It’s Who You Know – My Journey into Fashion Photography
Accidental Fashion Photographer
If you’d asked me last month whether I’d ever shoot fashion, I’d have laughed. I never saw myself as a fashion photographer. It felt like a world reserved for those with connections, and frankly, I didn’t know anyone. Yet here I am, shooting a student fashion exhibition and working with models regularly. It turns out, it really is about who you know.
Unexpected Studio Experience
What surprised me the most was how quickly I ended up shooting dozens of people in a studio every week. The studio itself is a bit… sketchy. Models come in for test shoots and are then pitched expensive portfolio packages. I haven’t seen any of them make it big just yet.
While the moral side of the business might be questionable, I can’t deny that I enjoy the work. I don’t have to sell anything; I just focus on shooting and editing as efficiently as possible. It’s fast-paced and challenging, which I absolutely love.
Learning to Direct Models
My biggest challenge was learning to work with amateur models who had no idea how to pose. I had to figure out how to direct and guide them into strong, dynamic poses that made the shots worth taking. It’s one thing to look up poses online, but understanding the subtle differences between a strong pose and a weak one is another skill entirely.
Honestly, I’m still learning. But this job is giving me invaluable experience. Plus, I’m lucky to be working with more experienced photographers who don’t mind sharing tips and tricks when I need help.
Student Fashion Exhibition
Outside of the studio, I’ve been accepting gigs with students—sometimes paid, sometimes not. What I’ve realized is that student creativity often surpasses that of the professionals. The only real difference is that the pros are better at sticking to timelines and polishing the final product.
I have plenty of experience shooting events but only a little practice with studio models. So, when I accepted a job with some Manchester Met fashion students, I thought I’d be shooting an event. I showed up expecting to take candid shots, only to find a full paper backdrop and a group of impossibly cool kids waiting for a fashion shoot.
I panicked for a second but managed to play it cool. I completely winged it, relying on the basic studio knowledge I’d picked up at my other job. I directed the models, set up the lights, and just went for it.
As always, when I sent the final images, I worried that they wouldn’t be good enough. But this time, I was actually proud of the result. I felt like I did justice to the students’ designs, and hitting “send” was a moment of genuine satisfaction.
If you want to see more shots from the event or follow the work of these talented students, check out @toyen240 on Instagram. They’re always up to something creative and worth keeping an eye on.
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