Salary

• Payscale puts the average annual salary for a fashion photographer in the United States at $30,167 to $60,029, as of November 2010, dependent upon experience, volume of work and bonuses. Top-level photographers achieve $100,000 or more annually. Given the freelance nature of the work, fashion photographers cannot guarantee to achieve a particular salary level from year to year. It also means that individuals should manage their own finances and tax requirements.
  
  

Employment

• Most fashion photographers work on a freelance basis, accepting commissions and negotiating payment on a project-by-project basis. They can be commissioned by magazines, fashion designers (for both editorial and advertisement images and to take photographs at fashion shows), advertising agencies and websites.
  
  

Education

• There are no specific education qualifications required to become a fashion photographer. However, a very proficient level of technical expertise regarding camera equipment, lighting, computer image manipulation and image production is necessary. Most aspiring fashion photographers undertake apprenticeships and assistant work to develop their skills and understanding of the industry while working on their portfolios. It is advisable in the initial stages of the career to accept any commission, even if unpaid, to build a reputation and a portfolio.
  
  

Prospects

• Fashion Schools predicts that employment opportunities within fashion photography will grow by 17 percent until 2014. However, because the field is very competitive, many of those opportunities will be in auxiliary roles, with only a select few becoming top-level photographers. To enhance her prospects, a candidate must be willing to gain any experience in the industry that she can, often working as an assistant for several years before going freelance. During this time, she should build a large and diverse portfolio, allowing her to accept many different types of commission and achieve the best salary.