How To Become a PhotographerWriten by Roy Barker
Have you ever wanted to seize a moment desperately so that the moment will stay with you for eternity? If only there was a way to relive that special moment...at least in the mind! Bless the guy who invented the camera. And bless all those who have brought photography to the state it is in today - One of the most sought-after activities (I should perhaps call it passion) in todays world!!!
While some of us might merely have dabbled in photography, some others might wish to make it a profession, a source of livelihood. Some might have a flair for it; while others might acquire the skill over a period of time. The Photography industry is one of the most advanced today with the most modern of equipment and technology entering the market everyday.
How do you begin on the journey of photography? Profound as it may seem, the first step to successful photography is to discover yourself.
Do you like to travel or stay indoors?
Do you like meeting new people?
Do you have it in you to sell your thoughts and floor an audience?
Do you accept things as given or do you have the nerve to put up a tough fight?
Do you prefer security to risk?
There is no right or wrong answer to the above questions. The questions are merely intended to help you discover yourself, your likes and dislikes, your turn-ons and so on. Since photography offers varied opportunities, answering the above questions (to yourself) will help you pursue the right opportunities. For instance, if you cannot bear to see blood, needles and diseases, it makes less sense for you to attempt medical photography. Remember, photography is not just about clicking a camera. Its about adding that special touch to the shot you take.
Once you have seemingly arrived at your areas of interest in photography, the next thing is to debate on whether you require a professional qualification or not. Professionally qualified photographers have that extra advantage not merely because of the degree / diploma they acquire. More because of the contacts they build. And the right contacts can be the key drivers to success in photography for some. Learning photography from a school also helps you know the latest in the industry the latest equipment, technology and so on. With the added advantage of a faculty teaching you the intricacies. There are different types of schools large ones which will provide you with state-of-the-art infrastructure and smaller schools which will give you your own personal space. After doing some basic research (lots of online content is available and published by these schools), you should be able to zero in on the right school for you.
If you do not have the financial strength to undertake a course from a school, no worries! So long as you have the drive and the passion, you can rise to be a star in photography.
You might want to try starting off as an assistant to an established photographer. Being an assistant is no easy task. You might have to sweep the office, arrange for cocktails, wear a smile at the reception desk, know the right lingo and also keep abreast with the latest in photography. As luck would have it, you might also have a smart kid from a good school doing internship at your bosss shop. But, this will turn out to be a terrific experience giving you a great kick start to a fulfilling career in photography.
More than half the photographers in this world are freelance. Even established magazines and organizations requiring frequent photography do not have professionals permanently on their rolls. Freelancing gives you enough free space to pursue your passion and also make a some quick cash. You can also easily multitask if you are freelancing. The most testing, for a freelance photographer, is to acquire a new client and keep the relationship going. For starters, its imperative to have a good portfolio of photographs taken by oneself which will reflect only on the persons potential and unique style.
Wonder whether you will kick-off in this profession? If you have the zest and the rigour in you, you will. For, so long as there are weddings and graduation parties, magazines and newspapers, dance schools and mega events, you will succeed!
This article has been supplied courtesy of Roy Barker. Roy often writes and works closely with Profitable Photography Business. If the previous link is inactive, you can paste this one into your browser - profitable-photography.com This site is dedicated to coaching you in starting your own photography business but places a strong emphasis on profitability issues & guidelines. You can also gain many photography resources (some free) from Photography or if this link is inactive, you can copy and paste this link into your browser - profitable-photography.com/resources.php