Why Get Into a Photography Career?
Before I made up my mind that I was going to build and focus on my photography business, the first thing I had to do was ask myself; Why do I want to be a photographer?
I grew up in a family that encouraged me to express myself through art. So, it’s no surprise that photography became my creative outlet. In fact, it’s not just an outlet—it’s something I actually love doing.
Nevertheless, there are also practical reasons why getting into a career in photography is so rewarding:
- A career in photography allows you to see the world through different eyes. You get to spend your days meeting new people, making friends from strangers, documenting stories and legacies, exploring new places and learning about different cultures.
- It also gives you the opportunity to see what life looks like from someone else’s perspective, which can be incredibly inspiring.
- You’ll never run out of inspiration for your work as a photographer because there are always new ideas floating around in our heads (especially if you’re constantly exposing ourselves to the right content and training).
Photography Niche
There are many different kinds of photography you can do, but they all fall into two main categories: commercial photography and fine art photography.
1. Commercial photography
This involves taking pictures for clients who want their themselves, products or services taken and displayed in a certain way (like a portrait, wedding or event). It has less artistic freedom.
2. Fine art photography
This is more about capturing your unique vision—whether it’s an abstract piece or something more literal like a landscape.
Commercial photography is great for businesses who want to get their name out there and make people aware of what they do. It’s also good for those who have no idea how to put together a portfolio yet but want to get started with this kind of work anyway. This is because it doesn’t require much skill. In the act of providing images of clients and for clients, you are introduced into a world of service.
Fine art photography on the other hand takes time and skill. However, if you’re passionate about what you’re doing and have a combined set of skills, then it could be worth pursuing as a main or side hustle.
Ultimately, if you’re anything like me, you can be a blend of both and still kill it!
Basic Job Description of a Photographer
The basic job description of a photographer is to take pictures. A photographer is someone who can use their camera lenses, lights, tripods and other equipment to take great photos.
A photographer’s responsibilities include:
1. Taking Pictures
Taking pictures is the most important responsibility of a photographer. The photographer must be able to take good quality photographs that are interesting and appealing to the viewer.
This is done by preparing carefully for a shoot and by taking into account all relevant factors such as the lighting conditions, composition, subject and background of the subject.
2. Editing pictures
In addition to taking pictures, they should be able to edit the photos so that they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also effective at conveying the message needed for their intended audience or clients.
3. Effective communication
A photographer must have excellent communication skills. Are you surprised?!.
They must be able to convey information about their work without confusing or alienating potential clients.
A good photographer will also be able to make sure that their clients feel comfortable working with them by listening attentively and being responsive when needed.
This is where the both mindsets meet… A good photographer needs to communicate efficiently from its preparation to serve a client, take the photos, and effectively share the finished products with his/her audience or clients.
A good product (Photo) badly communicated can result to a bad photo. Simply because of bad service rendered, a photographer’s output can lead to an unexpected disappointment that will not only hinder a progression of the service, but create a dissatisfied client.
Authors Photography Hack
Preparing for Shoots
Before going on a shoot, photographers need to get themselves ready with all necessary equipment so that they don’t get confused during shoots.
They also need to check if there are any photographers who have already taken photographs in that area or with that pattern so that they can match up their style with theirs.
Matching Styles
Photographers should know what competition landscape is all about when they are out doing their own shoots. This will help them create signature styles that will stand out from other photographers who may be using similar images as theirs but in different ways.
The Bottomline
Amidst everything stated earlier, it is important to know that; Photography is a creative job but also a service job. It’s the intersection of both, and it’s what makes photography so much fun!
So, if you’re still trying to find out what this job entails, here’s the perfect place to start!