The Glamourous Side of being a Fashion Photographer
People have written me recently wanting to know what my take on the “glamourous” side of the business is. Do I love the parties, do I get invited to events often, how do I handle the social aspect of the fashion industry?? I live in Los Angeles, home to the never ending Red Carpet entrances, celebrity fueled events and paparazzi photographers. You sort of HAVE to be a part of it because choosing NOT be a part of it is somewhat of a strong statement. So I have had to learn how to “survive” the party side of being in the fashion industry. Don’t get me wrong: fashion photography is a serious business just like any other and you have to keep the upmost of professionalism at all times, even when you’re not shooting. But when you are invited out to a ton of events where there is a lot of free alcohol and potential clients lingering around you, you need to learn the balance of suiting up, showing up and making a quiet exit. I know there are photographers out there that party all the time. They hang out with their young models, they go to every event they’re invited to. They make it a priority to get on the guest list of every event thrown by the “elite”. They have a reputation of being “crazy” and “out there”. In my opinion, there’s a fine line between taking advantage of the “perks” and using social events in your favor for networking.
So here’s an example of one event that I went to and how I handle them now. I was invited to a magazine’s Holiday Issue launch party last Saturday night in Beverly HIlls. Paris Hilton is on the cover so she was hosting the event. There was free Grey Goose flowing from 3 bars on the rooftop of the Luxe Hotel on the famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. I heard there were other celebrities attending beside Paris, but I didn’t see them. Sounds pretty swanky, eh? I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m older now and I’ve been to so many of these events that I might come across cynical. But I have to giggle when I think about words like “swanky”. And have you noticed I’m using a lot of quotation marks? It’s because the hype is more exclusive than the reality. It’s rather a pain to get to the events sometimes. While some events are actually really fun, for the most part I go to an event because I need to show up for the person that invited me. When I was younger it meant so much more to me to be seen with the right crowd and to be invited to the right party. There IS that perk to being in the fashion industry, if that’s your thing. You will get invited to all kinds of great openings: private trunk shows, fashion shows, industry shin digs and premiers. I have learned to gauge it and figure out which ones I want to go to and which ones I can pass on.
I had to go on Saturday night because it was thrown by Genlux Magazine, a fashion magazine that I work for consistently. And also they’re good people and I want to help support them in any way I can. Stephen Kamifuji is one of those dream editors that gives me so much freedom on my shoots thus allowing for great portfolio expansion. And his wife Cecilia, publisher of Gelux, is genuinely just a beautiful person, inside and out. In other words I didn’t go to this party because Paris Hilton was going to be there or because it had free Grey Goose vodka or because it was held on the rooftop of a chic Beverly Hills hotel. I went there to support the people I work for and honestly adore. And I also got to see old friends and industry people that I work with and that’s always really nice!
A word about alcohol! I’m not against drinking. I drink and I enjoy drinking. But if I want to get drunk and loopy and act like a freak, I reserve that for my close friends (people that love me and forgive me the next day) in an environment FAR away from any industry folks (usually my house!). I advise the same. You don’t have to listen to me. But I’ve learned the hard way and have had colleagues learn the hard way. Don’t get too sloppy, don’t divulge too much personal information and don’t put your foot in your mouth. You can lose clients that way. THEY can run around naked and dance on the tables. YOU, sadly, cannot! Just my two cents!
I’ll end with this: honestly, as a young and up and coming photographer the party scene that the fashion industry provides was a whole lot more important than it is now. My goals are just different now. I don’t go to as many events as I used to. But some events are fantastic and it IS a perk to be able to rub shoulders with some incredibly talented people! It IS a perk to be invited to a lovely event. And the gift bags? Definitely a perk!
  (4.87 stars, 15 ratings)  Loading ... |
Great post! I think I begin all my comments to you like that; but it is a true statement.
It’s fun to get a peek behind the scenes through your eyes and words.
Thanks,
Jessica
http://www.momshots.com
“I went there to support the people I work for and honestly adore. And I also got to see old friends and industry people that I work with and that’s always really nice!” That’s a good reason to go, more than one hundred thousand Paris Hilton…
Probably we should start to rethink what VIP (very important person) really means.
Ciao
Ooo gift bags! “Swanky” gift bags, lol! Definitely quite the perk! And to think, I would feel VIP if I were at an event rubbing shoulders with you!
