It takes skill, passion, commitment and undying dedication to be a good photographer. But more often than not, these qualities are hardly sufficient for anyone who wants to make a living out of photography. You have no choice but to have more ‘tricks’ up your sleeve. That is just how challenging commercial photography is. To break even, consider the following points:
Pick a field of expertise
Choose a field that makes your blood run hot. You should not just choose to do weddings because every other photographer your know likes to shoot weddings. Like you will find out, the world of photography has endless possibilities. You can consider wildlife, nature, aerial photography, sports, politics…the list is endless.
Build an archive
It is smart to approach prospective clients only after you have an enviable portfolio. With that in mind, make sure your collections are alluring. That is the only way you can be able to rope clients. You have to show them how skilled and dedicated you are.
Use quality equipment
This one pretty much speaks for itself. You don’t have to invest a lot in the best photography equipment. You can always start small by either borrowing or renting. Then save and before you know it, you will not only have a good camera but also a modern photo studio.
Start getting noticed
Make clients chase you. How so? Market your skill smartly. Involve yourself in exhibitions, market your website and don’t sell yourself short. Sounds funny but most clients don’t take cheap photographers seriously. They tend to think their work is substandard which is why they are cheap.
Learn to compromise
Some clients will give you short notices on demanding projects. In such cases, it is smart to sacrifice a part of your artistic expression and be somehow pragmatic. This does not in any way make you a bad photographer. After all, it is impossible to reach your creative peak with every single shot you take.
