If you decide photography school is for you, there are several options you can pursue. You may want to consider earning an Associate’s Degree in photography. Such a two-year degree program will provide a good training ground to gain the skills, techniques and business savvy you will need to succeed on the job.

If you prefer to have a four-year degree to fall back on, then a Bachelor’s Degree might be the right fit for you. You will learn many of the basics you would get with an Associate’s Degree, but you will also be more rounded as you will be required to take core classes in a variety of other subjects so you will have more of a solid foundation. In addition, if you want to take your education even further, some fashion photographer schools offer a Master’s of Fine Arts option.

But if attending a more traditional college or university isn’t for you, you can also consider taking non-degree classes or workshops at a photography school. This will allow you to pick up the skills and knowledge you will need without making as much of a time or financial commitment.

Of course, in addition to your classroom training, you will also want to work in the field. Serving as a photographer’s assistant can be a great way to learn the in’s and out’s of the business first-hand.

What You Will Need To Succeed

Being a fashion photographer can be an expensive endeavor, as the basic photography equipment and studio space you will need doesn’t come cheap. Just keep in mind that even the most expensive equipment won’t make a mediocre photographer’s work worthy of attention. On the flip side, an outstandingly talented fashion photographer can achieve amazing result even with very inexpensive gear. What really matters is that you have the inner passion and strength necessary to make it in the fast-paced and highly competitive race. Some of the traits that will help you succeed in this business include:

• Real skill at using the camera
• Understanding of how to use lightening to your best advantage
• Eye for color, texture and set up to get the right effect
• Ability to work well with models and stylists
• Desire to break away from the path to create something new
• Being passionate about your job
• Being driven to make a name for yourself
• Strong marketing skills to solicit new work
• An outstanding portfolio
• A sincere willingness to work hard and give whatever it takes
• Persistence to overcome many roadblocks and not get discouraged
• Proximity to large or medium-sized fashion markets, such as New York City, Los Angeles, Paris, Miami, Chicago or London