Fashion photography isn’t as hard as it seems. Cliff notes’s version:

1. Land a good gig. Finding your perfect client isn’t as hard as it might seem. Yet many filters may be needed.
2. Connect. They are human, too. We all have insecurities.
3. Re-interpret previous step: Play one part photographer, three parts therapist. Master the when, where, and how, then write YOUR book.
4. Understand your client. What do they peruse in the newsstands? This may give you a glimpse. If you have a significant other, ask them. Use info as key inspiration.
5. Click.

Honestly, any of these Asian women could be models. Yet, they are still human without retouching in Photoshop. It’s a lot less about cameras, lenses, lighting, and location scouting that you might think. It’s about being human, understanding sensibilities, reacting, and creating. Sure, shooting at 1.4 helps in the retouching department.

Find your qualified client, shoot big, price with intent, and sell your creative vision. If this intimidates you, then find someone to teach you until you feel confident (I’m available).

Experiment with $2,000 in new lighting equipment and see if it gets you better images. Or pursue the best investment in your business: education.

Specs: Nikon D700 at 24mm @ f1.4, 1/6,000 sec, ISO low as it goes.