Are you fascinated by the world of fashion? Would you like to tell a story through images? Then the job of fashion photographer is for you. This professional plays an essential role in promoting models, clothes, shoes, accessories and brands. They shed light on trends and reach a wide range of target audiences through their art. In order to exercise this profession, creativity is the watchword! So how do you turn this passion into a lasting job? Let's find out about the day-to-day life of a fashion photographer, his or her skills and qualities, and the training options available to gain access to this sought-after job. 

Becoming a fashion photographer involves taking photos of models wearing fashion accessories, clothes or shoes, to promote one or more brands. The photographer's job is to create the best photo shoots to showcase the products. To do this, he or she stages models, then captures their beauty and style to seduce the public. Being a fashion photographer means working freelance for a fashion agency, magazine or boutique. Productions appear in a newspaper, in a print or online catalog, in a portfolio or on promotional media.

The fashion photographer has several missions: 

• study of customer brief The fashion photographer begins by studying the client's requirements and objectives (visual identity and marketing). Depending on the defined budget, he or she then considers the settings and staging of the photo shoot (vision of the shoot, colors, one model or several), always with a view to perfectly showcasing the product. 
• list of equipment required for the shoot, 
• settings to capture the best shots The light on the work surface, filters and lenses, framing and shooting angles,
• organization of the shooting session and collaboration with several members of the team (stylist, hairdresser, prop-maker, make-up artist...). 
• model direction propose several poses and attitudes to the mannequin,
• photo retouching A perfectionist, the photographer retouches and selects the most successful photos. 

Each photo shoot can take place in the studio or on location. Even if the fashion photographer has his own style for each photo, he must adapt and retranscribe the visual identity of a company or the work of a designer.

To make a living from your art, it's essential to find assignments and put together a portfolio. This is a collection of your best photos, presented in the form of an album, which will present your artistic universe and convince customers. This portfolio is often the fruit of several years' work, which requires determination and perseverance. This professional demonstrates several qualities: 

• an undeniable sense of direction The photographer has a keen eye for enhancing the products presented to him/her, whatever they may be. He or she must be passionate about fashion and closely follow the evolution of trends.
• a great imagination It's essential to have an eye for detail and to develop a unique, original style. 
• excellent interpersonal skills It's essential for managing a team during a shoot or establishing a relationship of trust with models. 
• great organization A photo shoot requires a great deal of organization, authority, stress management and diplomacy. Ideas for shots may be reconsidered. That's why you need to be open-minded and attentive to needs.
• flexibility: freelance photographers need to be flexible, available and reactive, as shooting requests can arrive at the last minute.

The fashion photographer is first and foremost a technician who masters every photographic technique: 

• choice of light, 
• colors, 
• shots, 
• creative effects, 
• retouching software. 

Retouching software allows the photographer to correct minor defects in a photo without having to take it again. It is important to use these programs with moderation, as they do not deceive the eye of image professionals. The photographer must have an excellent knowledge of photography (period by period) and keep abreast of new developments in the fashion industry. Fluency in English is also an asset, especially if you want to work in an international environment. Models, shooting teams and customers are not necessarily French-speaking. 

Like all fashion-related jobs, the profession of fashion photographer is highly sought-after. However, there are many training courses available. They enable you to rapidly acquire photographic techniques, develop your culture and aesthetic sense, gain recognition for your skills and be in contact with the best professionals in the sector, in Paris, in several French cities or abroad. 

Here are the photographers' training courses: 

• CAP in photography This is a 2-year course after 3ème. Students take courses in applied arts, history of art and photography, communications, chemistry and applied physics. 
• BAC pro photography This diploma requires 3 years of study. It is accessible from 3rd grade or after obtaining a CAP in photography. During their training, students learn studio and location shooting techniques. They learn about silver processing, optical and digital printing, image processing and photography software. 
• BTS in photography Photography: this 2-year course takes place after the BAC. It teaches future photographers every photographic technique, image processing, the use of computer tools and retouching. They develop an excellent knowledge of cameras and photographic equipment. 

A specialized school is also recommended. The ISAL Paris fashion school does everything in its power to ensure that every student can pursue a career in the world of fashion and luxury. To this end, it offers a range of professional training courses. The Bachelor "Fashion Creation and Design"is a must for those who want to develop their creative personality. This study program takes place over 3 consecutive years. Working alongside expert teachers, each student strengthens his or her skills in fashion design, textiles and pattern-making, and fortifies his or her artistic fibre. Fashion culture (trends and techniques), plastic arts and applied arts are among the subjects on offer.

After graduating, fashion photographers start working on an ad hoc basis for agencies and magazines. With perseverance and good interpersonal skills, they build up a real network over the years. If you're a freelance photographer, your salary will depend on your reputation. If they are salaried, their salary will depend on the size of the agency employing them, their location and their talent. In France, a fashion photographer earns an average salary of 2,000 euros gross per month.