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PFWA Academy
Photo & Media Pathway
Master fashion photography + videography, build a professional portfolio, and become bookable for paid creative work.
Youth, Teen & Adult Creatives
Beginner-friendly — no prior camera experience required. Bring your own gear or borrow ours. All skill levels and camera types welcome (phone, DSLR, mirrorless).
Multiple entry points to fit your schedule and goals:
Cohort
Editorial Eye — 8-week structured photography + video course
Workshops
Lightroom editing, media branding, and lighting intensives (2-4 weeks)
Live Shoots
Hands-on shooting at PFWA events and styled sessions
Mentorship
Paired with working photographers for portfolio review and guidance
What You'll Learn
Core skills taught across all Photo & Media programs:
1
Camera Fundamentals
Manual mode, aperture, shutter speed, ISO — full control of your camera in any setting
2
Lighting Techniques
Natural light, studio strobes, on-location flash, and reflectors for fashion
3
Composition + Framing
Rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space, and editorial storytelling through the lens
4
Directing Models + Creating Mood
How to communicate poses, expressions, and energy — from casting to final shot
5
Photo Editing (Lightroom + Photoshop)
Color grading, retouching, skin tones, presets, and batch editing workflows
6
Video Production Basics
Shooting runway video, behind-the-scenes content, reels, and short-form storytelling
7
Video Editing
Cutting, transitions, music sync, color grading, and exporting for social media and clients
8
Portfolio + Website Building
Curating your best work, building a portfolio site, and presenting to clients professionally
9
Client Workflow
Booking inquiries, shot lists, contracts, turnaround times, and delivery expectations
10
Brand + Social Media Strategy
Building your creative brand, content calendar, pricing your work, and attracting clients online
View Editorial Eye Classes
What You'll Build
Real deliverables that launch your creative career:
Photographer/Videographer Profile
Published on the PFWA app — bio, specialty, portfolio, and contact
Portfolio Gallery
10-20 curated images showcasing your range and style
Demo Reel / Highlight Video
30-60 second reel of your best work — runway, editorial, BTS
Edited Photo Set
A complete styled shoot — concept to final delivery (8-15 edited images)
Portfolio Website
A live website with your gallery, about page, services, and contact form
Pricing + Services Sheet
Your packages, rates, and what clients get at each tier
Media Kit
One-page brand sheet for booking inquiries — bio, samples, rates, availability
Build Your Portfolio
Pathway Levels
Pick your starting point — every level builds toward getting booked:
1
Foundations
New Creatives
Camera basics (manual mode, exposure, focus)
Intro to composition + natural light shooting
Outcome: You can shoot confidently in manual mode and deliver clean, well-lit photos.
2
Edit + Create
Portfolio Growth
Lightroom/Photoshop editing workflow
Styled shoot concept-to-delivery + video basics
Outcome: You have a polished portfolio, a demo reel, and a consistent editing style.
3
Booked & Paid
Client Readiness
Client workflow (booking, contracts, delivery)
Brand building + pricing strategy
Outcome: You are bookable — attracting clients, pricing confidently, and delivering professional work.
Register for Editorial Eye
Requirements + Policies
Required
Signed participation agreement
Code of conduct acknowledgment
Attendance policy (80% minimum for cohort completion)
Policies
All model releases must be signed before publishing or delivering any photos/video
Respect model boundaries — always get consent before sharing images publicly
Client work requires a signed contract and deposit before the shoot
Deliver all paid work within your stated turnaround time
Minors (under 18) must have parent/guardian sign all participation forms
Inclusive, respectful environment — PFWA celebrates all creatives regardless of gear, experience, or background
Creative Standards
Professional expectations for every shoot and client.
Arrive 15 minutes early — gear tested and ready
Batteries charged, cards formatted, backup gear if possible
Model releases signed before any shooting begins
Respond to all booking inquiries within 24 hours
Deliver finals within your stated turnaround time — communicate delays early
What You Can Charge
Rates vary by market, deliverables, and experience. Here's a starting guide:
Beginner
$0 – $100
TFP (trade for portfolio), test shoots, small events
Intermediate
$100 – $500
Paid shoots, brand content, event coverage
Advanced
$500 – $2,500+
Campaigns, editorial, multi-day events, retainer clients
Creative Services
What clients can hire you for:
Fashion Photography
Lookbooks, editorial shoots, product photography, and campaign imagery
Runway + Event Photography
Live show coverage, backstage, and front-row documentation
Videography + Reels
Runway video, promo reels, BTS content, and social media video
Headshots + Digitals
Professional headshots and digitals for models, actors, and creatives
Content Creation
Social media content packages for brands, designers, and influencers
Photo Editing Services
Retouching, color correction, and batch editing for other photographers
Event Documentation
Galas, launches, pop-ups, and brand activations
Browse the Marketplace
How to Get Paid
Your path from portfolio to paycheck:
1
Set Your Services + Packages
Define what you shoot, your rates, and turnaround time
2
Publish Your Portfolio + Availability
Upload your best work and mark open dates on your profile
3
Accept Booking Requests
Receive inquiries through the app or direct outreach
4
Send Contract + Collect Deposit
Lock in the gig with a signed agreement and upfront payment
5
Shoot, Edit & Deliver
Execute the project and deliver final files within your stated timeline
6
Get Reviewed + Build Your Reputation
Earn reviews, referrals, and repeat bookings from satisfied clients
Create Your Creative Profile
Program Options
Choose your entry point and register:
Editorial Eye (8-Week Cohort)
$125 — 2 payment plans available
Register
Lightroom Editing Workshop
4-week intensive — photo post-processing
Coming Soon
Media Branding Workshop
4-week intensive — brand your creative work
Coming Soon
Styled Shoot Lab
Concept, direct, shoot, and edit a full fashion editorial
Coming Soon
PFW Official Photographer Track
Top students invited to shoot Peoria Fashion Week 2026
Coming Soon
Classes in This Track
3 classes — $500 total
1
Editorial Eye
Intro to Fashion Photography
$500
8 weeks
2
Lightroom Editing
Photo Post-Processing
Dates & times TBD
3
Media Branding
Brand Your Creative Work
Dates & times TBD
Ready to Shoot Your Shot?
From first frame to first client — your creative career starts here. Register today and build a portfolio that gets you paid.
Register Now
PFW Photographer
Questions? Email thepeoriafashionweek@gmail.com
PEORIA Fashion Week
April 2-4, 2026 Four Points by Sheraton 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
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