Starting A Career In Photography

Look! It’s-a-me! Every photography job brings new challenges, people and environments. I work on-location about 90% of the time and in a studio the rest. I get e-mails every so often about how I got started and what a doing photography professionally looks like. I have broken down some bullet points about what I have learned. Thanks for reading!

Starting a career in photography can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be challenging to get started. Here are some tips for launching a successful photography career:

Develop your skills: Start by practicing your photography skills as much as possible. Take advantage of online tutorials, workshops, and classes to learn about different techniques and styles. Invest in good quality equipment and take the time to master your camera.
Build a portfolio: As you practice and develop your skills, create a portfolio that showcases your best work. Your portfolio should be a representation of your unique style and approach to photography. Keep it updated regularly to reflect your latest work and growth as a photographer.
Network: Connect with other photographers, artists, and people in the photography industry. Attend photography events, join photography groups, and participate in online photography communities. Building relationships with others in the industry can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
Specialize: Consider specializing in a particular area of photography such as weddings, landscapes, portraits, or commercial photography. Specializing in one area will help you to build a strong reputation and stand out from other photographers.
Market yourself: Make sure that people know about your work and services. Create a website to showcase your portfolio, and utilize social media to promote your work and connect with potential clients. You can also consider reaching out to local businesses and organizations to offer your photography services.
Be patient: Success in photography can take time, so be patient and persistent. Keep learning, improving your skills, and building your portfolio. Focus on your goals and stay motivated as you work towards a successful photography career.

Starting a career in photography can be a rewarding experience, but it takes time, effort, and dedication. By developing your skills, building a strong portfolio, networking, and marketing yourself, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a photographer.

These photos above are me problem solving on the fly! We needed to get an angle from the corner of the basement. Problem is, there was a pool below me! So, I taped down a tripod across the pool and stabilized my second tripod and camera above it. Always double check your work! Otherwise, you could end up in the drink along with all of your expensive camera gear. And your client’s images? Gonzo. This is where having a trusting assistant comes in handy.

What is it like on a Photo Shoot?

Being on a photography shoot can be an exciting and challenging experience. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, the experience of a shoot can vary greatly depending on the subject, location, and mood. Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to be on a photography shoot:

Preparation: Before the shoot, it’s essential to research the subject, location, and lighting conditions. You should also have a clear idea of what you want to capture, and what kind of shots you’re looking for. Additionally, it’s essential to have your equipment ready, charged, and in good working order.
Arrival: When you arrive on the shoot, you’ll be greeted by the subject or models. Take a few minutes to get to know them, chat, and establish a connection. This will help put everyone at ease and make the shoot more enjoyable.
Setting up: Once you’re ready to start shooting, you’ll need to set up your equipment and start experimenting with different angles and lighting conditions. This is a crucial part of the shoot, and it’s important to take your time and get the setup just right.
Shooting: When the preparation is done, it’s time to start taking photos. This is where your creativity and technical skills come into play. Keep a lookout for unexpected opportunities, and be prepared to improvise if necessary. Don’t be afraid to try out new techniques or to ask your subjects to pose in different ways.
Working with subjects: One of the biggest challenges of photography is working with subjects who are not professional models. You’ll need to be patient, friendly, and encouraging to get the best results. It’s essential to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, and to make sure everyone is having fun.
Reviewing and editing: After the shoot, it’s time to review and edit your photos. This is a crucial part of the process and where you can fine-tune your work and get the best results. Take your time and be critical of your photos, paying close attention to details such as lighting, composition, and color.

Being on a photography shoot is a unique and exciting experience. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or any other type of subject, the key to success is preparation, patience, and a willingness to experiment. With the right approach, you can create memorable and beautiful photos that you’ll be proud to share with others.

How do I make a subject feel comfortable?

When photographing people, how do you make them feel comfortable? It’s a lot of practice and getting them to feel comfortable. Here are some tips.

Making your subject feel comfortable on a photo shoot is crucial for getting the best results. Here are some tips for creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere during a photo shoot:

Communication: Start by establishing clear and open communication with your subject. Explain the purpose of the shoot, what you want to achieve, and what they can expect. Ask them about their preferences and what they feel comfortable with. The more information you can gather beforehand, the easier it will be to create a positive atmosphere during the shoot.
Building rapport: Take the time to get to know your subject and build a rapport with them. Engage in conversation, make them feel comfortable, and try to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Reassurance: Reassure your subject that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that they don’t need to be perfect. Encourage them to relax and have fun, and let them know that you’re there to help and guide them.
Posing: Offer guidance and suggestions for poses, but make sure to respect your subject’s boundaries and comfort levels. If they don’t feel comfortable with a particular pose, don’t force them into it. Instead, try another approach or angle.
Encouragement: Offer positive feedback and encouragement throughout the shoot. This will help to build confidence and keep the subject relaxed and comfortable.
Breaks: If your subject is feeling uncomfortable or stressed, take a break and give them time to relax. This could be as simple as taking a short walk or getting a drink of water.

Making a subject feel comfortable on a photo shoot is crucial for getting the best results. By being patient, friendly, and communicative, you can create a relaxed and positive atmosphere that will help you to capture beautiful and memorable photos.