Photography: How to Start a Career in Photography

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Photography has become a popular career choice, especially owing to the growth of digital cameras. These days, you can even test your photo taking skills with a smartphone. The rise in popularity also makes photography a very competitive field to find success in.

Arming yourself with a thorough knowledge of photography and a strong entrepreneurial spirit will enable you to find success as a photographer.

Why you should consider a career in photography?

The field of photography is more versatile today than ever before. The rise of social media, the growth of advertising and the growing demand for family and personal photographs means more people need photographers. This gives you opportunity as well as choices when it comes to work.

Earlier, there were a limited number of photography careers you could turn to. Weddings and special events were the most popular. Now, you can find work for influencers, fashion designers and even for e-commerce websites. The pictures you see on online stores are all taken by photographers and can be a very lucrative gig.

Today, it’s possible to live well and find work as a professional photographer. You’ll have various options available to you and with the right equipment and skills, you could realistically have a great career as photographer.

How do you get started on your career in photography?

Before you can call yourself a professional photographer, you’ll need to equip yourself with the right gear. You’ll need at least a mid-ranged DSLR camera to be able to take the kind of high quality professional photographs that you’ll be expected to produce.

Your photography equipment will be expensive. Over the years you’ll be able to acquire not only better cameras but lenses, as well as other accessories. That’s why you should get a Public Liability Insurance policy for photographer and their equipment. 

This will ensure that you don’t have to bear the brunt of major losses should anything happen to your equipment.

1. Take a Professional Photography Course

Photography is not a field where you need a diploma or a degree to get a job but having formal education has its benefits. Through your course, you’ll be able to interact with people who are passionate about, engaged in and relevant to the field of photography.

An area where self-learners struggle is in finding people to learn from, share their passions with and network with. Networking is a crucial part of developing a career as a photographer and a course will help you along the way.

If you’re new to the topic, you’ll also learn the technical skills needed to become a photographer.

Online courses are a good way to learn but if you want to take advantage of photography classes, then pick a class where you can physically engage with the available equipment and network with others.

2. Participate in Competitions

A good way to get your work noticed earlier on is by participating in competitions. There are many online photography competitions held across the year. You can also find photography competitions at galleries or displays near you. Look through the events in your area.

Participating in competition immediately opens up your work to an audience. If you win or  perform well, you may even get a few clients.

3. Become a Photographer’s Assistant

The best way to learn is to do it from someone who really knows what they’re doing. Traditionally, photographers would start out as an assistant. Finding an internship with a good photographer can really help you build your career.

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They’ll already have the necessary skills, knowledge of what is relevant in the industry, as well as a pool of clients. If they mentor you, you’ll learn from them and have an easier time getting ahead as a photographer.

4. Don’t Forget Your Editing Skills

As a photographer, you’ll not only be expected to take great pictures but also be able to edit them. Digital photography goes hand in hand with photo editing. Having a working knowledge of powerful image editing software can help you build your career.

You can learn photo editing either by taking a course or by teaching yourself.

5. Have a Portfolio Website

Without a portfolio, you won’t be able to get clients. Showcasing samples of your work online is a necessary part of becoming a professional photographer. You can find many websites that will host your portfolio for free.

In your portfolio, provide your best samples. If you’re trying to become a wedding photographer, then your portfolio should emphasise that kind of photography.

Once you’ve established your foundations as a photographer, you can start to find your niche. This is where you discover the kinds of photography you want to specialise in. Read more interesting stories and news at TheRightNews Network.

With these skills and Public Liability Insurance for the photographer and their equipment, you’ll be able to build a sustainable and long-lasting career as a photographer.