Fashion Shows WHere to find clients

I am new to the photography biz and would like to have the chance to get to

shoot fashion shows. Where do I start and where do I find clients?

Finding fashion shows to photograph depends on where you live. If you live in NYC it should be easy to find shows. If you live in the sticks you are going to have a problem. Ask upscale boutiques if they are participating in any upcoming shows. Then attend a few shows and make a portfolio of this type of work. In the future when you hear about other shows contact the organizer and show them your work. Be forewarned this type of work often does not pay very well. :)

I have never been into one. Can you just attend to any of them and shoot photos or do they usually have a designated photographer. Im pretty clueless when it comes to this type of events. I am located here in Toronto.

When you say you are new to the photography biz, what exactly does that mean to you? Are you a pro, semi pro, serious amateur, amateur, novice? What equipment and experience do you have? We can help if we have a bit more info on your starting point.

 

You want to shoot fashion shows but have never attended one? First suggestion, do some homework. The best way to learn anything is to roll your sleeves up and get to work.

 

Its a bit like asking for directions to Cleveland. Without knowing where you are and if you have a car, it's kinda hard to help.

Im an amature who would like to develop a portfolio. I use a Nikon D70 but hoping to upgrade in the future. I was hoping I could land a career as a fashion photographer. How do you experts get into that stage? or how did you start?

The only fashion shows that count are in New York, Paris and Milan. These are where the designers you've heard of show their new collections each year. They are major events to those in the fashion world and very tightly controlled. Only photographers working on assignment for recognized publications can get credentials, and even just to attend as an observer ranges between very difficult to get a ticket and invitation only. Anything short of these shows are really just sales promotions, not something where a designer is making news. They may be easier to get into. But are shows what you really want to shoot? They're not the situation to make good photos -- they have models going up and down the runway and you're shooting from awkward angles with flash. It's catch as catch can just like any other news photography, and the importance of the pictures isn't their creativity or style but must as a record of the first look at the newest designs. If you're thinking "fashion photography" as opposed to "fashion show photography," that's something done in the studio or on location under controlled conditions where the photographer is much more in charge, though usually still working with an art director or the designer. Again, not something you get into easily. If you want to shoot fashion, you need to first learn how to shoot women and shoot clothing. To build up a portfolio you need New York/Paris/Milan models in the latest couture. Your girlfriend in her favorite dress won't cut it. Look at Vogue or Women's Wear Daily for inspiration. This is a very tough field. One niche you might be able to crack: city/regional magazines (Delaware Today, where I used to work, or New Jersey magazine, Baltimore magainze, Washingtonian magazine, etc., often run fashion spreads show locally. THey usually tie in to a local high end dress shop. It isn't Vogue, but it's a foot in the door.