How to Be a Photographer

With so many people with digital cameras, it is natural to begin to think about how to make money as a photographer.

In this article I will share with you the basics on how to become a photographer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital SLR
• portfolio (online is okay)
• practice
• niche

1. First, declare that you are, indeed, a photographer. Don't sell yourself short by saying that you are "trying to be" a photographer. No. You have made the decision to do it, so be it.

2. Take your camera wherever you go. I carry mine in a large purse or messenger bag so that it doesn't bulge. You'll be surprised where you'll find great photo opportunities.

3. Make sure your equipment meets your photography needs.
   
   This is where your niche comes in. If you are going to shoot nature, then your equipment needs will be different than someone who shoots sports or portraits. So make sure you have the right equipment for the job. Visit your local camera shop and poke around online for help with this.

4. Find a camera shop where you can rent equipment and/or buy used equipment. This is key because your camera does not have to be new, it just has to do the job. Also, you may not have the cash for a new lens, but you can rent what you need for a photo session or job that you're doing. The bonus with renting is that you'll get a feel for the equipment, save money, and have a better idea of what to buy when you do have the funds.

5. Put together an online portfolio.
   
   Since many people are looking for a photographer online, take 20 of your best photos in your niche(s) and post them online.
   
   If funds are an issue, set up a blog and post the images there until you can find a URL and web host that you like.

6. When you do finally set up your website, I would avoid the big companies all photographers seem to be using unless you can make yours look really different (that would be Blu Domain).
   
   You want to stand out as a photographer and you won't if you have the same website as everyone else.

7. Donate your time/camera skills to your community so that people know what you do and gets you more practice. This is a win for both you and the charity/non-profit.

8. Join a professional organization. My top two suggestions are Professional Photographers of America and Wedding and Portrait Professionals International (those links will be in the resource section). Try to attend at least one convention each year to network and keep yourself in the loop about business and equipment.

9. Photography is fun, but in order to make money, you also have to treat it like a business. If you lack basic business skills, take some classes and get up to speed so you are not losing money. This is also why conventions are a good idea.

10. To brush up on photography skills, check out the courses offered by the New York Institute of Photography. There are options for every level and payment options as well.

11. Finally, have fun. When it becomes a chore, you may be doing something wrong and you may have to put the camera down for a bit. Always remember why you decided to become a photographer and let that lead you each day.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy equipment as you can afford it.
• Buy used or rent until you can buy.
• Donate your time to charities and non-profits.
• Take business classes.
• Join professional organizations.
• Pick your niche(s).
• You don't have to have the latest and greatest of anything.
• Don't compare yourself to other photographers.
• Treat this like the business it is.

Resources

• Professional Photographers of America
• Wedding and Portrait Professionals International
• B&H Photography
• Baltimore Wedding Photographer
• Online Portfolio
• Small Biz Go to Girl

[Rachellewms]

on 1/27/2009 Excellent Tips on how to be a photographer. Photography is a hobby that I would like to get more into. I would love to get paid to take photos....Thanks for sharing :)

[MsImmy]

on 12/27/2008 Great article and helpful tips! 5*