Nine things you need to know about becoming a professional photographer

With free online tutorials, affordable entry-level cameras, and accessible editing software, transitioning from hobbyist to professional photographer is easier than ever.

With enough patience and hard work, you can learn the basics and gradually build a professional skill set. Additionally, reaching a global audience and paying clients is more straightforward, thanks to active photography communities and social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. 

Breaking into today’s professional photography scene does come with its own challenges, however. Overcoming them requires dedication, a willingness to evolve, and being savvy to the business side of the craft. Nevertheless, there are some things that even your mentors will forget to tell you. To help you prepare, here are some unexpected roadblocks that you’ll find on your journey to becoming a professional photographer.

1) Gear isn’t everything – but it still matters

In the age of powerful yet affordable cameras, the kit that got you started might not be enough, especially when you’re working with clients with extremely specific needs. You might also find that you have to invest in some expensive gear, not because it’s absolutely necessary but because it helps reassure potential customers when they see that you have pro-level equipment.

Fortunately, while you’ll eventually be compelled to invest in a range of lenses and lighting setups, you can rent whatever you need in the meantime. If you’re in Greater London, you can search “rent camera London” online and try out a near-limitless assortment of modern and vintage gear to cover any genre or technical challenge.

2) You’ll spend more time marketing than taking photos

Many aspiring photographers dream of spending their days shooting perfectly composed portraits and venturing to exotic locations. However, one of the biggest surprises for newcomers is how much of their time will be dedicated to marketing themselves. More than taking pictures, building a portfolio, managing social media accounts, and reaching out to potential clients can take up most of your workday. For better or worse, to make a living with your camera, you need to be good at marketing tasks.

3) Photography is only half the job – editing is the other half

Many beginners don’t realise how much time professional photographers spend on post-production. Mastering software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop is essential as clients often prefer flawless images over whatever the truth lies in front of the lens.

4) You need to know how to handle difficult clients

Not every client will be easy to work with, and learning how to manage often-capricious client expectations is a vital skill for any professional photographer. From vague briefs to last-minute changes, you’ll need a lot of patience to make photography a viable long-term career.

5) It’s a physically demanding job

Professional shoots can be surprisingly demanding – kneeling to get the perfect angle, standing for hours during an event, and carrying heavy gear from one location to another all get old very fast and get more strenuous when you’re out in the elements. So, if you plan on doing certain genres like nature photography, you’re practically obligated to build your fitness levels so you can take better shots.

6) You’ll need to embrace continuous evolution

Photography is an ever-evolving industry, with new disruptive technologies constantly emerging. You’ll need to be committed to continuous learning and unlearning to meet the fickle demands of your clientele.

7) Building a portfolio takes time – and patience

Building a diverse and professional-looking portfolio doesn’t happen overnight. To showcase your versatility and creativity, you’ll likely need to “pay your dues,” so to speak, by taking on a variety of projects.

Unfortunately, many of these jobs may be unpaid or are offered by clients with values opposite to your own. Regardless, taking these will be necessary to build a body of work – hopefully one that will draw the kinds of clients you want.

8) Professional photography is a business – learn the basics

Being intimate with photography as a business is what separates the pros from the talented amateurs. If you want to earn a living from this, you’ll need to understand the fundamentals of running a business, from pricing your services correctly to paying the right taxes.

Also, you’ll want to learn about contracts, copyright laws, and licensing to protect your intellectual property and prevent ugly legal battles. Regrettably, the business of photography is often what causes would-be professionals to abandon their dreams.

9) Finding your niche is key

The photography industry is incredibly broad and you simply cannot be everything to everyone. Finding a niche – whether it’s wedding photography, fashion, food, or editorial work – is the only way to develop a mastery of your craft that singles you out. It may be a lonely, lengthy process that leaves you feeling boxed in but it is the clearest path to success in this industry.

Turning pro Is a challenging but rewarding path

If you’re younger than 30, you may barely remember when photography was once considered an elite and expensive pursuit. Today, access to equipment is far less of an issue and building your career will come down to your grit, technical know-how, and collection of soft skills.

While not everyone is cut out to make photography their bread and butter, the odds of success today are squarely in your favour. If you’re willing to put in the work and are prepared for the unexpected, in just a few short years you can turn your passion for photography into a uniquely satisfying career that combines creativity, skill, and personal satisfaction.