We shouldn’t shoot that.
In the more-than-15-years I’ve been working as a professional photographer in Columbus, OH, I’ve been approached by scores of would-be models who want to shoot fashion photography. They send mood boards from Pinterest, and images they’ve saved from Instagram – showing the kind of work they want to create. And usually, I like just about everything they show me, because usually the images come from established fashion photographers and successful, working fashion models. That said, they’re usually surprised when I respond by saying “We shouldn’t necessarily shoot that kind of material.” And what follows next is always the same: the deer-in-headlights-look that screams “Say whaaaaa….?”
When should you shoot fashion images?
I respond this way because there are specific instances where models should be shooting true fashion photography.
(1) If they’re signed with an agency in a commercial market – like Columbus, OH – but have a competitive “look” suitable for the fashion industry (this is more than being “pretty” or “photogenic” …there are specific, often rigid size & height requirements). In this case, they’re likely to have local agents interested in helping them find representation in larger markets (think Los Angeles, CA or Miami, FL) – that have greater access to fashion work, or even placement in international markets (think Milan, Italy or Shanghai, China).
(2) If they’re already signed with multiple agencies, some of whom are serving larger markets and have access to specific modeling opportunities (runway or otherwise) in the fashion industry, both local and abroad.
Outside of these two options, I don’t generally recommend paying a qualified, professional photographer to shoot fashion material. It’s expensive, even more so when professional hair / makeup / wardrobe styling is factored in. And unless there’s a specific industry application for the images (like the ones mentioned above) you’re likely to see little or no return on your investment. There are always exceptions to the rule, but they’re exactly that – exceptions, and highly atypical.
So . . . you want to be a model (or your son or daughter wants to be a model) and you’re trying to navigate uncharted territory and decide next-steps. We can help.
We can help.
(1) Do your research, and talk to experienced professionals who have demonstrated expertise in your target market before you invest in the process.
What do we mean by target market? The answer depends on your “look” and where you live. You can have the right “look” and not have access to the right market (meaning the one best-suited for your look). The opposite is also true: you can have access to a given market but not necessarily the “look” best suited for actually getting work there.
(2) Once you’ve done the research and are ready to invest in the process, find the right photographer (to shoot the right material).
One way to do this – especially if you already have the attention of a model & talent agency interested in representing you – ask for recommendations about who you should work with. From there, check out their photography websites and social media, to confirm they’re capable of delivering the kinds of images you need. Sidebar: While some photographers are capable of crossing from one genre to the next successfully, many are not (and that’s ok – there’s something to be said for focusing one’s time, energy, and expertise). It matters to this conversation because a wedding photographer or product photographer may not be the best person to help launch your career in modeling.
(3) Once you’ve contacted the photographer to explore booking a shoot, ask lots of questions – about professional hair & makeup, wardrobe recommendations, shoot context (studio or natural light, for instance), etc. Plan ahead, take the process seriously, and take every step you can toward capturing the best “you” with the best possible outcomes for success in the marketplace.
Don’t just do it for The Gram.
Instagram loves your vibey, angsty, serious-y, fashion-y images. And well, so do I. And it feels good to get all those likes, saves, and comments! If you have the right look for that kind of material, then go for it. But if you’re better suited for commercial work, go for that! There are opportunities to be had and money to be made in commercial print, and in shooting lifestyle material (ask me – I have lots of stories, lol).
. . .
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