This will give you the chance to improve on what you already know, while also continuing to practice whatever experience you have now. Practice should not be perfect, it is about having the will to progress. This is the most important thing in any creative field, your skills are all about the work and effort you put in. Even if you do not have a digital camera, a camera phone will do. Start working with what you have and continue with the goal and will progress over time.
Here are some more things to consider to get runway photography experience:
Course Learning:
- If you are still in school, see if there are any more classes you can take before graduating. Depending on the setup of the curriculum, if you express that you are eager to learn, there's a chance they would be willing to figure something out for you. If not, try finding the contact information of your old teacher. Their email might be on the school website or you can always call to ask for it. If this is something you have not done before, do not be intimidated. It's always okay to ask and the worst thing they will say is no and then you can continue quicker with your search. Plus, as an instructor myself, I can say there is a good chance they would be complimented if a student went to them specifically to learn more.
If this is not the case, see if there are any local camera stores nearby. Some will have beginner camera classes or might even take the time to teach you how to use the camera. Be sure to look at reviews and feel free to give them a call as well. If they seem nice, start to make friends with them.
This leads me to my next point...
Building Connections:
-Nearby photography stores are a great space to connect. Try your best to find kind local stores that enjoy the community, but bigger stores would work great as well, as they would both provide different options and experiences. You can also look for any nearby galleries, big or small, it is always good to interact with people who are practicing in any field of photography. Even if you are not fully for their style of photography, listen to how they talk about their work to others and how they present themselves. Observe the layout and set-up of the gallery. Everything is by design. Start noticing it all.
-Following all photographers that you like on social media, and all the people they work with that you enjoy, is a great way to start shaping your specific palette. Even if you are not fully sure how you identify yourself as a photographer, just go by what feels right to you, not others. All designers struggle to build their "design identity", but it just comes down to being your truest self. As you follow more, start seeing if there are any local photographers and reach out to them by DM or email. Some will answer some will not, but regardless, do not get discouraged and make sure to keep trying.
Connection and Interacting within Industries (Fashion):
The fashion industry can sometimes be seen as "exclusive" which is intriguing, but try not to see it like this. You might not be getting into high luxury brand fashion shows at first (or maybe you are nothing's impossible), but try to aim towards a different angle in the industry. Try finding different schools that have fashion departments. This might be a technical high school, community college, or art/design college. Start to look at their website to see what they offer, then find the department and staff contact information. Reach out to them by call or email, but if they do not answer, do not stop there. They usually have social media pages of the program, follow and message them on there. If still nothing, try to find recent students by looking at their posts, tagged posts, or followers. Do not message the whole class all at once, but kindly reach out to them, and be sure not to bombard anyone with a ton of messages! If you respectfully do this, there is a good chance someone will be willing to help someone who is that eager to learn. Try to also be direct with what you are coming to them for. Colleges will usually have final presentations of the student's work, usually in runway formats, which you can try to attend. See if anyone can give you a tour. Try seeing if there's anything they are working on that you can see, as some might be private for copyright purposes. Or even just try starting a conversation about what they are learning about. If you start to show interest, you can start building connections and learning more information about the industry.
If you can find fashion shows of any degree in your area, or even a bit further if you can make it, make sure to do everything you can to attend. If it's public, great. If it's ticketed, see if you can purchase one. If it's private, an email saying you are a student photographer and would like a seat OR a very back spot in the photographer's section. If you show you are eager and how much you admire their work, you might just get a spot.
Most importantly, keep practicing and producing work. Do not worry about good and bad work, just keep making. If you feel like something you are working on is bad, continue it and finish it. This will get you closer to your next good idea. Same thing for making connections in the industry, do not get discouraged if it seems to be taking longer than expected. Keep trying, and over time you will surprise yourself with the connections you can make. Best of luck!
Here are some tips that helped me get into numerous Milan Fashion Week 2024 runway fashion shows and that I hope can help improve your photography skills and increase your connections.
