Both the fashion and photography industries are extremely competitive businesses to try and break into. That’s why it’s vital you do all the research you can to get yourself ahead of the competition.

We receive hundreds of applications on The Idle Man to become a member of our street style entourage and, although it may seem like an easy shot to get, we are sometimes left disappointed with what we receive from a street style photographer.

So, to lend you a helping hand, we thought we’d put together a brief guide on how to take a great street style shot and what processes you should go through to get a job as a street style photographer.

1. Be prepared to start off free

When it comes to first applying for this sort of position, brands are going to be looking for experienced photographers with a portfolio of street style shots to show them. If you’ve not done this type of work before, you’re more than likely going to have to build a collection you can send to brands first. Unfortunately, this will probably have to be done for free to start off with.

Whether you do this for a brand, so you can send published work to a prospective employer, or just a portfolio you build on your own blog is totally up to you, but you’ll need to show past experience to get a foot in the door.

2. Keep a calendar

Obviously you can just take to the streets to find your models but there are certain events you should be aware of which will up your chances of being in a concentrated area of well dressed people. Shows like London Collections Men, Fashion Week, Pitti Uomo and any collection launches you can find out about are all going to be attended by stylish people looking for a little appreciation of their outfits.

Design Business Cards

If anyone is to take you seriously when you’re talking to them at events, you need to appear as professional as possible. Having a set of business cards is vital for getting your contact details out there. Make sure it includes your email address, phone number and URLs to any blogs, websites or online portfolios you have.

Network

With competitive industries like photography and fashion, a large part of making a success of yourself comes down to who you know. When you turn up to these events, no matter where you are, try to strike a conversation with people. Let them know who you are, hand them your business card and try to get theirs (so you can follow up the conversation with an email at a later date).

Apply, apply, apply

There are plenty of websites out there looking for street style photographers, so get searching and, once you’ve got all of the above at your disposal, start applying as much as you can. Send examples of your work, a list of events you think would be good to cover and let them know your availability.

Read Briefs Carefully

The worst thing you can do if you get a paid role is not listen to a brief properly. If your employer has asked for lots of shots of guys wearing single and double breasted jackets for a bit of editorial on formal attire, don’t come back with images of guys trying the rockabilly look. I know, obvious right? But you wouldn’t believe the amount of people that don’t read briefs, provide completely irrelevant images and are then wondering why a company won’t pay them for their work.

Breaking into an industry like this is never going to be easy, it will take perseverance, hard work, a proactive attitude and a spot of luck. But, if you follow these simple tips you will be giving yourself the best chance of being taken seriously and landing yourself a neat bit of freelance work.