How to Get Started in the Business

By MindStudio posted 29/02/08

Everyone says that photography is a competitive business and they're right, but this doesn't mean that you can't be successful in this tough business.

You've got to build a strong, diverse set of skills and make plenty of sacrifices too. You've got to master the new technical, creative, IT, business and personal skills that are essential. A simple trick is to say "I am a photographer" not "I want to be a photographer", when you are getting started it will give you the strength and self belief that you can make it. It is also important to be persistent and tenacious; there are so many people trying to break into this industry and if you give up after each rejection or "dud" lead then you really have no chance. You will need to quickly develop a thick skin and learn not to take anything personally. You may put a lot of time and energy into making an opportunity happen or following up a lead only for it to come to nothing. Take stock of why this happened then quickly move on, it will pay off eventually. Sometimes it can seem like a constant uphill struggle but the feeling you get when you do get that break makes it all worthwhile.

It's crucial to have the right mental attitude. You have got to be so determined to make it that you must immerse yourself in your craft. So it's down to you to build up your knowledge. There's plenty of information out there that will help. Magazines will build up your technical skills and give you a wider understanding of the most up to date techniques and equipment. Galleries are essential, whatever the medium you can get ideas on composition, framing, subject form and so on. Many galleries these days are free so there's no excuse. Trade associations can also be a valuable resource and can put you in touch with other photographers to share experiences be generally geeky (and that's a good thing). Get involved with photography whenever you can, you just never know who you might meet along the way.

But the most important thing is to go out there and take photos. I hear all the time "I don't know what to take pictures of". Everything around your home is a potential subject and everything outside is too! If you follow the weekly topics on Picture This you'll have plenty of ideas. But don't use old images, always create new ones. And if you like a particular topic, run with it. Build up a series of images that explore the theme. Over the coming weeks, days and months you'll be steadily building up your portfolio. Create images around subjects that you have never explored before, push yourself and go beyond your comfort zone. If you are mainly a portrait photographer then get out there and shoot landscapes. Really challenge yourself, try different things and be prepared for things to not always work. Its an old adage but learning from your mistakes really is the best way to progress.

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  • Buddyicon

    hunthobart said...

    hi, wot do you do with your photos once you have built up your portfolio ?

    Posted on 09/03/2008 19:18

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  • 22722461@N07

    nigal goodship said...

    cant agree more,im stuch in the house all the time at the moment and i find plenty to photograph.for me its about technology.so im goingto try and get on to a A level course..i need gcses which i dont have so its all on the strength of my portfolio..if they let me on i know ive got potental,if not,i carry on learning until i get gcses or a strong set of prints. i belive thats the photgreph will sell,it will sell on its own.but the problen now is the photography has grow and developed in to an industry almost supasing painting. magazines news papers were only the start.art isnt only now for the rich and educated,with prints postcards and posters the masses can own a part of history,this is a good thing. commercialisation has changed the prfession but as in music from new york in the early/middle seventys history will repeat its self.the new reveloution of art is here and were part of it..photography.

    Posted on 22/03/2008 10:37

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  • 8715185@N04

    Gasman295 said...

    You don't need GCSE's to gain a City & Guilds qualification . I have only CSE's and passed my level 2 C&G with distinctions.Try your local Adult Education department at the council they will have some info about courses.

    Posted on 20/06/2008 21:41

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