Fashion Photographers

Dress up your business by using professional fashion photographers
By Lisa J. Jackson, Writer / Editor The genre of fashion photography includes images devoted to capturing and displaying clothing, jewelry, and other fashion items. The work of fashion photographers is prevalent in magazines such as Vanity Fair and Vogue. Finding a fashion photographer who can fulfill your business needs will take time.

Some fashion photographers may specialize in a certain location, certain type of fashion, certain type of models, prefer black and white over color, or have experience in a variety of fashion arenas. Find a fashion photographer for magazine photos, fashion runway shows, a special fashion event, catalog images, or stills to hang in your office or post on your website. Before you get started, consider the following pointers:

1. Know the type of fashion photography you need so you can focus on finding a photographer with the applicable background.

2. Calculate your budget and know your deadline, since photographers can be quite expensive and their schedules can be quite full.

3. Decide whether you want to be involved in the shoot, or if you will let the photographer have free rein based on your stated requirements.

Search through an agency list of fashion photographers

Professional fashion photography is a large field of work, so narrowing down your options should be the first goal. Professional photography agencies can assist you in your search but contract rates may be higher than finding a photographer on your own.
Try:  You can search by state for fashion photographers at Locate Models. Look through portfolios of beauty photographers at Profotos.com.

Use professional associations to find a professional fashion photographer

Experienced fashion photographers will have a sizable portfolio, come highly recommended, and will be attached to a fee ranging from hundreds of dollars to thousands, depending on your needs. A well-known fashion photographer specializing in weddings will charge more than the local small town wedding photographer.
Try:  Try a state or destination search for a wedding photographer at the Wedding Photojournalist Association site. Use the free search tool through the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) to be referred to fashion photographers fitting your criteria.

Hire professional fashion photographers on a small budget by using freelancers

Freelance photographers abound and can be found through word of mouth, local fashion events, and even through freelance job boards. Use all avenues to find potential candidates. Make sure to check out their website and look through any portfolios you can find.
Try:  Post your project requirements on iFreelance and receive bids from fashion photographers who would like your business. You can locate a fashion photographer through FreelanceDesigners. The International Freelance Photographers Association maintains a list of freelance fashion photographers by last name and location.

• Find fashion photographer information in magazines you enjoy reading. Just look at the photo credits and perform a Web search or contact the magazine's editorial staff for the photographer's contact information.
• Follow up with a photographer if you find their work on display. They may not be a fit, but they may be open to giving recommendations if they know someone who may be more suitable.