They are all around us. On posters, on television, in magazines. Ultra-thin models strutting along the runways of London, New York and Milan wearing the latest items from today's designers. Their petite figures and constant pouting are all around us. But who captures these images that completely surround us and tell us how to look? These images are the products of years of experience and study, manipulating the light and colour while considering the compostition to produce the most attractive images possible to display new fashion. They are the products of the fashion photographer.

Photographers like Mario Testino are just as celebrated as models and designers in the realm of fashion. They present high-fashion to the public and have the responsibility of representing it in its best light.

Money and fame may be the dream of any aspiring young newcomer, but entry to this exclusive universe is as difficult as it is desirable. To reach the golden heights that many hunger for, one must extraordinary ambition and persistence. With every successful fashion photographer, there are thousands left in the gutter promoting their work in hope of being picked up.

To get started in this competitive field you must obsessively study your craft. You can never stop learning, so keep absorbing everything you find, especially in fashion magazines. There are fantastic resources on the internet. You can find books on the subject at Amazon.com. The basic equipment you will need to start out is a good camera, some standard lighting equipment and a tripod. On any shoot, make sure you have extra film so you don't have to interrupt your flow. Research the different types of cameras and the unique looks they produce, as your choice of camera will affect the look of your work.

Having a great portfolio to show off your work is vital to success. Have at least 20 photos in it to give you room to show off your skill in producing a range of styles. Developing photographs in the 4x5" format is the best way to display your work. If your work is in a publication, use that as well. If you are having trouble getting any of these, a good quality 8x10" will suffice. Make sure you show your ability to take photographs of different aspects of the human figure. A full figure photo with character will take you a long way.

When you apply for a job, you can expect to leave your portfolio there for a few weeks, so make sure you make copies of your portfolio so you don't have to be idle while hearing back from employers. For a different look try taking partial body shots, for instance photographing watches on wrists. They make a great contrast to the rest of your work.

Having an online presence is becoming an important part of fashion photography. Setting up a website with your portfolio on it could be the key to your success. Research ways to promote your website, such as entering online competitions and participating in online fashion forums.

What fashion editors are really looking for is a unique character in your photographs. Every photographer captures different images. It is a good idea to learn about your art to improve your technical skills. This will give you greater freedom to express your vision.To succeed at this, you must be persistent, so don't give up if this is your dream and never stop learning.