2 answers
Nick
Student
Grafton, Ohio
5
Questions
Asked
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how hard is it to kickstart a photography career?
#photography #career
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2 answers
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
114
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Nick,
You have several questions about starting a career in photography. I'll answer both.
Photography, or any career in the arts, requires passion for the art you are interested in. If you're not passionate about your art, it's unlikely you will be successful. A career in any of the arts is not an easy path to follow, but it can be rewarding financially and emotionally.
You do not mention which genre of photography interests you, so I will give you a generic answers. I am going to assume you are interested in becoming a professional photographer.
First; you have to have a camera body and several lenses and know how to use them to be able to produce images that someone will pay for.
Second; I strongly recommend getting a college degree so you can support yourself as you build your photo business. A liberal arts degree is adequate.
Third: You will need a website to feature your very best work in the genre that you want to work in. Your website is your portfolio. Do not show any images that are not great.
Fourth; Hustle, hustle, hustle looking for clients and work. 80% of your time should be marketing yourself as a photographer and 20% of your time will be actually taking pics.
How successful you are and how much money you make will depend entirely on you.
You have several questions about starting a career in photography. I'll answer both.
Photography, or any career in the arts, requires passion for the art you are interested in. If you're not passionate about your art, it's unlikely you will be successful. A career in any of the arts is not an easy path to follow, but it can be rewarding financially and emotionally.
You do not mention which genre of photography interests you, so I will give you a generic answers. I am going to assume you are interested in becoming a professional photographer.
First; you have to have a camera body and several lenses and know how to use them to be able to produce images that someone will pay for.
Second; I strongly recommend getting a college degree so you can support yourself as you build your photo business. A liberal arts degree is adequate.
Third: You will need a website to feature your very best work in the genre that you want to work in. Your website is your portfolio. Do not show any images that are not great.
Fourth; Hustle, hustle, hustle looking for clients and work. 80% of your time should be marketing yourself as a photographer and 20% of your time will be actually taking pics.
How successful you are and how much money you make will depend entirely on you.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hello Nick:
Thank you for your question. Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images that tell a story or record an event. I found an awesome article that you may find helpful. Best of luck to you.
https://www.photoworkout.com/getting-into-photography/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm#tab-4
Thank you for your question. Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images that tell a story or record an event. I found an awesome article that you may find helpful. Best of luck to you.
Sheila recommends the following next steps: