If you have thought about how to become a photographer, there is no better time to learn than now. Taking beautiful photos is not only a lifelong hobby, it can also lead to a career in professional photography.
Nearly everyone takes pictures, but not everyone is a first-class photographer. Learning how to become a photographer is more involved than merely pointing the camera and snapping the picture. The best photos are works of art. Lighting, perspective, color, and creativity all combine to formulate perfect photographs.
How to Become a Photographer
To become proficient at taking pictures, take your camera with you wherever you go. Take pictures of everyone (with their permission) and everything. Experiment with lighting and different camera settings. Examine every photograph you take with a critical eye. Learn what works and what doesn’t.
If you don’t have an art background, consider taking art and photography classes. Classes teach techniques for proper lighting, staging, and composition. Expert advice is available in books and professional magazines.
Photography is a creative pursuit. You need to know the methods, but with plenty of practice, you will also develop your own style. Style is what makes one photographer different from another. You may also develop a preference for taking certain types of photographs. Perhaps you enjoy taking portraits. You may prefer taking photos of children. Landscapes may be where your real talent lies. You may also, however, enjoy taking all types of pictures. It’s up to you.
Your camera setup will be the most expensive and most important piece of equipment you need to become a professional. Just a few years ago, a professional would never have considered using a digital camera. That has changed with the development of versatile, high quality digital cameras. Conduct research and read reviews before you purchase your camera to determine which will best do the job.
You’ll also need to invest in a decent computer with image editing software such as Photoshop.
Purchase props to use in your photos. Props could include chairs, tables, fabric, vases, or stuffed animals. Props should be used to enhance the picture, not become the center of attention.
Begin building a portfolio of photographs to show perspective clients. Volunteer to take pictures at family weddings or other events so you have various types of photos in your portfolio.
Building a Photography Business
Learning how to become a photographer and discovering your own approach is the first step toward becoming a professional. There are a variety of ways to make money with your photographic skills. You can open your own studio, work from your home, travel to other locations, sell your original work, or employ a combination of working styles.
If you have chosen a niche to begin with, target customers in that group. For example, if photographing children is what you most enjoy, advertise in newspapers, on public bulletin boards, and anywhere parents gather. If you like to shoot wedding photographs, speak with wedding planners, bridal shop owners, and others in the field to let them know you are available.
Beyond knowledge of your craft, hone your interpersonal and communication skills as well.
Expanding Your Photography Business
As your portfolio grows, you will discover other related business avenues to pursue. Below are some ideas to get you started:
- Contact local schools about taking school pictures
- Contact local businesses about taking catalog photos
- Sell original photos to newspapers, calendar companies, and online
