Few questions about beggining "fashion" photos

hi,

 

As you might know i'm interested in wedding photography as a "pro"...but i would also love to do some fashion

shots...but not all kind.

 

Actually i would like to first make studio shoots AND outdoor shoots (in fake and natural situations) for new models

book (don't know if you know what i mean > for example take photos of someobdy who wants to create like a

portfolio (we call that a book in france) to present to people...but no professional models, Mr and Ms evrybody who

would like to become model)

 

 

If this works, and my work start to be known, why not make also more "serious" photos like that for special orders

(orders from other people than the model itself).

 

N.B: I'm not interested at all in mode photography (don't know the name in english > when models very skinny walks

to present clothes).

 

What i prefer is natural "fashion" shoot (like in street, are fake natural situation or "models" or "future models" photos

on the beach or in nature. Studio would be just by necessity (when you make a book guess it's necessary).

 

 

 

1) You, who live in USA i guess, and do this kind of work (doing books for people who want to be model)...do you

easily find work? do you live from that job photo ?

 

2) Do you think i could have demand for that kind of work in Mexico? (im french in france but i would live soon in

mexico)

 

3) How do you do when you start this activity for all that is make-up of the models, special clothes etc. when it's a

book work for someone who wants to become model? does the moel have to come with make up, his/her clothes

etc.?

 

 

The questions are more for caual pro photograpfers than big photgraphers whom can find job or have job offers very

often, because their job is recognized.

 

thank you!

i forgot one question

 

4) do you know (you or somebody else) a pro photographer who earn his life (or at least 600$ each month) or better, who has his work recognized and do special orders from magzines, website, etc. (so demand not coming directly from a model or someone who wants to be a model).... doing this kind of work using a non-super-expnsive camera such as Canon 40D or Nikon D300?

I don't have any experience with that, but common sense has a few answers for you:

 

1. work is never "easy" to find

 

2. there is demand for good photography everywere

 

3. just think. do you have money to hire a make-up artist and buy the model clothes?

 

4. both cameras you mentioned are more than adequate for the job. you and your technique is what matters most.

>>natural "fashion" shoot (like in street, are fake natural situation or "models" <<

 

I believe you are talking about 'lifestyle" and/or "editorial".

 

Photography work in that area is commissioned by magazines, not by models.

 

If you want to take pictures of aspiring models then, you have to be prepared to take different types of photos, as they request. Whether you get paid or do a trade you still have to be able to do different types of looks.

 

In any case, if you are talking about paying gigs, magazines have more cash than aspiring models so, it's all about WHO your client is. IF you start with models and put together a body of work that is noticeable you could then, approach an agent, local publications, etc... until you get some commission in that area(s) that interest you.

 

Mexico is big area! It all depends on where in Mexico you are going to be.

I have been working this same path to try and set up a"business" (or at least make some money) doing model

portfolio books. I have been working TFCD for the past year (one or two shoots a month) to test the water, set

up my portfolio, and work out the kinks. I have found the following:

 

You will have to find a good Makeup Artist/Hairstylist

 

You will have to set your price to make the "book" as you call it, and include the Makeup Artist / Hairstylist's

costs in your "book" price

 

It will be very good for you to have wardrobe (I buy mine at second hand stores) to aid the models in their

collections

 

You will have to undertake understanding the modeling profession to a large extent to help these "potential" models.

 

All of these aspects are outside your photographic talent and are time consuming. But, after doing much of this,

I have models asking how much I charge because they like my work.

 

Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me for more if you'd like. I am allstarphotography on gmail and

allstar_photography on myspace.

 

Jason

thx for those answers :) i'l lsurely contact you if i have more questions Jake (but it can take months, the time i do my move from france to mexico and start my activity as wedding photografer first and see if i want to get in the kind of photos i just said :) (im very interested in, but hire haristylist and somebody for the make up, and lots o clothes...would be difficult, knowing i have to propose a good price there in Mexico, because of th money people have (or don't have)

p.s: i really thought you'll tell me that 40D is not enough for the kind of fashion photos i want to make, especially for me to have maybe a chance one day, to have special orders from magazines etc. who could be affraid that i work with "just" a 40D

But that's a good new :)

Maikeul, I've never had anyone ask what type of equipment I use when getting a job. It's all about what I produce and whether it's a look they want.

 

As far as trading work for CD (or images), I actually started out my photo career by advertising in my college's newspaper and doing modeling portfolios for $250 (about $500 in today's dollars). People will pay you to do it. You've got to have the kahunas to market yourself and ask for the money. You should be able to pay for a decent camera in just a few assignments. There is no shortage of good fashion photographers out there, so the difference is really going to have to be your marketing. If you can't market and sell, then you should have someone do this for you.