how many years would it take to be a good photographer? How much money can i earn?
I am a shy person and I express myself in photos. Because I really like photography so I am curious. #creativity #photographer #imagination
5 answers
Amanda Greathouse CSP, TSC
Amanda’s Answer
Displaying your work on Facebook and social media is a great way to get started and to advertise your skills.
I've been shooting photography and videography since 2009 and for me It was easy because it was my passion. During High School I took every opportunity given to me to shoot Video or take photos. This meant shooting school events, helping peers out with projects, Creating projects, and shooting all the sports teams for our high school football program. I was honestly a little shy at first but once I realized that photography was something I was good at and people recognized it I gained a lot of confidence....
Sarah
After I graduated in 2012 I was known enough for doing photo and video that my principle hired me to shoot her wedding. I only ended up getting paid $500 but that's not bad for my first wedding. from there her husband hired me to shoot videos and photos at his summer camps held at Stanford College. I got paid $500 per week and $250 per video I made. Currently I Shoot weddings full time which is definitely one of the best ways to make money as a photographer or videographer. I'm Mostly doing assisting which for me pays $250-$400 per gig.Though, Once you get going as a main Photographer you can charge up in the thousands...
Sarah
My advice for you would be to take every opportunity to practice, especially if you're still in school. Finally, If you want to be successful you are going to have to make your way out of that shell. If you want to make money as a photographer you are going to have to know how to direct people and speak up- not right away but its something to shoot towards. Work on your craft, have fun with it, and no matter what don't let what anyone says slow you down-There's no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs!
If you need anymore tips you can contact me through my website http://www.truexproductions.com/
Sarah
I started well over 20 years ago as an avid photographer with an emphasis in Fine Arts doing nature and landscapes. After leaving the corporate world, I decided it was time to pursue my passion for this art as a career. I've done a couple of gallery shows where I sold some of my pieces but decided that if I was going to do this professionally, this was not the avenue at this time. I reconnected with some of my contacts from my corporate days and began shooting events for them. From there some of the doors began to open but some of the opportunities were doing what I had limited experience doing; portraits and headshots. This past season I contracted with a local company to help them do school portraits. It is amazing what can be learned from an experience such as this.
Todd
This art is one that I consider to be continuous education if this is the path you have chosen. Many of the genres that you may choose to photograph will change over time and if you want to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive you need to be willing to learn and grow with it. An example would be in real estate photography. In the past, agents would accept just photographs but into today's market, video has become part of the package along with the newest trend, photography using drones. If you are a photographer who only shoot stills, the industry changes would end up passing you by.
Todd
To answer your question, the amount of time it would take to become a good photographer is very open ended so I will be straightforward with my answer. Good in such a way where the pictures you post are liked by many or good where your work and your skills earn you a living? If you are referring to the latter, the best way is to continue to educate yourself in this field, if at all possible, find a way to work with those who are doing this as a profession. I will tell you first hand that depending on the market where you live, it could be very competitive. According to a comment made by Sarah, yes there is good money in wedding photography. And yes the good ones do make several thousand per event as I have a few as friends who do but this genre of photography is not for everyone.
Todd
Just remember that everyone starts at the same place and works up from there. I would like to share with you a final comment and that is if you are working as a photographer doing any type of shoot where you will be in front of the public eye, you will definitely have to overcome being shy. Your clients will look to you for direction in order to help them achieve the result they hired you to do.
I hope this helps to answer your question or at least give you some insight into this industry. If I can be of any further help, I've attached my URL to my website just below. Good luck and remember that there is nothing better than being able to have a career that you share the same passion for.
http://www.toddquan.photography
Todd
Get a decent camera, with a couple of interchangeable lenses, learn the technical basics and shoot and edit thousands of pictures. The real art is seeing the shot and then composing it in an interesting way that causes the viewer, without need for explanation, to go wow.
As for the money, it's a tough business because lots of people have cameras now and unless you're really lucky, it can take time to make money. Patience and stay with it - and get over your shyness or you will be limited to what kind of work you can do.
Joel
First. Figure out what kind of photography you like to do. Still life? Editorial, portraits, events or sports. Then spend your time perfecting your style. Once you have the style down and are secure with how you are shooting. Create a website and portfolio that reflects your specialty. If you are interested in Fashion. Create a series of fashion photos and present them to an editor. Remember that fashion is the most competitive kind of photo-work. Keep reaching out to editors and Art Directors to view your work. Always keep knocking on doors.
Eric
To see which agency is acquiring new campaigns. Weddings are rewarding but you will be working 15 hour days for little money because of how competitive the business is. I have a friend who is in a small community. They started by reaching out to friends, neighbors and family members to shoot things for them. If you are good the business will start to snowball. NEVER GIVE YOUR WORK AWAY. Always charge something. By giving your photography work away for free, it destroys the opportunity for a professional to earn a living.
Eric
Eula’s Answer
With photography, you are telling s story. With a good technique ( 9 frames) you demonstrate your skill.With a specific subject, you capture an audience.
Find out what story you love telling: people, mountains, cities, nature, sea, trees, animals, technology, architecture, ... Basically what you are most interested in.
Look up Ansel Adams, he was basically an artist's unknown artist, he simply followed his heart and what he found as beautiful.
His photographs are today worth millions of dollars.
David’s Answer
Just get out and shoot everyday, for at least an hour. Than look for themes and variations on themes. Find photographers with similar interests and follow them.
Shateera’s Answer
Taking pictures everyday will help you improve you skills in being a experience photography. You can also volunteer or take a lot of internships will help you to gain you experience in the field. When you take these lovely pictures, I wouldn't really recommend social media but if that the only way you feel comfortable is by showing it online then you can create an website and share that link on any social media that you like. But I would recommend that you display your work in a small art show so that everyone can see you work.
Joslynn’s Answer
Im currently a student at the College for Creative Studies, I've been there for five years studying photography and not going to lie to you it is a hard field to get into and make it to the top. However, it is also one of the most powerful arts you can associate your self with. There really is no amount of time to say how long it would take to become a good photographer, but the best advise I can give is just practice, every day. Even a photo a day will help advance your skills. Making money from the art also depends. Are you just selling your own work that you make your self? If so that price depends on you and how you market your self. But if you go to school and major in photography or take photography classes then you sign up for internships to get experience and then you start at low paying jobs to build more experience and then you slowly make your way to the top to earn the big bucks. Shooting for weddings and senior portraits are usually the high paying jobs! Hope I helped