Thanks for the behind the scenes! And I agree about finding that balance. There’s a time and place for everything!
Thanks for sharing once again!
I have been reading this blog since the start, and I agree with the other posters – it’s very informative and very good.
I am very grateful that you’ve taken the time out, someone who actually has something to blog about, and thrown us some snippets of the kind of things you go through.
I for one am not and have no intention of becoming a fashion photographer, but there has still been a huge amount in it that has wider application, and I sit at my computer exceedingly glad that I have been able to read your insights. I only hope you can keep finding time for the blog amidst all the parties
Giovanni B.: Amen to that!! And J-P: trust me, I’d rather stay home and write! Jessica Price: I’ll grab you a gift bag next time, Lol! And Jessica: I adore your comments! Always! and you’re always up at the top! Love that!!!
I agree completely with your statement about alcohol and drinking. At two weddings I’ve worked there has been open bars, I stayed well away from the booze, I was a professional on a job. Drinking and cameras should not go together.
Thank you for your interesting post and advises.
Regards Jan
Networking is essential, in this business – without it we wouldn’t operate. However the glitz pales after the first 50 or so events as they all seem so SIMILAR. Ok, I’m a grump on this one but I’d much prefer to do my stuff, wind down with the team afterwards, plan the next job and then choose my own social life.
Balance in all things and networking obviously breeds contacts but I do believe that if you’re good and original at what you do and you’re already in the mix, the word will get around regardless.
Oh Melissa how true this is. When I lived and worked in Hollywood, I was invited to attend a lot of the music industry parties and events and then there is the Grammy’s and Academy Awards not to mention the other events. When I started (early ’80′s) I would go pad in pocket rub shoulders (whenever they said “give me a call” or “let’s talk about a cover” I would write it down and ask them to give me their phone number that way I can show them the proof. You get to meet a lot of future clients at these events and sometimes they need a little reminder of what they said.
I have a policy “Never drink alcohol (other than a single beer)at party’s”. On one occasion I was invited to the wedding and reception of a big time musician. I had done the stills to their video, press shots and other shots per the record company assignment and the magazine I worked for also had some involvement. They were serving all sorts of alcohol and food, I had my small plate and a beer, after that I watched in horror as others were now get this stuffing their pockets with beers, small bottles of wine and wrapping food up to take home. I just couldn’t believe what people did at this reception. Before long it started getting out of hand and I knew it was time to leave. Weeks later I was asked to shoot the musician and he and his wife told me they chose me to shoot the cover because of all the guest that was at the reception they noticed (I think it was through a video) that I wasn’t participating in the bad behavior where some of my colleagues were going nuts. Just goes to show you never know who is watching. Oh the stories I could tell but won’t out of respect to those involved.
i had a photo shoot for a local fashion week. Even though i was not in their local click i hit it off with the organizers. went to the after party and started chatting to a gentleman and his wife about my work (have a copy of my portfolio on my iphone). Next thing i know he gave me his card and wants me as a back up photographer for his modeling agency (one of the bigger ones in the area).
just my 2 cents…take avantage of the networking, and be cautious of the open bar. If i was a bigger drinker it may have cost me that contact.
thank you very much for this valuable article – very educational.
Nicholas
Melissa !!!
You’re so right. Your good advise could be the same for a Christmass Party … Too many people leave their brain at home when they attend to any event where alcohol is free…
In Québec (Canada), those kind of occasion happen not as often than in L.A. … it is easyer to refrain …
Thank’s to share your experiences with us !!!
P.s. The picture at the top od this article is just amaizing !!!
xxx
Jean
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for sharing! The top photo with your text is brilliant and wonderful.
Ciao,
Andy
I’m happy to see everyone gets the alcohol thing! It can really ruin a good photographer’s reputation. Thanks for all your comments!
Being at that young age where getting invited to the right parties and events is still a huge thing to me I know exactly where you’re coming from on that front
Bit bummed that the novelty apparently wears off though. Why’d you have to ruin it for me? Only kidding, another stellar article, thanks
Hey, willisan from flikr here. You certainly have a way with your words. Your opinions are refreshingly, well…intelligent, and your experiences seem interesting. Look forward to reading more in the future!
I enjoy your perspective. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Hi there, I found your blog while searching for first aid for a heart attack and your post looks very interesting for me.