9 few steps to becoming a professional photography
1. KNOW WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY ENTAILS.
Photographers take pictures of people, landscapes or things. There are a number of different areas you could be working in as a photographer:
(i) Press and PR photographer – taking news pictures of people and events as they happen.
(ii) Wedding or event photographer – taking pictures of weddings and other events.
(iii) Portrait photographer – taking pictures of people.
(iv) Landscape photographer – taking pictures of landscapes.
(v) Art photographer – taking artistic pictures of people, places or things.
(iv) Product photographer – taking pictures of items which are for sale.
2. GO FOR PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES OR ONLINE
Take a photography class, if possible. You’ll learn the basics of good photography, experience the darkroom, and get feedback on your work.
(i) Sign up for art class. You’ll learn about color, light and shadow, and composition -- all keys to good photography.
(ii) Learn computer programs like Photoshop, which are now used by just about all photographers. (iii) watch youtube tutorials
3. LEARN MANUAL SETTINGS
It might seem like a basic area in which to begin, but many hobbyist or amateur photographers may not have moved out of their comfort zone, also known as ‘auto mode’. Many photographers insist that if you’re not shooting in your camera’s manual mode, then you’re simply not being a true photographer.Take time to learn about terms such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. and more importantly, begin to experiment in order to see how they relate to one another, as well as how they impact your images.
4.MASTER EDITING PROCESS
While we can all dream of being able to capture the perfect image in just a single click, editing is a part of every professional photographer’s workflow.
5. GO FOR TRAININGS
i. Creativity and imagination
3. LEARN MANUAL SETTINGS
It might seem like a basic area in which to begin, but many hobbyist or amateur photographers may not have moved out of their comfort zone, also known as ‘auto mode’. Many photographers insist that if you’re not shooting in your camera’s manual mode, then you’re simply not being a true photographer.Take time to learn about terms such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc. and more importantly, begin to experiment in order to see how they relate to one another, as well as how they impact your images.
4.MASTER EDITING PROCESS
While we can all dream of being able to capture the perfect image in just a single click, editing is a part of every professional photographer’s workflow.
For amateur photographers who may not have had in-depth experience with professional editing software, it is recommended that they start small. Use free online photo editors (such as BeFunky, for example) to play around with settings such as saturation, exposure, contrast, etc. in order to understand how each of these elements work within your image.
5. GO FOR TRAININGS
In order to become a successful photographer you will require the following skills and attributes:
ii. Determination and patience
iii. Confidence in your ability
iv. Self motivation
v. Technical and photographic skills
vi. The ability to manage your time, meet deadlines and work within a budget
vii. A certain degree of physical fitness (some of the equipment is very heavy and some disciplines require a lot of running around)
viii. Good IT skills
ix. Business management
x. Communication and people skills
xi. Commercial awareness and the ability to market yourself using a variety of methods
6. SEE YOURSELF A PHOTOGRAPHER
That’s what you ARE in life. You’re not a student, not a finance-guy-slash-part-time-photographer, not a part time anything. You’re a photographer. People have to know this. That’s what you ARE in life. You’re not a student, not a finance-guy-slash-part-time-photographer, not a part time anything. You’re a photographer. People have to know this.
7. SET GOALS
i. Is there a particular technique you’d like to learn? Perhaps there’s a shot you saw and you’d like to attempt to achieve a similar result. Write your goal down in your notebook and keep track of how far you’ve come.
ii. If you’re really brave (and committed to gaining confidence) I recommend that you set your goal publicly (like on your blog, a forum you participate in etc) so that you feel accountable. Let people know that you’re working on something new and ask for their feedback and any tips they may have. Then get out and practice like crazy until you get it figured out.
8. AREA FOCUS
What kind of photographer are you? Do you shoot travel, portraits, weddings, music, fashion, events? You don’t have to choose only one, but what makes you the happiest? Play to your strengths.
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