I know a lot of very keen and talented photographers who are currently looking to break into the industry as professionals. Without exception I offer these people the same advice- If you are hard working, committed and determined to make it, you can be succesful in this arena, but it does require hard work.
Before Starting a Photography Business it’s really important that you create an outline plan of what you are trying to achieve and get out of your new career. Define which field of photography you are looking to break into, and whether you are looking to supplement your main income or go full time as a photographer. Next you will need to work on your portfolio. Clearly it will be difficult to get paid work unless you have a portfolio of photographs to show potential clients.
In order to build up your portfolio I would recommend approaching established photographers in the field you are targeting. Ask them if they would like an assistant to work for free for them for a specific job. This is how I broke into wedding photography. I started off working as an assistant for another photographer, and then when I had enough experience I worked as an official second photographer. This ’stepped’ approach allows you to build up your experience and skill levels in an organic way, and will also build up your confidence levels. This is, in my opinion, a better approach then being thrown straight in at the deep end. Indeed, the single worst thing you can do is take on an important job, like a wedding shoot, without the necessary experience and skills.
| November 22nd, 2011 | Posted in Photography |