Fashion Photographers

You can explore this field by taking photography classes both at school and through local organizations such as community centers. Also, consider joining a school photography or art club. These clubs will give you the opportunity to meet with others who share your interests, and they sometimes sponsor talks or meetings with professionals. Join the staff of the school yearbook, newspaper, or literary magazine. These publications often make use of visual art to accompany their text.

Look for part-time or summer work at a camera store. This work experience will give you the opportunity to become familiar with many “tools of the trade.” If you can’t find work at a camera store, try getting a job at a clothing store. This will give you experience working with people and clothes, and you might even be able to offer fashion advice to customers.

Explore your interest in the fashion field by reading fashion magazines that will keep you up to date on fashion trends, models, and photographers’ and illustrators’ work. Try drawing or sewing your own fashion creations. Consider becoming a member of American Photographic Artists.

Participate in photography competitions to test your skills against others and meet people with shared interests. The youth organizations SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org) and Skills Compétences Canada (https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com) both offer photography competitions.

Other ways to learn more about this career include participating in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with fashion photographers and getting involved in summer exploration programs in fashion photography and general photography that are offered by colleges and universities.