Remember the photo of an African child with a vulture in the background running rounds in the early 1990s? What about the one depicting the crash of Hindenburg back in 1937?
Two similarities between the distant events are: 1) They were taken by professional photographers, and 2) They are permanently imprinted in the minds of those that have seen them.
Photography might be considered a hobby by many. However, individuals with the right insights and vision can visualize it as a career in photography.
Discover the steps to follow to build a successful career in photography.
Assuming you have a degree in photography and have access to some basic gear, here’s a solid plan of action to establish and maintain a prosperous career in photography.
Create a Broad but Detailed Portfolio and Market It
A portfolio is the best way to market and showcase your photography skills. Without a portfolio, your profile might as well be non-existent to the outside world. Focus on a wide array of genres that you are comfortable with and shoot your best work.
Try to create a diverse profile featuring photos with differences in angles, settings, and events. This will demonstrate expertise through versatility, making your profile more attractive.
However, it is easy to get carried away. Keep the portfolio organized with only focused and best work. Post creating your gallery, create an online presence to market your product.
Today, there are many platforms that are free to use, like Instagram. These applications can help you reach a wider audience.
Undertake Workshops, Training, and Learning Opportunities
Having a degree is certainly going to be useful. However, education and learning should not stop with that. There are an ample number of online and offline courses that offer meaningful learning.
These can be paid or unpaid, the choice is yours. Photography is about perspective, and the main objective behind taking these extra opportunities is discovering new perspectives.
Also Read: Choosing the Right 3D Printer: A Buyer’s Guide
Find a Mentor and Become an Assistant
Working on the first two steps takes you to the point where you can actively search for a mentor. A genuine mentor can cover many aspects of photography that you might be missing.
Beyond their teaching, mentors are actually the best way to find a full-time job. But how do you find a mentor in the first place?
The best strategy to undertake is to contact the mentor through official means. This could be through their official email or mailing address. Keep the mail simple and crisp and let the photos do the talking.
Once you have a mentor and are learning under them, you might receive an opportunity to become either their assistant or someone else’s. Take up this role and receive learning as someone who will be behind the scenes.
Understanding every nuance is the key to building a successful career in photography.
