Fashion Photography

Fashion Photography is a genre of photography that enhances the display of clothing and other elements of fashion by the presence of exotic locations or accessories. The origin of Fashion Photography as a genre took place in the XIX century, under the influence of fashion magazines such as La mode pratique (1898), Harper Bazaar (1867), and Vogue (1892). Fashion Photography course is designed for both amateur and professionals as it focuses highly on inculcating the necessary skill sets and knowledge to build a promising career in the field of Fashion Photography. 

The various types of Fashion Photography include Catalogue Photography, High Fashion Photography, Street Fashion Photography, and Editorial Fashion Photography. The duration of the Fashion Photography course ranges from a few months to a year. After graduating from the Fashion Photography course, students become eligible to receive diploma and Photography Certificate Courses. 

The subjects included in the Fashion Photography course includes Impact of product advertisement, Beauty point of purchase displays, Fashion and beauty products in advertising, Product lighting styles and techniques, Effective use of propping and background/surface materials, and many more.
 

The most significant highlights of the Fashion Photography course are mentioned below:

• Fashion photography is a popular, creative and highly competitive sub-type of photography.
• In Fashion Photography, photographers employ their technical expertise and creativity to give rise to photographic images to tell a story or record a live event. 
• In modern Fashion Photography, photographers have more freedom to express themselves and make innovative, often controversial statements, embracing hot topics and dissolving gender boundaries.
• The course level for Fashion Photography is a diploma or certificate level.
• The minimum eligibility criteria for pursuing the Fashion Photography course is passing 10+2 from a recognized college or council.
• No specific academic qualification is required for making a career in Fashion Photography. Students from all academic streams, i.e. Science, Commerce and Humanities in class 11th and 12th, become eligible for pursuing a career in Fashion Photography. 
• The average course fee for Fashion Photography at these institutes ranges from INR 90,000 - INR 3,75,000.
• The average salary for Fashion Photography graduates ranges from INR 4-5 lakh per annum
• Students graduating from the Fashion Photography course become eligible to seek employment in Modelling Agencies, Advertising Agencies, Fashion Houses, Fashion Exhibitions and Shows, Fashion Websites and Magazines, Clothes Catalogues, Event Management, etc. 

The table below demonstrates the most important highlights of the Fashion Photography course:

Individuals must pursue a Fashion Photography course in the following cases:

• A Fashion Photography course must be pursued when students complete their 10+2 level with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.
• One should opt for a Fashion Photography course when he desires to improve his skills in fashion photography by joining photo clubs and meeting others seeking broad exposure.
• Individuals must pursue a Fashion Photography course when they wish to work in collaboration with renowned models and celebrities and inspiring professionals from the fashion industry like hairdressers, designers, stylists, and make-up artists.
• Fashion Photography course should be pursued when an individual wishes to remain informed about the changing trends in the latest fashion.
• Individuals should opt for Fashion Photography course when their passion for travelling to exotic locations and working with the most renowned professionals across the world intensifies. 

The following individuals can pursue a course in Fashion Photography:

• Individuals who wish to keep the world informed about the changing trends in the latest fashion and new model fashion products must opt for a Fashion Photography course.
• Individuals who desire to bring up the designs of dresses and ornaments in fashion in front of the general public with a more excellent creative mind must study the Fashion Photography course.
• Fashion Photography course caters to the needs of individuals who have a passion for travelling to exotic locations and work with the most renowned professionals across the world. Photographers may also create stories of their adventures on Instagram. 
• Individuals aspiring to build artistic relationships with the most renowned specialists, hairstylists, photographers, prop stylists, set designers and wardrobe experts must pursue a Fashion Photography course.
   

Students must choose a Fashion Photography course because they have an interest and aptitude for the subject. Also, it is necessary for the world to know about the changing trends in current fashion. The entire world becomes one’s office since Fashion Photography provides the opportunity for individuals to carry out their photo sessions in various countries and diverse locations. 

Listed below are the top reasons to pursue a degree in Fashion Photography:

• Opportunity to be creative: Individuals with a creative nature can uphold the beauty of the most mundane objects through the Fashion Photography course. This helps people to perceive things around them in a different way than they appear to be. 
• Travel Opportunities: Travelling becomes mandatory in a Fashion Photography course, where they are required to travel extensively to diverse locations to carry out their photo sessions in diverse locations, exotic and isolated sites, on behalf of news organisations or large media. 
• Self-Employment: Self-employed photographers do not work under any authority; they act as their own bosses and prepare their own schedules. Their greatest advantage is that they can work virtually anywhere if they possess cameras and other equipment of fashion photography. 
• Creative Self-Expression: Individuals associated with Fashion Photography often portray in the form of pictures what they perceive about life. Such pieces of work may impact others by invoking reactions and emotions in others giving rise to awareness and deep understanding. 
• Exposure: Individuals associated with Fashion Photography become a part of the community. They may improve their skills in fashion photography by joining photo clubs and meeting others. 
• Opportunity to Work with a Team: Individuals associated with Fashion Photography get an opportunity to work with talented and inspiring professionals from the fashion industry like hairdressers, designers, stylists, make-up artists, and internationally renowned models and celebrities. 
• Publications: To have one’s work published in an internationally renowned fashion magazine or newspaper is the most rewarding experience for a fashion photographer who underwent a lot of sacrifices and efforts. 

