Let me start off by saying it’s not easy to run a photography business, and it definitely isn’t for everyone.
But if it’s something you really want then you should check out these steps we found over at PhotographyTalk. It takes time and a lot of practice to get to a point where people want to pay for your images. Following these tips you’ll know what to do and how to get to your goal sooner.
Be One with Your Camera.
Regardless of what kind of camera you already own, learn all of its features and capabilities thoroughly, so you’re never asking yourself, “I wonder what this button does?” or “What does that symbol mean on the menu?”
Learn Photography Techniques.
Next, learn all of the photography techniques that are possible with your camera. Even if all you can afford is a rudimentary compact, or point-and-shoot, camera, then experiment and practice with it until you’re able to manipulate its features to produce the best photos possible.
Learn Editing Techniques.
You can learn plenty of editing techniques with low-cost, basic software, so you’ll understand (and be able to control) the fundamental concepts and techniques before concerning yourself with professional-grade tools, such as Photoshop.
Study Today’s Leading Photographers.
Don’t stop with the great photographers of the past. It’s equally important to know who are today’s best photographers, and in various categories: sports, landscapes, portraits, etc. These people are your contemporaries; they are occupying and experiencing the same world as you, so they have much to teach you about how to photograph this time and place.
Find a Mentor.
Find a photography mentor or more than one. One of the most valuable benefits of being mentored by a successful photographer is that he or she knows at least one path to success: his or hers. He or she probably knows many, and is willing to guide you every step of the way.
Create a Web Site.
Even if your photo portfolio is mostly filled with casual pictures of family, friends, events, etc., you can still create a Web site. The further you advance as a photographer the more important a Web site will become; therefore, now’s the time to learn the basics.
Learn How to Use the Internet.
You may already have a Facebook page and a Twitter address and you share photographs with family members and friends regularly. Spend some time, however, learning how and why the Internet is a critical tool for successful photographers. Understand how Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc. are used to market photography and photographers.
Leaders Are Readers.
Create a reading list for yourself that includes photography topics, but also other topics, such as personal development, business and marketing. These will become more important as you succeed, especially if your goal is to succeed financially as a photographer. There are countless books, programs, seminars and online tutorials available. Research the sources. Search some blogs. Ask your photography friends for referrals.
Schedule Regular Time with Your Camera.
As a famous writer said, “A writer writes,” so a photographer photographs. If you expect to succeed as a photographer, then you must make it a habit, a regularly part of your daily or weekly schedule. Success in photography is similar to success in tennis or golf: You must hit millions of balls before you have the skills to succeed.
Challenge Yourself.
Don’t limit your photography experience to one or a few kinds of photography. Pictures of your family and friends (and pets) are important, but you want to try your hand at landscapes, nature close-ups, street photography, sports and all the other many other forms. Again, one of these experiences may be the source of your passion and developing your photographer’s mind and eye.
Read the full article with even more tips over at Photography Talk.
Source: PhotographyTalk
