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how would start a photographer career ?
i am in 10th grade wondering how to start a photographer career and im interested on how it all works
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John’s Answer
The biggest thing that will make or break you in photography is your social skills. No one cares about your gear or how good you really are or aren't. What people pay you for is to enjoy being photographed by you. If you can make people LOVE to be photographed by you, then you can become a huge success with a camera. Read How to Win Friends and Influence People. Dated, sure, but so much of it will remain as true as it ever was. Tons of books out there about getting people to like you. Start reading and apply the teachings.
All the technical stuff you can watch videos about on YouTube. Pick a camera, pick a software, someone will have a video to educate you on how to to use it. Practice, practice, practice, practice. Whatever camera you have, be it cellphone, DSLR, or something else, put it to constant use. Photography friends, family, make little scenes that are funny. Anything to mess around with your gear and learn something new about it. The controls and basics on cameras is the same no matter what camera you use. The knowledge will stay with you no matter where you first learn it.
Find a local photographer to job shadow. Watch, see what they do. See what you think you could do better. Learn, grow, and always play around, especially with photography. $1.00 junk items can make for amazing filters.
All the technical stuff you can watch videos about on YouTube. Pick a camera, pick a software, someone will have a video to educate you on how to to use it. Practice, practice, practice, practice. Whatever camera you have, be it cellphone, DSLR, or something else, put it to constant use. Photography friends, family, make little scenes that are funny. Anything to mess around with your gear and learn something new about it. The controls and basics on cameras is the same no matter what camera you use. The knowledge will stay with you no matter where you first learn it.
Find a local photographer to job shadow. Watch, see what they do. See what you think you could do better. Learn, grow, and always play around, especially with photography. $1.00 junk items can make for amazing filters.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Ayden! Love this!
There are so many options here so I tend to lean towards identifying what elements of photography do you enjoy the most? For me, I don't love portrait photography, I prefer being out in nature so I had to look for opportunities that worked for this particular interest. Some photographers will do the side they don't love as much given it's easier to get people to pay for portraits than it is to convince trees to pay :) and then they will do their fun photos on the side. There is also a whole world with social media, TikTok, Instagram, and I am sure you know even more channels than my old brain does! Get yourself out there, put your work out there, you and your photos will continue to develop with time.
I'd mostly encourage you to stay true to what brings you joy when you are taking photos, whatever you use to do it, and whatever you choose to photograph. One of my best selling images was taken on my iphone, granted 99% of my shooting is done with my big proper camera, but I think we set our own limitations and if you allow creativity to take over when you find an obstacle, you'll get really good at moving around them creatively!
Wishing you so much luck with this if you decide to pursue it!
There are so many options here so I tend to lean towards identifying what elements of photography do you enjoy the most? For me, I don't love portrait photography, I prefer being out in nature so I had to look for opportunities that worked for this particular interest. Some photographers will do the side they don't love as much given it's easier to get people to pay for portraits than it is to convince trees to pay :) and then they will do their fun photos on the side. There is also a whole world with social media, TikTok, Instagram, and I am sure you know even more channels than my old brain does! Get yourself out there, put your work out there, you and your photos will continue to develop with time.
I'd mostly encourage you to stay true to what brings you joy when you are taking photos, whatever you use to do it, and whatever you choose to photograph. One of my best selling images was taken on my iphone, granted 99% of my shooting is done with my big proper camera, but I think we set our own limitations and if you allow creativity to take over when you find an obstacle, you'll get really good at moving around them creatively!
Wishing you so much luck with this if you decide to pursue it!
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Ayden.
I love the Berkshires. Okay, enough of that.
You are going to have to learn how to use a camera with interchangeable lenses. I realize the camera in your phone produces very good images, but it is very limited as to what you can do. I suggest you look for a used camera and lens to begin. There are many books that explain how a camera works and how to use the camera to capture the images you see. Your library could be a good resource for you. Look at the work of professional photographers and see what they get paid to shoot. This will give you an idea of the various genres of photography as well as the quality of work that sells. Educate yourself about art and photography.
Shoot a lot! Critique your images! Why does it work, why it doesn't work. Shoot for your school yearbook. Join a photography club. If your school offers a photography class, take it. If your community offers community education classes in photography, take a class.
I recommend getting a college degree in liberal arts. Education opens your mind to opportunity.
In photography, you either get a regular job as a photographer or you freelance. If you freelance, you have to spend a lot of your time finding clients. You will need a website to act as a portfolio of your work. Then, through your marketing efforts, you drive future clients to your site.
Establishing a career in the arts is tough, but if that's your passion, it will be worth it. Good luck!
I love the Berkshires. Okay, enough of that.
You are going to have to learn how to use a camera with interchangeable lenses. I realize the camera in your phone produces very good images, but it is very limited as to what you can do. I suggest you look for a used camera and lens to begin. There are many books that explain how a camera works and how to use the camera to capture the images you see. Your library could be a good resource for you. Look at the work of professional photographers and see what they get paid to shoot. This will give you an idea of the various genres of photography as well as the quality of work that sells. Educate yourself about art and photography.
Shoot a lot! Critique your images! Why does it work, why it doesn't work. Shoot for your school yearbook. Join a photography club. If your school offers a photography class, take it. If your community offers community education classes in photography, take a class.
I recommend getting a college degree in liberal arts. Education opens your mind to opportunity.
In photography, you either get a regular job as a photographer or you freelance. If you freelance, you have to spend a lot of your time finding clients. You will need a website to act as a portfolio of your work. Then, through your marketing efforts, you drive future clients to your site.
Establishing a career in the arts is tough, but if that's your passion, it will be worth it. Good luck!
Updated
Alexa’s Answer
You could find a college that offers a
major in photography, or even take classes in photography. It’s a great idea to start a Instagram page marketing your work in the meantime. A lot of people I know have stared off that way. FYI weddings, engagement photos, baby photos are a HUGE hit!
major in photography, or even take classes in photography. It’s a great idea to start a Instagram page marketing your work in the meantime. A lot of people I know have stared off that way. FYI weddings, engagement photos, baby photos are a HUGE hit!