What do I have to do to become a professional photographer?

What does it take to become a professional photographer?

• Even through I have being worked in IT for a few years, the passion for making good photography still deep in my heart. I wish to become a pro photographer In my spare time, I already started shooting and practice photo post processing (using LightRoom). I browsed a lot photoes from Flicker and found many stunning photoes created by other users who own the same gear as I do, but no matter how hard I try, my work will be not in the same level as what they accomplished. I am aware there are certainly a lot I have to learn, I am a quick learner, go out and find an intern or voluntery job will be the fast path to get me there. Even better, it may stop me from going with the wrong route. I have a Computer Science bachelor degree and I am very good at working with computers in general. For photography related, I have all essential knowledge of LightRoom, Photoshop and some colour theory. I own an Nikon entry level DSLR and two lens (one kit lens and one 35mm f1.8 lens). Can someone suggest me a path so I can spend my limited spare time(weekends and evenings) more effective to become a real photographer? Should I upgrade to a more advanced full frame camera like Canon 6D? A 24-104mm lens as well?

• Answer:

  To become a professional photographer, someone who supports himself or herself through selling prints or photoshoots, is remarkably difficult because it requires expertise in both photography and marketing. To be completely honest, it is not that difficult to learn how to operate a DSLR and edit photos with Lightroom or Photoshop. There's a huge gap between knowing how to use a camera and making money with it. With the rise of ubiquitous high-quality cell phone cameras, the demand for professional-level photography is dwindling. This is exacerbated by how people believe that they don't need experienced photographers and think their friend with a DSLR will suffice. This is, frankly a huge mistake. Even a serious hobbyist who really knows his way around a camera might not be sufficiently trained in directing photoshoots and posing people. Portrait/Wedding Photographer At least people still hire pros for vanity photoshoots and important events like weddings. The reason wedding photographers can charge $10000 for one day is because 1) they have invested at least that much money in gear; 2) they have invested years in learning how to spot photogenic moments, pose people, and slip in and out while being relatively unobtrusive; 3) you know they won't screw up. However, what does it take to stand out from other photographers and actually get hired? Marketing. Photographers brand themselves, build up a portfolio to brag about, and then spend the majority of their time begging for gigs. Only the ultra successful can sit around and wait for clients to contact them. Nature Photographer Or... you want to become a nature photographer like for National Geographic sell pictures that you take around the world? That's much, much more difficult. Firstly, the market is much smaller, a handful of publications versus any family who hangs pictures in their house. Similarly, you still still need to break through the crowd of people. Just think about how many tourists travel the world and snap pictures of natural landmarks. Many of them have pro gear and know how to use it well. Then think about how no one ever wants to buy their shots. Heck, often no one wants to see their shots at all. Or people just steal digital copies of them. Pro nature photographers are pros with their expensive gear, sure, but what sets them apart are dedication and perseverance. They chase the most desolate places for the most pristine scenery, they chase odd times of days and years to capture the rarest lighting, they chase the most perilous subjects because no one else will. You hear stories of photogs battling the most terrifying conditions for months at a time just to get one elusive shot. Actual Advice However, if you really want to make it happen, start with this: just shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Study the mechanics of cameras and how to properly use your machine. Study the styles of photographers you admire and decipher what makes it appealing to you. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more, and realize you should be dissatisfied out 99.9% of your shots. Share photos that you're proud of, and people will notice. Perhaps your friends and acquaintances will offer to pay you to take pictures for them, and that's a decent start. I'm pessimistic about turning photography into a profession because it's a marvelous hobby for me, and I want to keep my photography away from being spoiled by external obligations. Thus, I make little effort to sell my photographic services, even though I've inadvertently done some photoshoots just because people know I have a stupidly nice Canon 6D. Still, if you're looking for personal recommendations for gear or training, feel free to message me!