Eddie
I heard that photographers have a low salary. How can they increase the amount of salary that they make?
I want to become a photographer, but I heard that they get a little bit of money. I want to know how can they increase their salary if they want to pursue photography as a career. #salary #digital-photography #photographer
4 answers
David Shopper
David’s Answer
Hi Eddie,
That's a great question. I've been a professional photographer for over 20 years, so I have a pretty good overview of the industry.
I should explain that the kind of photography I do is advertising, so it's pictures that go in print ads in magazines, on company websites, etc. I don't do art photography or weddings - I'm very specialized.
But that's the point - if you want to support a family and a comfortable lifestyle with photography, you have to offer something few others offer - which is basically your visual interpretation of the world. You have to have a visual style of your own that is unique (because you are unique!), so get in touch with how you "see" life and try to crystallize that vision. That may put you in the art world or the commercial world or editorial, etc, but if you're very good, you can write your own check in life. Find your passion and harness it. I have developed a visual style that lends itself to establishing a company's brand (www.davidshopper.com).
That being said, if you want to make money in photography, some amazing photographers have gone amazingly bankrupt. Be a good business person. Learn to communicate effectively, learn about psychology and human history so you can understand the wider implications of your photographs and how they affect people. Learn to organize and run a business, accounting, balancing your checkbook. Learn to work in a team environment. These are things that will set you apart.
Good luck!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Boosting Your Earnings as a Photographer
To thrive as a photographer and elevate your income, you need to blend your artistic prowess, business savvy, networking skills, and commitment. Here are some practical tactics you can adopt to boost your earnings:
1. Find Your Niche: Specializing in a specific area like wedding, fashion, food, or wildlife photography allows you to cater to a specific market, and your specialized expertise could earn you higher rates.
2. Craft an Impressive Portfolio: A compelling portfolio that displays your finest work is key to attracting clients and securing higher pay. Dedicate time to assemble a varied and striking portfolio that showcases your unique skills and style.
3. Hone Your Business Acumen: Beyond artistic flair, photographers need robust business skills to thrive. This entails mastering pricing strategies, marketing tactics, negotiation techniques, and financial management.
4. Promote Yourself: Successful marketing is key to drawing in clients and establishing a prosperous photography business. Leverage social media, build a professional website, attend industry gatherings, and network with potential clients to boost your visibility.
5. Expand Your Services: To enhance your income, think about providing extra services like photo editing, retouching, printing services, or photography workshops. Offering a wider range of services can help you appeal to a larger client base.
6. Keep Learning: Stay abreast of the latest trends in photography techniques, equipment, and software. Continuous learning and development will not only refine your skills but also make you more competitive in the market.
7. Deliver Outstanding Customer Service: Forge strong bonds with clients through top-notch customer service, leading to repeat business and referrals. Happy clients are more likely to recommend you to others, helping you expand your client base.
By applying these tactics and continually refining your artistry and business skills, photographers can boost their earnings and carve out a successful career in the competitive world of photography.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Professional Photographers of America (PPA): PPA is a premier association for professional photographers, offering resources, education, certification programs, and industry insights to help photographers excel in their careers.
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP): ASMP is a society committed to supporting professional photographers by offering advocacy, education, community-building opportunities, and business resources.
Photography Life: Photography Life is a trusted online resource that provides tutorials, gear reviews, tips for photographers of all levels, industry news updates, and insights into various photography genres.
These sources were used to gather information on industry best practices, career development advice for photographers, and strategies for boosting earnings in the field of photography.
GOD BLESS!
JC.
Geoffrey Lennon
Geoffrey’s Answer
Hi Eddie,
Interesting question...I'm not a photographer myself, but wanted to share my thoughts on this.
First, like all professions, income ranges will vary based on a number of factors...so assuming that photographers have a low salary may not be accurate in all instances...something to consider.
As an example, I got married almost two years ago and I can tell you that the photographer we used for our wedding was not cheap...and she was booked solid throughout most of the year...so doing the quick math you can imagine that she does pretty well. She also works out of her apartment, creates her own hours and helps people capture memories from the happiest day of their life (pretty nice gig if you ask me).
Can't speak for 'art' photographers, those who take photographs in hopes of selling them in galleries, etc...imagine that's a bit harder to make a steady living with, but I think there are many opportunities to earn a great living as a photographer.
Lastly, another point to consider...a benefit beyond money...I assume that if you want to be a photographer then you really love photography...think about how great it will be to do something you really love everyday!
Even if you were to make less money than you could elsewhere (doing something you're not wild about perhaps), waking up every morning to 'work' in photography would be worth a whole lot in my opinion : )
Hope that helps...good luck to you!
Thanks,
Geoff
Sadia Khan
Sadia’s Answer
If you pursue a career in photography like journalism, wildlife, art you'll have a steady salary that can be supplemented with free lance jobs like wedding photography/event photography on nights and weekend.
Good Luck!
skt