If you have an interest in fashion, and if you have already had a go at using a camera, then you have probably considered working in fashion photography.

Working in the world of fashion can be very exciting and incredibly financially rewarding, but it is also a very competitive profession where the best in the business can have long and dominant careers. Fashion photography can be as competitive and demanding as designing and modeling the fashions can be.

Making your mark in fashion photography will take a thick skin and plenty of tenacity if you are going to show the fashion world you have what it takes to be a world-renowned photographer. Here are five things you consider to help get you started.

Read Plenty of Fashion Magazines, Blogs, and Websites for Inspiration
Just in case you haven’t already, start to read as many fashion magazines, blogs, and websites as you can to stay on top of the latest trends and get inspiration for your own ideas.

The big-name fashion magazines like Elle and Vogue are an obvious place to start, but make sure you mix it up a little with independent blogs and smaller websites so you can see the latest techniques and styles take shape before they hit the mainstream.

Research the Tools of the Trade – Get Familiar with the Equipment
A world-class fashion photographer understands every aspect of their trade, from lighting and posing to editing and developing. You will need to research and learn the tools of the trade if you are going to succeed.

Not only are you going to need to know how to set up and execute your photoshoots, but you are also going to need to have some experience digitally editing and styling your photographs using image rendering software, which you can practice at home on your computer.

Don’t Wait for an Opportunity to Practice – Make Opportunities for Yourself
If you have only ever taken basic shots and selfies for yourself and friends, then you should consider setting up some practice photoshoots for yourself before you try the real thing. Try and get your friends or relatives to help so you also get used to giving people instruction.

Even if you are working on your own, you can still get some practice in. Try and stage a photoshoot with a mannequin so that you can practice lighting effects and use different equipment and styles. Shoots like these can help you gain experience, confidence, and give you photos that you can use in a portfolio.

Start to Build a Portfolio – Take Plenty of Pictures
Now that you have a little bit of experience, and you have more knowledge of the work of a fashion photographer, it is time to start building up a portfolio of your work that you can use to show editors and clients as examples of your abilities.

You can view a lot of portfolios of famous and little-known photographers online, so you can use these to give yourself an idea of what is expected from a fashion photographer’s portfolio. Be sure not to follow them too closely though, as this is an opportunity to show off your own style.

It Is Not Always What You Know, But Who You Know – Build a Professional Network
Many industries, not just fashion photography, revolve around networking. If you are going to get a break in the fashion industry, you are going to need to know people who work in it to get an opportunity.

Start with online groups and networking events or fashion shows that are happening nearby to you. By meeting editors, models, designers and fellow photographers in person, you are greatly increasing your chances of getting the lucky break that launches your career.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some of the information you need to make a start in fashion photography and take your career to the next level.