Whether you are hoping to turn your photography hobby into a career or want to start photography for the first time, you need to know how to become a photographer. There is much more to it than grabbing a camera and shooting, but it’s by no means a dream that is out of reach. Keep reading to enjoy CameraWorld’s guide to becoming a photographer. We have covered everything you need to know, from building a starter kit bag to getting your first shoot booking.

How to Become a Professional Photographer

There are a lot of ways to become a professional photographer. For example, you might start by interning at a photography studio or by working as an assistant for an established photographer. You might begin by offering photography services to friends and family or by starting your own business. You might even begin posting photographs online, hoping that someone notices your talent. Whatever route you are taking, there are some key things that you need to do. Below, we have listed the most important steps to becoming a professional photographer.

  • Do Some Work Experience - Regardless of how much time you have spent perfecting your photography skills, nothing beats ‘on the job’ work experience. Work experience provides a unique insight into the ins and outs of working as a professional photographer whilst increasing your knowledge and skills. It’s a fantastic way to increase your industry knowledge, and the experience could make you more employable further down the line. Photography can be a pretty competitive industry, but work experience can help you to stand out from other candidates.
  • Dedicate Time to Learning Photography - Practice is key when it comes to becoming a photographer. There are a lot of photographers out there, and it’s not enough to simply have a passion or talent for the craft. You must dedicate time to learning photography, honing your skills and improving your understanding of various photography techniques. As a photographer, you could be asked to photograph a whole host of subjects using a variety of styles. The more time you have dedicated to learning photography, the better equipped you will be for whatever project comes your way. Plus, a knowledgeable photographer is a confident one, and this will come across on a shoot.
  • Complete a Photography Course - There is a lot to learn in the world of photography, and completing a photography course can make a big difference. There is a range of courses to choose from, both in-person and online, and many focus on specific areas of photography. You will find some that cover the basics, as well as those that focus on specific styles of photography. Not only does completing a photography course help you to develop your key skills, but it also gives you access to a number of knowledgeable professionals. If you have a photography question, your course leader is sure to know the answer.
  • Create a Photography Portfolio - Before beginning the search for a new job, you will surely dedicate a lot of time to creating a perfect CV. It’s there to showcase your skills, experience and industry knowledge. A photography portfolio works in the same way, and it’s a vital part of becoming a photographer. It’s there to showcase your photography skills, techniques, what you are capable of and the type of photography you specialise in. Though you should provide a range of images for people to look at, avoid having too many, as it’s unlikely that someone will look at them all. Choose photographs that you are proud of and those that mean something to you, as well as photographs that highlight your uniqueness as a photographer.
  • Build a Starter Kit Bag - A lot of people make the mistake of assuming that becoming a photographer requires nothing more than a camera, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Though a camera is undoubtedly the essential piece of kit, it’s by no means the only thing that you need. Accessories such as lenses, tripods, cleaning kits, batteries and remote controls are all hugely important. After all, you will struggle to provide a professional photography service if you don’t have anything to clean your lens with or if you don’t have a tripod to ensure a stable shot is captured. The easiest way to keep everything organised, and to ensure you have everything you need, is to build a starter kit bag. As you develop your skills and try new styles of photography, you can add to them.
  • Get Your First Shoot Booking - Once you have the basics of photography sorted and you have everything you need to get started, it’s time to book your first shoot. You could do this by offering your photography services to friends and family; perhaps someone has a wedding coming up, or maybe someone wants family photographs This is an excellent way to build your portfolio and experience having a professional shoot booked. Once you have done the shoot - and you impress them! - you are more likely to be hired by other people.

 

Become a Photographer Using CameraWorld

At CameraWorld, you will find a whole host of cameras and camera accessories to choose from. We know that a lot goes into becoming a photographer, which is why we have curated a varied range that has something for everyone. You can come to CameraWorld for high-quality and impressive cameras, as well as the smaller things that every photography kit needs. There are high-end and luxurious items, as well as those that are budget-friendly. Whatever it is that you need to become a photographer, you will find it at CameraWorld. You can come to us as a ‘one-stop shop’ for all of your photography needs. To find out more, get in touch with our helpful team. Alternatively, browse our product range today and place an order.