What does it mean to be a Professional Photographer?

This post is not about going to talk about how to be a Photographer; I’m sure you will know your F-Stops from your ISO levels. This is a short article about becoming being a paid Professional Photographer.

I receive email from students and folks from all walks of life asking to join me at a gig or Wedding. Unfortunately I have to turn all of them down (but I never ignore them, that’s just rude). I tell them there is one massive difference between a amateur photographer and a Pro; and that’s business. The Photography “Business” is hard, cut throat and damn competitive. I would argue it’s more competitive than being a musician, less financially rewarding than actors and the perception is it’s damn easy!

There are no short cuts, there is only one clear way to succeed and that is measured by the success of your business.

My advice? It is to learn your craft by all means, but also try selling a few photos. Get some business experience behind you. Let yourself go at the deep end and see where you fall. Just me, you will always manage to dust yourself up, stand up and be ready to jump again, but this time you’ll remember to pack a parachute.

Show your passion:

There is no use hiding your enthusiasm. If you love it then people will also believe you will go to extremes to do a good job. Show that you enjoy your craft. Talk about it with controlled excitement and sure as Robert is my father’s brother* then your friends, your family and all those around them will know you love, enjoy and eventually become good at it. *that part is a lie.

Show your skill:

You have spent countless hours learning your way around your SLR, you have spent hard earned cash on the latest lenses and Photography magazines, wouldn’t it be good to display your efforts? Get yourself a Flickr account and upload only your best work on there. I am sure you have a Facebook account; then be sure to upload your photos on there too! Be sure to tag friends who are in your shots so they can see that you are someone who should be taken seriously.

Show yourself:

This is probably the hardest part, tell the world you are a photographer and why people should part good money to have you take photos when for almost the same amount of money they could buy an SLR themselves. Network, connect and prove to them you are more than just a digital camera. You provide talent, expertise and in some rare cases a “gift”.

How far do you really want to take Photography?

If taking photos constantly is not in your heart then don’t chase that dream. If you don’t think about the latest lenses which can expand your creativity, then don’t buy an expensive SLR. If you don’t look at the real world without trying to crop it, then don’t even think about being a Professional Photographer. My advice is if it’s not obsessive, then keep Photography as a hobby.

Be patient with taking photos and in your business:

There is no point in rushing, if you plan on making Photography into a profession, then you have to be in the game for the long run. Take photos, edit and clean them up, post them online and tell everyone… and repeat!

There is no magical solution, I wish there was. It’s all about tanacity and persistance in the market and sales. I wish you all best of luck in your pursuit. I’m not quite there yet but I’m loving the journey!

Terry Lee