Do You Need to Take Photography Classes to Become a Pro Fashion Photographer?
- Pro fashion photographers may start at the ground level and work their way up the ranks with on-the-job training in lieu of formal schooling. There are usually no set-in-stone requirements for a photographer to have a college degree, although some prospective employers may require it. Many people believe that the skill of photography is an innate talent that no amount of classes can teach; however, a student who graduates with a degree in photography may have an edge in getting hired for a professional fashion shoot over a photographer who has no formal education. A degree from a photography school can cost thousands of dollars, which may take some time to pay off.
- A fashion photographer must learn the fundamentals of handling the camera, in addition to advanced technical aspects of photography, such as lighting, depth of field and exposure control. These foundational skills are studied and practiced extensively in school to enable the photographer to capture the image correctly. A photographer who works in the fashion industry must learn fashion-specific techniques and problem-solving skills, such as how to capture a runway model in motion, or how to light a beaded gown so the camera captures its detail without getting washed out. In addition, fashion photographers learn to set up and schedule fashion shoots, choose sets or backdrops, maintain and select camera equipment and process images.
- An individual interested in becoming a professional fashion photographer can receive an associate or bachelor's degree in photography, which may be available at art institutes, technical schools, local colleges or universities. When the photographer attends a four-year college, he will also study courses like history, biology, math and English, while an art school offers the chance to refine natural talents and learn from professional photographers. Courses of photography-specific study usually include studio lighting, color theory, design principles and exposure control. Digital photographers may also learn photo-editing software needed to compose and manipulate images. Traditional film techniques, including film processing and printing, are further study options.
- If you are passionate about fashion photography but don't want to go to school, get in touch with a professional fashion photographer whose work you respect and admire. Ask if you can assist him during a summer internship. If he is willing to teach you the ropes, you can build your fashion photography portfolio, hone your innate skills and learn the business.