About Massimo Mazzucco Expertise I`ve been an international fashion photographer for over 20 years. I can answer question on how the market works, what kind of different clients are there out there, (what does it take to get them,) and what`s expected of you from each of them.
Also, naturally, I can answer most common technical questions. With one huge caveat, however: It`s not "What filter do you use" that gets you up there, it`s "What filter do I choose to get what I want to get" that does it. Understanding the objective (pun unintended) comes first, technique is only the means to it.
Experience Fashion magazines (mostly Italian - Grazia, Gioia, Amica, Moda -- also US's Seventeen, Mademoiselle, etc., plus fashion catalogues all over the world).
Organizations belong to Strictly self
Publications see above
Awards and Honors As a filmaker, which I now am, not as a photographer
Question Hi. Can you tell me how someone can become a photograper? What is the usual procedure? Does someone usually start off as an assistant to someone else? Is there some type of schooling that is required? How do people find work? What is the pay scale like, for beginners and experienced people? Do photographers have hectic schedules? Is there alot of traveling involved? Are fashion photographers the highest paid of all photographers?
Answer To become a fashion photographer, you need to show a client (usually a magazine, in the beginning) enough test pictures (fashion pictures with models that you took on your own) that they'll trust you can deliver what they need.
To know how to take those pictures –- to learn the trade -- either avenue is valid, but I strongly suggest the assistant's one vs. the school one. That's how you learn the hands-on, daily routine that a school will only be able to ”describe” to you.
You find work by submitting your portfolio to clients (mags, advertising agencies, etc.): the better it gets, the better jobs you'll get,... it's a catch-22, and to get the first assignment is really what does the trick.
The pay scale is the same than in any other freelancing/artistic business: From zero to the sky. Same for traveling: a studio photographer may never leave town in his career, a location one may not come home for a month or two.
Major point is, you don't look at money until money starts looking at you. You become a fashion photographer if that's what you'd really love to do, period.
