Getting Started - A career in Photography
Ben is an A level photography student who left a question on my blog about getting started in photography. I am frequently asked this question so I thought it would be useful to post my comments here.
Most photographers like myself are one man bands and may employ one or two others, usually part time. So to get any employment with a studio is extremely difficult. However there are nationwide companies like Venture who employ a lot staff and always have vacancies. In fact there are local branches in Reading, Twyford, Marlow and Eton. So there are possibilities here.
Venture are also very committed to training and qualifications so this would be an excellent career start.
If you do not wish to pursue this route then the answer is to be self employed. The problem here is that there are many more doing this compared to when I started in the mid eighties.
This is mainly the result of the digital revolution (making it much cheaper to start up) and the internet. Anyone now can set up a website and use images from seminars and courses they attended. Basically there are no barriers to entry and qualifications and diplomas are not necessary. There is an abundance of excellent courses and seminars to help on the technical and artistic side. However at the end of the day we need to earn money, make a profit consistently over the years. It is all very well taking great photos but if your marketing and selling isn't right then you won't survive.
In summary I would recommend the following -
* decide which area of photography you want to pursue ie weddings, portraits, fashion, editorial, commercial etc... or perhaps a few of these.
* decide whether you wish to be employed or self employed.
* study and look at good photography. Constantly practise new ideas and techniques. You can use friends and family to help. As you do this opportunities may arise, people talk, the word spreads.
* if you wish to be self employed then learn and study business practise and marketing first and foremost. There are many evening classes and part time courses offering this.
* if you are self employed decide on your USP (Unique Selling Point). Why should a client choose you over the 50 others in your area ? I cannot emphasise this point enough.
* be different. This really follows on from the point above. Do not follow the crowd.
* be prepared for set backs but be focused and forward thinking.
I hope this has been useful and I haven't disillusioned you too much. Photography can offer you an excellent and satisfying career. However it is not easy and be prepared for setbacks. With the right amount of hard work and determination (and a little luck) you can do it.
Most photographers like myself are one man bands and may employ one or two others, usually part time. So to get any employment with a studio is extremely difficult. However there are nationwide companies like Venture who employ a lot staff and always have vacancies. In fact there are local branches in Reading, Twyford, Marlow and Eton. So there are possibilities here.
Venture are also very committed to training and qualifications so this would be an excellent career start.
If you do not wish to pursue this route then the answer is to be self employed. The problem here is that there are many more doing this compared to when I started in the mid eighties.
This is mainly the result of the digital revolution (making it much cheaper to start up) and the internet. Anyone now can set up a website and use images from seminars and courses they attended. Basically there are no barriers to entry and qualifications and diplomas are not necessary. There is an abundance of excellent courses and seminars to help on the technical and artistic side. However at the end of the day we need to earn money, make a profit consistently over the years. It is all very well taking great photos but if your marketing and selling isn't right then you won't survive.
In summary I would recommend the following -
* decide which area of photography you want to pursue ie weddings, portraits, fashion, editorial, commercial etc... or perhaps a few of these.
* decide whether you wish to be employed or self employed.
* study and look at good photography. Constantly practise new ideas and techniques. You can use friends and family to help. As you do this opportunities may arise, people talk, the word spreads.
* if you wish to be self employed then learn and study business practise and marketing first and foremost. There are many evening classes and part time courses offering this.
* if you are self employed decide on your USP (Unique Selling Point). Why should a client choose you over the 50 others in your area ? I cannot emphasise this point enough.
* be different. This really follows on from the point above. Do not follow the crowd.
* be prepared for set backs but be focused and forward thinking.
I hope this has been useful and I haven't disillusioned you too much. Photography can offer you an excellent and satisfying career. However it is not easy and be prepared for setbacks. With the right amount of hard work and determination (and a little luck) you can do it.
posted by Neil Palmer Photography at
10:42
1 Comments:
Cheers for the info on getting started, it helped a lot, I think I will approach that company when I'm nearing the end of my course. My parents want a photograph of my and by brother since it is our 18th and 21st coming up soon so I think we'll be paying you a visit sometime soon. I have just finished my website, it has some of my photographs posted on it. If your interested its www.bc-designs.co.uk
Thanks again for the info, take care, Ben
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