Confessions of a fashion photographer: ‘I don’t know anyone who isn’t owed thousands of dollars’
As the rise of digital continues to transform the fashion industry, no role goes unchallenged, photographer included.
Failing print magazines, once a photographer’s lifeblood, often lack the budget to pay for their work, while brands largely forgo traditional advertising methods in lieu of the endless product promotion done by social media influencers. Photographers themselves, like everybody else these days, are expected to wield online influence, as well, which sees agencies and clients vetting them more on follower count than talent alone.
As a result, photographers today must think of themselves like brands — and even if they succeed on that front, appropriate payment is not ensured.
For our latest installment of Confessions, we talk to fashion photographer Kristiina Wilson, who has worked for more than 12 years in the industry, shooting for clients like Allure, L’Officiel, Glamour and Opening Ceremony.
More in Media
Ad Tech Briefing: The AI-powered reallocation of margin is just more of the same
The words are different, but the song remains the same.
Publishers count their losses as the open auction bleeds ad dollars
Publishers are learning the hard way that the open auction’s best days are over.
From code to the cockpit: Big Tech expats chart bold new career paths
Many displaced workers are landing on their feet in other fields, often for better positions and more money.