Spencer Wells
Member
I was in a similar situation to you a year ago after graduating from school with a degree in geography but a passion for photo. Decided to move to NYC after visiting a friend who's been here for a few years shooting.
Dexter's post is pretty accurate to what the situation is like as far as testing with agencies. However, I know a lot of people who shoot tests, but I think it's only one part of getting into shooting fashion. Assisting photographers is really the only way to learn the intricacies of shooting, the little things that go into making an image. It's also how you meet stylists and muas. If you don't know a photographer, working at a studio is a good way to make contacts. I started as a peon in an equipment room back in november and now I'm working with some of the biggest photographers in the industry today. If you have good work ethic, social skills and common sense you can move up quickly. It's also easy to get too focused on assisting and being a good assistant in no way guarantees you'll make it as a photographer. It's a matter of taking what you learn and bringing that to the tests you shoot as well as constantly networking.
Dexter's post is pretty accurate to what the situation is like as far as testing with agencies. However, I know a lot of people who shoot tests, but I think it's only one part of getting into shooting fashion. Assisting photographers is really the only way to learn the intricacies of shooting, the little things that go into making an image. It's also how you meet stylists and muas. If you don't know a photographer, working at a studio is a good way to make contacts. I started as a peon in an equipment room back in november and now I'm working with some of the biggest photographers in the industry today. If you have good work ethic, social skills and common sense you can move up quickly. It's also easy to get too focused on assisting and being a good assistant in no way guarantees you'll make it as a photographer. It's a matter of taking what you learn and bringing that to the tests you shoot as well as constantly networking.