There are approximately 7 courses in Fashion Photography 

• Diploma in Fashion Photography
• Diploma in Tabletop Photography
• BSc Film and Photography
• Diploma in Photography and Videography
• PG Diploma in Professional Photography
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
• Master of Fine Arts in Photography
   

The Fashion Photography courses available for aspiring fashion photographers after Class XII are mentioned below: 

Certificate Course in Fashion Photography

• It is an undergraduate degree of certificate level.
• The duration of the Fashion Photography course is six months to one year.
• Fashion Photography courses may be conducted in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate the needs of students with full-time work commitments.

Diploma in Fashion Photography

• A diploma Fashion Photography course covers the basics, advanced and digital photo editing topics. 
• The diploma in Fashion Photography nurtures students to conceive, conceptualize and execute photoshoots. 
• The students gain insight into the importance and usage of light to create expressive pictures. 
• The duration of the Fashion Photography course ranges from 3 months to 12 months.

JD Institute Fashion Technology Diploma in Fashion Photography

• The course enables the students to acquire the technical skill-set required for pursuing a career in Fashion Photography and indulging in professional practice. The key features of the diploma program are as follows:
• Duration: 3 Months
• Eligibility: SSC (10th Standard), 10+2 or graduation of any stream
• Availability: Bangalore, Cochin, Goa, Hyderabad, Vijayawada

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography 

• BFA Fashion Photography is an undergraduate Fine Arts program.
• The duration of the Fashion Photography program is 4 years.
• The minimum eligibility criteria for admission to the Fashion Photography course include passing in 12th Standard/HSC/10+2 (or equivalent level of examination) from any recognized school board with a minimum of 50% marks.
• The curriculum of the Fashion Photography course gram covers photography techniques (how to use lenses, how to take photos, etc.), equipment (professional cameras and lighting equipment), elements of image production, use of accessories, and fashion items, visual, technical, conceptual, and professional vocabulary, etc.

PG Diploma in Professional Photography

• It is equivalent to a master's degree.
• The duration of the Fashion Photography course is 1 year.
• Some schools may offer concentration areas, such as fashion, food, portrait photography, nature photography, the concept of communication, fine art photography, etc. 

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Photography

• The duration of the Fashion Photography course is 3 years.
• Candidates must score a minimum aggregate score of 50% to become eligible for the Fashion Photography course.
• The Fashion Photography coursework includes processing photographs, visual techniques, and equipment, setting up effective lighting, working with make-up artists and stylists, and incorporating a specific style into photographs. Hands-on experience in the form of internships and apprenticeships is also part of the program. 

Best Online Courses in Fashion Photography

The best online courses for becoming Fashion Photography are as follows:

1. Online Fashion Photography Classes (SkillShare)

2. Natural Light Fashion / Beauty Photography (Udemy)

3. Fashion and Glamour Photography (Udemy)

4. Fashion Photography 101 by Lara Jade (Creative Live)

5. Glamour & Beauty Photography Classes (Creative Live)

6. Fashion Photography (Karl Taylor Education)

In order to pursue a career a fashion photography course, the candidates must qualify for the following eligibility criteria:

• The candidate must have completed 10+2 education from a recognized board or university.
• The candidate must have an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the relevant field such as photography. 
• The aspiring candidate must have completed a diploma or certificate level course in Fashion Photography. 
• Possessing work experience in the field of Fashion Photography or completing an internship makes one eligible for a better job.
• Candidates are required to exhibit a portfolio of work during job interviews.

