How to Become a Successful Photographer

Choose the college course that's right for you. You may decide to focus more on digital photography or prefer to work with film techniques. Different courses may have different areas that appeal to you.


During your course take as many pictures as possible even outside your designated work load. Keep your eyes open for any exhibitions of photographers in local art galleries and go and see as many as possible. Figure out which kinds of styles appeal to you.

Once you have achieved your qualification you need to decide what side of photography you want to work in. Does wedding or studio photography appeal to you or would you prefer to work on a magazine or in fashion photography? Once you have decided which area you want to work in you can start researching it on the internet. Find companies that specialise in areas you want to work in then contact these companies for work experience or ask them if you can go and show them your portfolio.

Be prepared to work for nothing or little in the beginning. As a photographer, your most important asset is your portfolio so when you are starting out the most important thing is getting good images for your portfolio to show potential clients or customers. Unfortunately you will probably not make a lot of money in the beginning but you will usually be able to have copies of the photographs you take for your own portfolio.

Go to as many places as possible where the opportunities for great photos may arise. Always have your camera with you, who knows when a fantastic picture may present itself?

Try and get as many people as possible to see your portfolio. Be confident about your work and if you go to an interview make sure you present yourself and your work in a professional and confident manner.

Be inspired. Take inspiration from everything around you - people, buildings, nature etc. Be passionate about what you do. People will respond to you if you are passionate about your work.

Do not turn any opportunities down, as long as they don't compromise your integrity!

Write down your objectives and where you want to go then find out how you can achieve it. What becomes clear in your head becomes easier to achieve!

by Kellie Anne
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