How to Get Paid Photography Jobs
Photography is a hobby that can turn into a money-making venture. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, photography is a sought-after career that is expected to grow in popularity. The renewed interest in the field can be attributed to the new digital equipment and its ease of use. Another appealing aspect of the career is that there are seldom educational requirements to become a professional. You must take pictures that people are willing to buy. Developing successful techniques takes practice.
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Things You'll Need
- A professional grade digital camera
- Lenses
- Filters
- Lighting equipment
- Photo editing software
Instructions
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Learn to take excellent pictures. Infuse your pictures with creativity by using different angles to shoot from and using creative light patterns. While there are some technical aspects of photography it is above all an art form. Incorporating an artistic element will set your work apart from the competition.
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Build a portfolio. People will want to see what you are capable of before they pay for your services. Start by volunteering to shoot events among friends and family members. Weddings are a good way to get experience. Pay attention to the paid photographer without getting in his way. Try to capture shots you think he is missing. Take pictures of other landmark events including baptisms, birthdays and religious events. Take pictures wherever you go and add your best and most current photos to your portfolio.
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Let your friends and associates know that you are available for hire. The best advertising is still word of mouth. Provide people with priceless pictures and the news will spread. Keep your prices reasonable and learn more skills as you go.
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Seek freelance opportunities. Offer to shoot news and feature events for your community daily or weekly newspaper. Offer to freelance for local community websites. Offer to be an apprentice or intern with a commercial photographer. Offer to be an intern with a local TV station. Some of these positions may be paid and others may offer trade, such as free advertising for your photography business.
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Increase you earning potential and available services by learning to use studio lights and equipment. Build an inventory of props and backdrops and offer holiday and seasonal promotions. Learn to work with natural light so you can be available for location shoots.
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Network and talk about your aspirations everywhere you go. Selling involves building relationships and the more people you meet the more sales you'll make. Join your local chamber of commerce and attend the functions. Hand out business cards and have samples of your work available.
Develop a website and direct potential clients to it. Post information about yourself and include galleries of every genre of service you offer. Join the National Press Photographers of America or the Professional Photographers of America to develop your skills and network. Seek opportunities to display your work in local libraries, the shopping mall and schools and colleges.
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Develop your skills as a videographer as well as a still photographer. As the profession evolves quickly, video skills are in demand. Newspapers and broadcasters require photographers to have video skills. And commercial assignments require video. Develop your video skills and promote yourself as a videographer.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