Fashion Photography can be classified into the following broad divisions depending on the area of work:

• Catalogue Fashion Photography:  In catalogue photography, the idea is to showcase products like clothes, shoes, boots, bonnets, ties, belts and gloves, bracelets, watches, necklaces, eyewear, and piercings, rings, and other fashion accessories in an attractive way.
• Runway Fashion Photography: In Runway Photography, vertical shots of models from their shoes to hats need to be taken that suit the pages of fashion magazines. Photographers take photos of the models at ramp shows or catwalk shows. They focus on the clothing and other fashion accessories worn by the models.
• Glamour Fashion Photography: It is an art that highlights the beauty of a model. In a glamour photoshoot, models' outfits, locations, and makeup styles are impressive. A model or several models or the model's physical features are the main subjects of glamour photography.
• High Fashion Photography: High Fashion Photography is about selling or showcasing the products and the creative style and vision of fashion houses. It often stars top models, famous actors and actresses, and football stars.
• Street Fashion Photography: This type of fashion photography focuses on real people and their way of life when it comes to fashion. It is an exciting area of photography that recounts the story of what ordinary people wear and how they style it.
• Editorial Fashion Photography: Editorial Fashion Photography can tell a story without text. This branch of Fashion Photography represents a mood and can depict a theme without words. 

According to research, the following differences have been observed between Fashion Photography and Glamour Photography:

• Fashion Photography highlights the product, whether it be a dress, make-up, purse, belt, shoes, accessories, background, etc. Glamour Photography upholds the glamour and facial beauty of the person.
• Fashion Photography focuses on the outfit, cosmetics, lighting options, and even post-processing. Glamour Photography focuses on the face and physical features of the models.
• In Fashion Photography, props or locations receive increased attention. On the other hand, in Glamour Photography, props or locations are less important than a model.
• Fashion Photography is expensive, while Glamour Photography is budget-friendly.

Individuals must consider the following to become eligible for fashion photography courses in India:

School Level Preparation for Fashion Photography: Start Practising Fashion Photography on a Consistent Basis

Students with artistic abilities, creative minds, and a passion for photography must start their preparation at the school level itself. They may start with practicing portrait photography, nature photography, and any other specialties. Through practice, they will gain insight into how to direct models, use the natural light and navigate different camera features. Students may also enroll themselves in photo clubs for detailed learning. 

UG Level Preparation for Fashion Photography: Consider a Degree in Fashion Photography

It is not mandatory for an individual to pursue a degree in photography to qualify for a Fashion Photography role. However, a professional degree increases the chances of one’s employability since the degree program provides one with in-depth learning experiences. Photography courses are available online or at local community colleges and art centres. It is feasible for aspiring students to opt for Photography as an elective during high school or college. In a photography course, students get to learn about ISO, lighting, exposure, composition, photo editing, and other important foundational components. Students also have to work on photography assignments that can be added to their portfolios.

PG Level Preparation for Fashion Photography

Individuals become eligible for a photography course at the post-graduate level only after completing the course at the undergraduate level. The admission process to some of the top institutes offering Fashion Photography courses depends highly on the candidate’s performance in the following entrance exams:

• Andhra University – AU Entrance Exam
• Delhi School of Photography Entrance Exam
• Creative Hut Institute of Photography & Film Entrance Exam

Invest in a professional camera for Fashion Photography

Aspiring candidates must possess one or more professional cameras and lenses that conform to their photography needs. A good professional camera allows one to take high-quality photographs that can be added to his/her portfolio.

Build a professional portfolio for Fashion Photography

A portfolio that includes photos of one’s previous work in the field of fashion photography stands as mandatory when one is applying for fashion photography jobs. Candidates can capture different clothing styles, accessories, or themes from friends, family members, or local models to build their portfolios. 

Take Projects for Fashion Photography

To start a professional career in Fashion Photography, an individual should start taking on small projects. The best way to take up small projects is freelancing. A huge number of freelancing websites connect aspiring Fashion Photographers to a vast network of clients, including start-ups and upcoming models. 
 

Admission to most of the institutes in India into fashion photography courses is based on merit. However, few institutes offer admission based on scores of the entrance examination:

• Andhra University – AU Entrance Exam
• Creative Hut Institute of Photography & Film Entrance Exam
• Delhi School of Photography Entrance Exam

AAFT: Asian Academy of Film and Television conducts a global entrance exam AAFT GEE which is an online test to which prospective students must take an Aptitude Test followed by a Personal Interview. The entrance test includes objective-type questions that are based on general awareness of the program applied for. Candidates who have passed Class 10+2 or hold Graduation Degree are eligible to apply for UG and PG courses in the Asian Academy of Film & Television. 

Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film Entrance Exam: It is an institute-level entrance exam conducted for admissions to Diploma in Photography and other related courses offered by the institute. Candidates must have passed all subjects in 10+2 in any stream from a recognized central board or its equivalent. The admission process is based on merit, entrance exam, and personal interview. The average course fee ranges from INR 65,000 to INR 5 LPA.
 

