How do you become a Fashion/Model Photographer??

[polarmagnus]

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I'm stuck in a dead-end job and I'm wanting to use my photography for a job. I've been considering what subject I would like to do and I have thought very much about looking into fashion or even model photography.
The only trouble is that I don't know how to get involved/to start off in this kind of area of photography.

I know that I would need a portfolio of what I can do and I was wondering if I should write something on Facebook that I'm looking to take photos of people as I'm wanting to become a fashion/model photographer.
Does anyone thing this would be a good idea? (But of course it does mean that everyone at work will know what I want to do because they're nosy g*ts, and I would rather keep it a secret).

I should really go on a course but I don't know what to do. I would like one-to-one tuition or to work in a small group of people.

I'll be only using my 18-55mm kit lens as I can't afford to buy anything else at the moment.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I'm from Keighley, West Yorkshire.


If its difficult to get in then I might as well look in to landscape photography since its what I do anyway and I'll be buying a wide-angle lens when I can afford it

[Cathus]

It seems to me at the moment that all you need to do is get a pretty girl and a copy of Portrait Professional or some other skin smoothing software to photoshop the reality out of her skin & make it glow like a porn star.

Sorry, unhelpful I know, just a bit fed up of seeing the same shots in all the magazines showcasing models who's faces & skin have been photoshopped within an inch of their lives.

I'd recommend a portraiture course, you could also join one of the amateur/pro model websites where you can get models to pose for you in return for copies of the shots for their portfolios, also try Flickr & going on one of the group model shoots they run.

You can also practice on anyone willing to stand still for you while you try different settings, lighting & techniques. That's how I got practise, with 3 lovely daughters, however, their patience & willingness deteriorates pretty rapidly & sadly two of them refuse to pose now & the third will only do it for cash or 10 minutes.

[thefonz78]

Try modelmayhem and netmodel you can find models people organise meets where you can ask other people advise.

[wildcard]

Purestorm is another good source of models I have used from time to time for portfolio building. If you are just starting out I would advise working with an experienced model to help you rather than someone who has never modelled before.

Making money from any form of photography is very difficult these days and difficult to break into. It is often more about marketing than anything else.

As others have said - get a portfolio together and then get your images out there. If your portfolio is good you can try approaching model agencies to see about testing new models. Alternatively start getting together some tear sheets by working on advertising through contacts you already have - eg family businesses. People who comission photographers like to see that you are already doing the job so they have confidence you won't let them down. It's a little bit catch-22.

[SunderlandPhotography]

I'm sorry I haven't replied to any of your replies. I just went off the idea. But now I'm seriously looking into getting involved in it. Thank you for your replies.

Cathus
Yes I know what you mean. I also hate seeing people who are all photoshopped too.


I'm currently writing a profile up for ModelMayhem. Its a little short at the moment and I need to add more words to it. (I notice you have to be accepted to join the website.)

One of my cousins told me that I could photograph her kids. But I never took it up because i want to photograph older people in their 20s and 30s.

[SunderlandPhotography]

If anyone knows the answer to this, it will be of great help.

Does anyone what 'compensation' means on ModelMayhem. Does it mean do they pay you (the photographer) or you pay them (the model) or both?

[Cathus]

The models are unlikely to pay you unless you have a really great reputation which will enhance their portfolio, so I think you'd be expected to financially compensate them.

There are two schools of thought on getting a model, one says pay and get a more professional model that you don't need to direct so much and who will give you some great shots without problem, the other says get a free one who will do it in return for a copy of the shots but who is likely to be less 'professional' and may need more effort into getting what you want. (of course, this doesn't always hold true and I'm sure there are some poor 'professionals' and some excellent 'amateurs')

Model Mayhem has been recommended to me by a few people I know but I've not had time to put a little portfolio of shots up yet. I think part of the signing on process is that you must upload a portfolio within a set time of signing up, if I remember correctly. So I didn't want to sign up and then get chucked off for not putting up some examples of my work.
Is it still the same? (I last looked a year or so ago)

[SunderlandPhotography]

Just been looking and 4 photos are required before you join. Great. Now I don't know what to do. I've already said something on my Facebook page that I'm looking for people to help me build a portfolio up of my work. But I don't think anyone will come forward and be helpful.

[dan123]

Originally Posted by SunderlandPhotography

Just been looking and 4 photos are required before you join. Great. Now I don't know what to do. I've already said something on my Facebook page that I'm looking for people to help me build a portfolio up of my work. But I don't think anyone will come forward and be helpful.

Occasionaly places like Gumtree are good for finding models,

Look for students, Maybe fashion and textile who want images of them with thier work to help build thier portfolio, A level students will be even more willing as decent Pictures will help them with uni applications,

[SunderlandPhotography]

Originally Posted by dan123

Occasionaly places like Gumtree are good for finding models,

Look for students, Maybe fashion and textile who want images of them with thier work to help build thier portfolio, A level students will be even more willing as decent Pictures will help them with uni applications,

Thanks I might give gumtree a go. But I wouldn't know what subject to put it under apart from
Media, Design & Creative then Actors, Models & Modelling. .