James Metcalfe
For some out there, photography represents the perfect blend of careerism and living off your passions. However, this perception can actually be harmful to some when they dive into this volatile world and quickly find themselves becoming buried by it. Below are the 8 most valuable tips as chosen by experts to aid and assist those hoping to break into this increasingly appealing market.
#1 Avoid Debt
It's too tempting to max out your credit card for a new stash of camera gear. Unfortunately, this mistake is too common, where the freelance photographer cripples him/herself with debt before landing the first client. Dig the hole too deep and you will never go out of it.
Modern cameras are so good that there's no need to chase the greatest and latest. Better yet, buy used as equipment depreciates quickly.
Contributor: Jimmy Chan from pixelicious.ca
#2 20% Photography, 80% Business
The brutal truth is that a photography business is 20% photography and 80% business. Your chances of succeeding depend on your ability to continuously attract and retain clients. That's the life of any freelancer, really. Business skills are therefore essential so don't neglect the importance of accounting and marketing. If you lack in certain areas, consider getting further education or even a coach to help you out.
Contributor: Jimmy Chan from pixelicious.ca
#3 Networking
Young photographers look at peers as competitors, big mistake. The opportunities are endless and one photographer just can't do everything. There will be times when we are booked for that day, but in a perfect position to refer a friend to a client. A strong network of photographers will open up doors like you have never imagined.
Contributor: Jimmy Chan from pixelicious.ca
#4 Simple Backgrounds
Make sure your background is free of clutter and distractions. It is much easier to move your camera position or move something in the background out of the way than to try to remove a distracting element later in Photoshop.
Contributor: Fran Dickenson from frandickenson.com
#5 Avoid Camera Shake
Make sure you properly hold your camera, with arms held against your body and elbows in to make sure your camera doesn’t shake when you press the button, leading to a blurry image. If you do not have a tripod, brace yourself by leaning on a wall or solid object.
Contributor: Fran Dickenson from frandickenson.com
#6 The Golden Hour
An hour before sunset gives a golden glow to your images and creates beautiful skin tones. Place your subject between you and the sun for some stunning backlighting. You can also find some beautiful light right after sunrise.
Contributor: Fran Dickenson from frandickenson.com
#7 Find And Live Your Passion
Find YOUR passion, it doesn't matter if it is people, landscapes, butterflies, flowers or buildings. Find what you love to photograph and that will show in your images.
Experiment, try different angles, lighting, and camera settings.
Contributor: S.J. Brown from sjbrown.50megs.com
#8 Nothing Is Ever Trivial
Take photos of anything that catches your eye. Don’t ever let yourself think that something is trivial and not worth photographing. The most unexpected and unusual photographs make the largest impact on viewers.
Contributor: Caleb Backe from mapleholistics.com
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