What It Takes to Be a Photographer

While you may have an eye for taking good pictures and can handle the many technical aspects of photography equipment, there are a number of other factors you must consider in determining if you have what it takes to be a photographer and earn a living at it. Professional photographers must be willing to work under a variety of circumstances, compete with amateurs willing to give their pictures away and carry around unwieldy equipment bags.

Training

The field of photography is always changing, incorporating new technologies as fast as they are developed. Professional photographers must stay up to date on the latest equipment and its uses in order to compete. Earn a photography degree from a prestigious school such as the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to begin your career with solid credentials. Take online classes at sites such as Kelly Training to keep up with the trade and enhance your skills in areas like lighting, Photoshop, background effects and posing techniques.

Personality

A professional photographer is subject to a plethora of different situations that require both patience and boldness. Commercial photographers must be able to order models around and convince them to provide the best angles. Staff photographers must be able to take orders and shoot what the editor wants to see rather than what the photographer may think is the best shot. Working photographers often end up shooting animals and children that can be difficult to maneuver. Wedding photographers need to be able to blend in with the event and provide the customers with a glowing testimony to the day, no matter what the reality is like.

Freelance

Freelance photographers may land some exciting assignments, but they also must be willing to accept functional work to pay the bills. They must be available at all times, often on very short notice with a tight deadline. Freelancers must possess a portfolio of work that demonstrates their versatility and maintain relationships with a variety of publishers, agents and marketing executives.

Equipment

It takes a significant investment in photography equipment to meet the demands of commercial photography. In addition to a couple good cameras, a professional photographer must own flashes, lights and light meters, tripods, reflectors and backdrops. Look for deals on new and used equipment at sites such as Professional Photography Supply.

Technology

While many photographers still use film and a darkroom to develop their shots, more clients prefer digital copies of their pictures. Professional photographers must own and know how to use updated digital software. Invest in software that allows you to work on various projects at once, manage client pictures, compose layouts and make presentations. Systems such as Portrait Studio Software offer a knowledge base and online support system for users as well as forums for photographers to share problems and questions.

Resources

• Portrait Studio Software
• Professional Photography Supply
• Kelly Training