The word iconic gets tossed around casually in our industry. Everyone wants to be iconic, but very few truly reach that state. It’s not just about being beautiful or photogenic—those are basic entry points. Iconic is something else entirely. Iconic is when a model transcends their own image and becomes a reference point for culture itself.

Every year, someone announces the “death of print.” They point to the dominance of digital platforms, the speed of social media, and the infinite scroll of images. But let me be very clear: for a true photographer, print is not dead—it is eternal. Let me explain.

Influence isn’t handed out like business cards—it is cultivated, earned, and sharpened in the fires of clarity and consistency. Becoming influential in your specific market is not about chasing attention; it’s about becoming undeniable in your value, vision, and voice.

In this industry, “collaboration” has become one of the most misused words I’ve ever heard. It rolls off the tongue like an invitation to magic, but too often it’s just a dressed-up way of saying, “I don’t want to pay you.”

Let’s be clear: collaboration is a sacred act. True collaboration is the merging of visions, resources, and talents into something neither party could have created alone. It’s not exploitation disguised in creative language—it’s reciprocity. It’s exchange. It’s honor.

As an artist, photographer, and creative director, I’ve learned that the true canvas is not always the backdrop, the model, or even the light—it is the mind. Joseph Murphy, in The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, revealed something that has reshaped how I approach my art, my life, and my purpose: our subconscious is the most powerful creative instrument we will ever possess.

In today’s fashion industry, talent alone is no longer enough. The photographers, models, stylists, and designers who rise above the noise are not just skilled at their craft—they are masters of branding. Your brand is the way the world remembers you. It’s the visual, emotional, and intellectual fingerprint that lingers long after you’ve left the room. As a creative in fashion, defining your brand is about shaping perception and telling a story that is unmistakably yours.

One of the most overlooked yet powerful assets a model can develop is a signature style. I’m not talking about the way you dress off-duty or what you post on Instagram—I mean the energy, presence, and movement that only you can bring to the camera. Your personal modeling style is what transforms you from just another face in a lineup into a memorable, in-demand talent.

Here’s how to master it:

One of the most pivotal steps in the evolution of a photographer’s career is building strong relationships with agencies. Agencies are the gatekeepers to the world of professional models, talent, and brand opportunities. They are not just sources of access—they are potential collaborators in shaping images that define culture.

But let me be clear: approaching an agency is not simply about asking for models. It is about establishing trust, professionalism, and a reputation that makes them want to send you their talent. Your approach, your etiquette, and your consistency will determine whether you’re seen as an asset—or as someone to be politely ignored.

Here are the principles I live by when it comes to creating meaningful professional relationships with agencies:

Photography has never been just about cameras, lenses, and lighting. The true art of image-making lives in the way we see, the way we interpret, and the way we translate the world into story. For fashion photographers especially, inspiration rarely comes from technical manuals—it comes from culture, history, psychology, philosophy, and the deep well of human creativity.

The first portfolio is one of the most important investments you will ever make as a photographer. It is your visual handshake, the first impression that introduces you to the industry and speaks on your behalf when you aren’t in the room. A strong portfolio not only shows your technical skill but also communicates your unique perspective as an artist. But having the work is only half of the journey. The real test is learning how to market that portfolio to the right eyes.

Here are the strategies I recommend to photographers stepping into the industry:

The fashion industry is a world of beauty, art, and opportunity—but it is also one of the most competitive and demanding industries on earth. Every model enters with dreams of magazine covers, runway shows, and brand campaigns. Yet, only a few will reach the heights they aspire to. Success as a model is not only about genetics or looks—it is about discipline, mindset, professionalism, and presence. Over the years, I’ve observed countless models rise and fall, and the difference between them often comes down to the following ten things.

As photographers, we are often taught to build detailed plans—five-year projections, marketing schedules, gear lists, client funnels. And while there’s power in structure, I’ve learned that true artistry and longevity in this industry come not from rigid plans but from intentions.

The first year of your photography journey is the most crucial. It is the year where you build your foundation, discover your voice, and make the choices that will either propel you toward success or hold you back for years. Many new photographers fail in their first year not because they lack talent, but because they lack strategy. Talent alone is not enough—it must be paired with discipline, vision, and relentless action.

Here are the principles that will help you succeed in your first year as a photographer.

In fashion photography, the tools you use are often measured in megapixels, lenses, and lighting setups. But there’s one tool more powerful than any camera body or light modifier—a sharpened, disciplined, and relentless mind.

That’s why Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill remains, in my opinion, one of the greatest assets a fashion photographer can ever own. And when I say “own,” I don’t mean you bought it and it’s sitting on your shelf collecting dust. I mean you’ve digested it, applied it, and allowed it to shape how you move in this industry.

Breaking into corporate photography can feel like trying to get into an exclusive club without an invitation. But here’s the truth: corporate clients are always looking for photographers—they just don’t know you exist yet. The key is positioning yourself so they see you as the obvious choice.

I’ve booked campaigns with major brands, creative agencies, and Fortune 500 companies, but my very first corporate client came when I understood one thing: corporate photography is about solving a problem, not just taking a picture.

Here’s my roadmap for landing your first corporate gig

In this industry, talent alone doesn’t book you the campaigns, editorials, and high-paying clients you dream about. I’ve met incredibly gifted photographers who remain invisible in the marketplace—not because their work isn’t brilliant, but because they haven’t mastered three critical skills: Pitching, Pricing, and Portfolio.

Think of them as the holy trinity of your marketability. When you understand their meaning and how to wield them, you stop hoping for opportunities and start commanding them.

In fashion, your portfolio is your currency. It’s the silent agent that walks into the room before you do. It speaks for you when you’re not there. And for many clients, it decides if you’ll be on set—or sitting at home refreshing your email.

A beautiful portfolio isn’t enough. It needs to be marketable—a living, breathing sales tool that makes decision-makers instantly visualize you in their campaigns. Here’s how to make sure your book isn’t just pretty—it’s profitable.

The world of photography in 2025 is not the same as it was five or ten years ago. Technology, social media, and the rise of personal branding have shifted the balance of power directly into the hands of the artist. But with that power comes responsibility — and overwhelm. One of the most common questions I get from emerging photographers is: “Do I need an agent or management?” The answer, like most things in this industry, is: it depends on who you are, what you’re building, and where you’re going.

Let’s break it down.

The fashion industry is one of the most competitive visual landscapes on Earth. It’s not enough to just be talented — you must be strategic, culturally relevant, business-savvy, and distinctly original. In a world saturated with photographers, only those who evolve into visionary brands will remain in demand. If you're seeking to rise above the noise, here is a comprehensive guide to making yourself as competitive as possible in today’s fashion photography market.

Entering the world of modeling is exhilarating—full of possibilities, beauty, and artistry. But beneath the surface of glamour lies a business, and just like any other profession, success in modeling demands more than good looks or raw talent. It requires vision, discipline, and most importantly—strategic investment.

Here are the three most important investments I believe every new model should make in the early stages of their career: