How do I pursue a career in photography?

How to pursue a career in photography?

• I was wondering how you would approach pursuing a career in photography. Could you give me some insight, or perhaps, people who are already professional photographer, stories of how you began your careers? Also, do you need certain requirements to become pro? What are some alternative pathways? Here is some of my work, by the way: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30114374@N08/

• Answer:

  As a full-time professional photographer I can tell you without hesitation that this is perhaps the worst time ever to pursue a career in photography. 1. You must have a lot of talent. Having a few friends and family tell you that you take good photos isn't enough. The raw talent must be there. Either you have it, or you will have to work extra hard to achieve your goals. 2. You MUST consider yourself a business person who does photography, not a "professional photographer." The bankruptcy folks will be at your door if you don't have good business skills, or someone as a partner with those skills. 3. Don't think this is going to be easy. Incredibly good photographers with decades of experience are closing their doors these days. Furthermore, most "professional photographers" (and I use that term very loosely) are doing their photography business as a second source of income. Either they have a spouse who is a primary source of income; or they have a primary job/retirement, and photography is their 2nd income. 4. The economy stinks. Consequently, you have two competing interests at play... - People don't have extra income. (Fewer clients out there). - People want extra income. (more and more people getting into photography for some extra money. Kinda like a lake with a dozen regular fisherman who regularly catch their limit. Now there is 1/3 the amount of fish, and 3 dozen fishermen. You tell me how this story ends. 5. If you do pursue the career, do your family a huge favor and don't borrow to get started. Lots of horror stories there. 6. Look at a place like craigslist. You will see mediocrity, and halfway decent photography. Look at how cheap they are. How can you buy cameras, lenses, computer, $1000-$2000 worth of software, insurance, workshops, etc, and still make a decent living if you are selling 8x10's for $20? 7. If you decide to go pro, the best investment you can make is to join Professional Photographers of America, and then pursue PPA certification. It will give you credibility that most don't have. It is tough, even for working pros with years of experience, but you and your business will be better for it. 8. Also join your local professional photographers guild. Lots of tools and mentors to help you avoid the pitfalls that are around every corner. 9. If you think you may not do well with unhappy clients, and would hate to hassle folks for hot checks, rethink your occupation. If you can't see yourself telling people your 8x10's are $75, don't bother hopping into the pool. 10. Who are your clients going to be? How are you going to reach them? What marketing skills do you bring to the table? Are you willing to spend 20-30 fewer hours a week away your family as you get your business established? 11. People who dabble in their photography business, fail in their photography businesses. You must give it lots of time, attention, and money. Otherwise, the income you get will not be worth the price your family pays. 12. The government will get their pound of flesh. If you have kids, they will need child care. You will probably need to augment your wardrobe. A CPA will likely be in your future. Quickbooks will as well. 13. How are you at sales? Do you know how to handle the most frequently heard objections? What will your policies be regarding fees, late fees, no-show fees, overtime? What will you do when the bride wants one thing and her mother wants something else? What will you do when your equipment fails? (And it isn't "if", it's "when") 14. What happens when (not if) they say they don't like your photos and the customer wants a refund? *Find a mentor!!! College classes will only get you so far. A few community college classes is all the "formal" education you need. ** Learn lighting, exposure, etc before even considering photography as a career. When you think you are ready, turn off the monitor on the back of your camera, and shoot an entire session. No peeking. Only when you are finished are you allowed to see the images. If you can't do that, you have no business calling yourself a professional. You are no more a professional than a guy who got paid $5 to change a tire and now thinks he is a professional mechanic. ©2010 Rick Dalton www.daltonphoto.com