The subjects included in the Fashion Photography course include the Impact of product advertisement, Beauty point of purchase displays, Fashion and beauty products in advertising, Product lighting styles and techniques, etc. The most eminent colleges in India offering Fashion Photography courses have been listed below:

• JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi 
• Creative Hut Institute of Photography 
• International Business School Washington, Karnataka
• International Institute of Fine Arts, Uttar Pradesh 
• National Institute of Photography, Maharashtra 
• School of Photography, Rajasthan
• Delhi College of Photography 
• Light and Life Academy, Ooty 
• Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad 
• Pearl Academy, New Delhi 
• Asian Academy of Film and Television, Raipur
• National Institute of Photography, Maharashtra 
• National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad 
• Maheshwari College of Commerce & Arts, Rajasthan 
• The Indian Institute of Digital Art and Animation 

In order to pursue a career in Fashion Photography abroad, a candidate must possess excellent knowledge of fine arts, designing skills and knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure. Candidates must also learn basic photography skills and practice with models. 

How To Pursue a Career in Fashion Photography in the UK?

To pursue one’s career as a professional Fashion Photographer in the UK, one must opt for a  Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) focusing on photography. Candidates may also pursue a postgraduate degree such as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

How To Pursue a Career in Fashion Photography in the USA?

No postsecondary education is required for becoming a Fashion Photographer in the USA. It is feasible for the candidates to possess:

• An associate's or bachelor's degree in photography with a specialization in fashion or performing arts
• Knowledge about fashion lighting
• Knowledge about fashion retouching
• Knowledge about fashion magazines

Top Colleges Offering Fashion Photography Courses in UK

The top colleges offering Fashion Photography courses in UK are as follows:

• University For The Creative Arts
• University Of Hertfordshire
• Birmingham City University
• Falmouth University
• Bath Spa University
• University Of Bolton
• Plymouth College of Art
• Leeds Arts University
• London Metropolitan University
• Solent University, Southampton

Top Colleges Offering Fashion Photography Courses in the USA

The top colleges offering Fashion Photography courses in the USA are as follows:

Different institutes set different eligibility standards for admission to the Fashion Photography course. Interested candidates can apply directly to the college and admission will be given on a first come first serve basis. The duration and eligibility criteria required for admission to Fashion Photography course in the top colleges in different states have been mentioned below:

Fashion Photography Admission to JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi

The important highlights of the admission process to JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi have been tabulated below:

Fashion Photography Admission to Delhi School of Photography, Kalkaji

The important highlights of the admission process to Delhi School of Photography, Kalkaji have been tabulated below:

Fashion Photography Admission to Pearl Academy, Delhi

The important highlights of the admission process to Pearl Academy, Delhi have been tabulated below:

Fashion Photography Admission to National Institute of Photography, Maharashtra

The important highlights of the admission process to National Institute of Photography, Maharashtra have been tabulated below:

Fashion Photography Admission in Light and Life Academy, Ooty

The course fees for Fashion Photography range from INR 30,000 to INR 10,00,000 that have been tabulated below:

Apart from passing the 10+2 level with a minimum aggregate score of 50% marks, students must possess the following skills to excel in the field of Fashion Photography:

The syllabus for Fashion Photography differs slightly at different institutes. The syllabus of the Fashion Photography course has been tabulated below: 

The nation has witnessed exponential growth in the Fashion Photography industry from 15% to 20% over the last few years. Employment of photographers has been estimated to grow by 17% from 2020 to 2030 which is significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
The average compensation of a beginner in fashion photography is around INR 5 lakh per year and can rise up to 15 lakh per year. After gaining experience, a fashion photographer can expect between INR 30 lakh to 40 lakh per year.

The average compensation of a beginner in fashion photography is around INR 5 lakh per year and can rise up to 15 lakh per year. After gaining experience, a fashion photographer can expect between INR 30 lakh to 40 lakh per year. Given below is a table that demonstrates the job profiles and salary packages for Fashion Photographers:

The following skills are required to become the best Fashion Photographer:

• Photoshop
• Creativity
• Technical photography skills
• Patience and concentration
• Attention to detail
• Strong networking skills
• Team working skills

The average salary in the field of Fashion Photography at the beginner level begins from 3 LPA. After pursuing a degree in Fashion Photography, individuals may seek employment in the areas of Advertising Agencies, Clothes Catalogues, Self-Employment, Fashion Studios, etc. A fashion photographer can seek employment in many renowned domains. that have been mentioned below:

• Advertising Agencies
• Clothes Catalogues
• Self-Employment
• Fashion Studios
• Fashion Labels
• Fashion Exhibitions and Shows
• Fashion Websites and Magazines
• Event Management and Organisations
• Freelance Photography
• Photographer's Assistant 
• Photo Editor 
• Director of Photography

Fashion Photography Top Recruiting Agencies

The most eminent recruiting agencies in the field of Fashion Photography are mentioned below:

• Vogue India
• Lakme
• Femina
• Myntra
• Elle
• Tanishq
• Malabar
• Verve
• Grazia
• Photographers Direct