One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Not everyone who wants to be a fashion photographer will succeed in this field. But even if you don’t end up taking cover shots for Elle or Vogue, there are many other enjoyable and respectable jobs you can do with a background in fashion photography. The skills you will learn can translate well in a wide variety of settings that may be just as rewarding. You can work in advertising, create fine art prints, take portraits of celebrities and also shoot fashion catalogues. The key in this business is to remain flexible and patient as you work to find your own niche. If you don’t feel compelled to do things one special way, lots of doors you didn’t expect may open up for you and you may end up working in a different field or different perspective and love it anyway.
What It Costs
If you have the raw talent, passion and desire to succeed as a fashion photographer, chances are that even without investing any money, you will be able to gain the work experience and contacts you need in the business. But if you can spare the expense of some basic training and even a degree in the field, as well as foot the cost of some basic tools, the road to getting established will likely be easier. Here are some of the types of typical expenses you might consider taking on.
Education Costs
If you want to get an in-depth education and professional training in the field, you can select from a wide range of programs that have a good reputation for turning out top fashion photographers. Most are two or four-year options, depending on the type of degree you desire. Some of the schools worth exploring include:
- Brooks Institute of Photography in California
- Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore
- Cleveland Institute of Art in Ohio
The price to attend these and a host of other well-respected schools that offer a fashion photography track is in the range of about $30,000 a year. Meals, room and board and books and equipment are additional expenses.
An education in photography from a good school will cost about $60,000 for a two-year program or $120,000 for a four-year degree, plus living expenses.