Image that illustrates Fashion photographer

Fashion photographer

37 300 kr

Photographers

36 100 - 39 600 kr / month

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Fashion photographer

Average salary 37 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 0 kr

What does a Fashion Photographer do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A fashion photographer works to create visually appealing images for the fashion industry, often collaborating with stylists, models, makeup artists, and clothing designers. Tasks include everything from planning and lighting to photo editing and publishing in magazines, advertising campaigns, or digital channels. Shoots take place both in studios and on location, resulting in a dynamic work environment with a fast pace and high demands for flexibility. Networking and the ability to quickly adapt to different projects are crucial in the profession.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, the salary of a fashion photographer has shown a steady but slow increase. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, which increased to 37 000 SEK in 2023 and reached 37 300 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years is approximately 5%, reflecting a continued strong demand for qualified photographers in the fashion industry. Salaries are influenced by factors such as experience, portfolio quality, network, and opportunities to work with well-known brands and magazines. The competitive nature of the industry means many photographers need to supplement with freelance assignments or other photo-related jobs to reach their desired income level.

Fashion Photographer Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average Salary: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest Salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male), 37,100 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest Salary: 39,600 SEK/month (male), 39,000 SEK/month (female)
  • Hourly Rate: 224 SEK
  • Gender Differences: Men earn on average 39 500 SEK/month (specific data for women is missing)
  • Regional Differences: Data on regional differences is unavailable

Education and Qualifications

The path to becoming a fashion photographer varies, but many combine formal education with internships and self-study. A degree in photography, visual communication, or related fields is common, but some build their skills through freelance work and portfolio development. Practical experience and networking are often crucial for establishing oneself in the industry.

  • Formal Education: Vocational college or university (2–3 years, e.g., photography or visual communication)
  • Courses/Certificates: Specialized courses in fashion photography, lighting, and digital image editing
  • Internships: Highly recommended with established photographers or magazines
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of camera technology and image editing
  • Self-Study: Personal work with portfolios and online courses

Working as a fashion photographer often involves travel to international fashion weeks and shoots at unique locations around the world. The creative freedom and opportunity to collaborate with various professionals attract many to the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Fashion photographers may be offered benefits such as equipment allowances, travel reimbursements, access to studios or creative environments, and flexible working hours. Larger assignments may also include fees for image rights and bonuses for publication in major magazines or campaigns.

Competition and Challenges

The competition within fashion photography is intense, especially in major cities and international fashion centers. Many aspiring photographers seek the same assignments, demanding specialized skills, creativity, and networking. Digitalization and an increasing supply of image creators make it harder to stand out, while rapid technological changes require continuous skill development. Irregular working hours and periods without assignments are common, making financial planning and entrepreneurship essential qualities.

Tips for Aspiring Fashion Photographers

To succeed as a fashion photographer, it is beneficial to combine creativity with strong business skills and perseverance. Building an impressive portfolio through collaborations with stylists and models provides valuable experience and enhances your visual expression. Networking and the ability to make contacts within the fashion industry are crucial, especially in a competitive environment where visibility matters. Flexibility and adaptability ease the process when quick changes happen before shoots or deadlines. A technically skilled photographer who masters digital editing and lighting has greater chances of securing prestigious assignments. Finally, being proactive and willing to take initiative is important, as many assignments require independent work and responsibility.

Key Facts About Fashion Photographer

  • Education Level: Vocational college or university (2–3 years)
  • Work Environment: Studio, on location, and international travel
  • Typical Employment: Freelance or project-based employment
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the profession
  • Special Skills: Lighting, image editing, and fashion knowledge

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a fashion photographer can advance to become the chief photographer for leading fashion magazines, work on international campaigns, or start their own studio. Some choose to specialize in areas such as advertising photography or digital image editing. According to the Employment Service, no precise forecast exists for fashion photographers due to limited data, but with 620 job openings within the profession, there is some demand. The industry's development is influenced by digitalization and changing consumption patterns in fashion and media, presenting both opportunities and challenges for future photographers.

Common Questions About Fashion Photographer

  • What does a Fashion Photographer earn?
    - A fashion photographer earns on average 37 300 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, assignments, and gender.
  • How to become a fashion photographer?
    - The path often involves education in photography or visual communication, internships, and building a strong portfolio and network.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn on average 39 500 SEK, but full statistics for women are missing. The highest salary for women is 39,000 SEK.
  • What is the job market like for fashion photographers?
    - There are 620 job openings in the profession, but competition is fierce, and many work as freelancers.
  • What personal qualities are required?
    - Creativity, technical skill, social competence, and flexibility are key qualities for success as a fashion photographer.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a fashion photographer?
    - The highest salary is 39,600 SEK (male), 39,000 SEK (female). The lowest salary is 36,100 SEK (male), 37,100 SEK (female).

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Fashion photographer is 39600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Fashion photographer is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 37100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33800 kr 34200 kr
35-44 41200 kr 41700 kr
45-54 42400 kr 43800 kr
55-64 45500 kr 47900 kr
Snitt 36500 kr 37300 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Fashion photographer has the SSYK code 3431, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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