Professional Photographer

mike3767 · Dec 31, 2010

I would like to set a goal of one day being a professional photographer. In your opinion, can this be a trait that can be learned or is this a gift you get like being an artist. If you think it's a learned trait, what classes to do recommend besides the beginners that you could take and be effective. One thought I had is to ask a local photographer to shadow them but after thinking about it, I might get some resistance because I could potentially be competition. I don't have a timeline and I know it won't happen in a year but eventually I'd love to do it.

fokker · Dec 31, 2010

Just shoot tons, every chance you get. Figure out what you like and find a way to make money taking shots of it. If you're any good, you'll get work. If not, keep practising and you will get good enough. The most important thing is business sense - being a professional photographer doesn't necesarily mean you have to be amazing at it, you just gotta keep the people with the money happy.

Bram · Dec 31, 2010

Join the club, we've got jackets.

RauschPhotography · Dec 31, 2010

Come spring, try landing an internship at a local photography studio. Not only will you be able to help out and maybe participate in their photo shoots, but you'll learn a lot of information--the possibility of being hired afterward is also a plus.

Gruen Photo 7 Design · Dec 31, 2010

gifted & lucky are very similar in that these labels are almost always affixed to those who are driven to learn & practice.

on the shadowing part, a healthy relationship with potential competitors is a good thing - referrals for booked dates, emergency back up, constructive criticism...