Congrats on your curiosity about fashion photography! The fashion industry is an exciting way to express yourself in many different ranges. From design to modeling, to photography. You have the capability and space where you can be your true self in many different forms. The run-way photography is specifically an exciting experience. It is great that you have experience in a high school class! One thing you can start to do to get the ball rolling is repeat each lesson, or at least each lesson that you enjoyed, and re-do it. This will give you the chance to improve on what you already know, while also continuing to practice whatever experience you have now. Practice should not be perfect, it is about having the will to progress. This is the most important thing in any creative field, your skills are all about the work and effort you put in. Even if you do not have a digital camera, a camera phone will do. Start working with what you have and continue with the goal and will progress over time.
Here are some more things to consider to get runway photography experience:
Course Learning:
- If you are still in school, see if there are any more classes you can take before graduating. Depending on the setup of the curriculum, if you express that you are eager to learn, there's a chance they would be willing to figure something out for you. If not, try finding the contact information of your old teacher. Their email might be on the school website or you can always call to ask for it. If this is something you have not done before, do not be intimidated. It's always okay to ask and the worst thing they will say is no and then you can continue quicker with your search. Plus, as an instructor myself, I can say there is a good chance they would be complimented if a student went to them specifically to learn more.
If this is not the case, see if there are any local camera stores nearby. Some will have beginner camera classes or might even take the time to teach you how to use the camera. Be sure to look at reviews and feel free to give them a call as well. If they seem nice, start to make friends with them.
This leads me to my next point...
Building Connections:
-Nearby photography stores are a great space to connect. Try your best to find kind local stores that enjoy the community, but bigger stores would work great as well, as they would both provide different options and experiences. You can also look for any nearby galleries, big or small, it is always good to interact with people who are practicing in any field of photography. Even if you are not fully for their style of photography, listen to how they talk about their work to others and how they present themselves. Observe the layout and set-up of the gallery. Everything is by design. Start noticing it all.
-Following all photographers that you like on social media, and all the people they work with that you enjoy, is a great way to start shaping your specific palette. Even if you are not fully sure how you identify yourself as a photographer, just go by what feels right to you, not others. All designers struggle to build their "design identity", but it just comes down to being your truest self. As you follow more, start seeing if there are any local photographers and reach out to them by DM or email. Some will answer some will not, but regardless, do not get discouraged and make sure to keep trying.
Connection and Interacting within Industries (Fashion):
The fashion industry can sometimes be seen as "exclusive" which is intriguing, but try not to see it like this. You might not be getting into high luxury brand fashion shows at first (or maybe you are nothing's impossible), but try to aim towards a different angle in the industry. Try finding different schools that have fashion departments. This might be a technical high school, community college, or art/design college. Start to look at their website to see what they offer, then find the department and staff contact information. Reach out to them by call or email, but if they do not answer, do not stop there. They usually have social media pages of the program, follow and message them on there. If still nothing, try to find recent students by looking at their posts, tagged posts, or followers. Do not message the whole class all at once, but kindly reach out to them, and be sure not to bombard anyone with a ton of messages! If you respectfully do this, there is a good chance someone will be willing to help someone who is that eager to learn. Try to also be direct with what you are coming to them for. Colleges will usually have final presentations of the student's work, usually in runway formats, which you can try to attend. See if anyone can give you a tour. Try seeing if there's anything they are working on that you can see, as some might be private for copyright purposes. Or even just try starting a conversation about what they are learning about. If you start to show interest, you can start building connections and learning more information about the industry.
If you can find fashion shows of any degree in your area, or even a bit further if you can make it, make sure to do everything you can to attend. If it's public, great. If it's ticketed, see if you can purchase one. If it's private, an email saying you are a student photographer and would like a seat OR a very back spot in the photographer's section. If you show you are eager and how much you admire their work, you might just get a spot.
Most importantly, keep practicing and producing work. Do not worry about good and bad work, just keep making. If you feel like something you are working on is bad, continue it and finish it. This will get you closer to your next good idea. Same thing for making connections in the industry, do not get discouraged if it seems to be taking longer than expected. Keep trying, and over time you will surprise yourself with the connections you can make. Best of luck!