Do you know how often I get asked what is needed to be a professional photographer? That the dream of travelling around the world and living it up far outweighs the 9 to 5?
But is it all its cracked up to be? Of course, the answer is no as with anything else at the end of the day it is a job. But it’s not just one job it’s actually several. As soon as you become self-employed you’re not having to be just a photographer. You also have to be a marketing person; an accountant; a social media guru and whatever else you can think of.
Did I mention the hours that you need to put in? That day job will seem like a pushover once you go pro. Why? Because you’ll no longer have access to sick pay; holidays and weekends. They just don’t exist anymore so you need to be prepared to give up many cushy niceties that you currently take for granted.
How about your processing skills? Are they up to scratch? Do you really know Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom to the best of your ability? You need to have a thorough understanding of the what and most importantly why when it comes to these software packages. It’s no good just flicking through Youtube when you get stuck. It’s very much worth the effort and sitting down properly with these two programs and honestly evaluating your skills in each one.
And that’s just the beginning of your journey into the heady road of being a professional landscape and travel photographer.
But do we have fun? Of course we do! But you have to be prepared for what’s ahead of you.
Before you jump into professional photography, take a good look at your current skills. Can you capture stunning images consistently? Remember, just because you can take pictures at weekends etc it doesn’t mean you are ready for the competitive market. Think of photography as a craft that requires practice, not just luck or a good camera.
In the 21st century photography is now more accessible than ever and the barrier to entry is lower for learning how to actually take images. In the past, film photographers had to think carefully before capturing a photo as film was a precious commodity.
But this isn’t to say that earning from your photography is easy. It isn’t because in some sectors the flood of images has, in some cases, diminished what people will pay.
Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s also about understanding the art and science behind it. Do you know about composition, lighting, and editing? Spend time learning about the technical and creative aspects of photography. For example, improving your skills in software like Adobe Photoshop can elevate your work. Regularly assess your progress and fill in any gaps in your knowledge.
It’s important to understand that understand that you will never truly master the art of photography. Instead, think of it as a constant learning curve and face new challenges head-on to keep things interesting.
Who will buy your landscape or travel photos? Understanding your target market is essential. Research potential buyers, whether they are businesses, individuals, or organizations. Explore different avenues to earn money from photography, such as stock photography, selling prints, or offering classes. Make sure you have a clear idea of where your income will come from.
If you talk to any professional photographer you’ll quickly find out that they have multiple income streams. This is to ensure that if one starts failing then hopefully the others can help fill the gap.
Before leaving your full-time job, ensure you have a financial cushion. Many new landscape and travel photographers go full-on into this believing that they are the bee’s knees and all will be great. It’s important to understand that this takes time, a lot of time. Consider starting part-time to ease into the transition from regular employment. This way, you can gradually build your business without financial stress. Ensure you have enough savings to cover your living expenses during this period. Ideally, you want a cushion of around a year’s worth of your regular job’s wages to ensure a steady transition.
While having good camera gear is helpful, it’s not the only factor in taking great photos. You don’t need the latest and most expensive camera right away. Start with what you have and focus on learning how to use it effectively. Many successful landscape and travel photographers began with basic models. Good images can come from less expensive gear if you understand how to control it.
To give you an example. My first digital SLR was a Canon 350D with 8 megapixels. In this day and age, people would scoff at such a low megapixel count but the images taken with that camera still sell nearly 20 years after taking them.
As you start networking, you may be offered opportunities to showcase your work for free. Decide very carefully if this is worth your time. If others can profit from your work, then you should be compensated as well. Giving away your work can diminish its value, so be cautious and ensure you’re making smart choices about what to offer for free.
Transitioning to a full-time professional landscape or travel photographer means treating it as serious work. Understand that you‘re going to be working long hours, and weekends and that vacations can become scarce. Be prepared to juggle multiple roles: not only as a photographer but also as an accountant, marketer, and social media manager. The reality is that you may spend more time managing your business than actually taking photos.
In today’s digital age, having a professional photography website is crucial. Your website is your shop window to the world. Invest in a good domain name and create a site that effectively showcases your work. Don’t rely on free platforms like Flickr or 500px alone. Learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to make your site discoverable. A strong online presence increases your chances of attracting clients.
Your portfolio is your calling card. It’s essential to have a well-organized selection of your best work to show potential clients. If you approach someone and can’t demonstrate what you can do, they might not take you seriously. Invest time in curating a portfolio that reflects your skills and style.
Landscape and travel photography often involves working with a diverse range of people from different countries and also cultures. Whether you’re collaborating with clients or interacting with subjects, good communication is key. Familiarize yourself with different cultures and languages to build rapport with clients from various backgrounds. This understanding can set you apart from others in your field.
Personally, aside from my native English language I speak French, a little Italian, a smattering of Uzbek and in between travels, I’m brushing up on my Vietnamese. This might all sound impossible but believe me it helps when you are traveling to a number of countries.
Making the leap from the day job to professional photography requires careful consideration and preparation. By assessing your skills, understanding your market, and treating your photography as a serious business, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, this journey takes time, dedication, and hard work. If you’re ready to invest in your passion, the rewards can be incredible.
