10 steps to become a photographer.

How to become a photographer full time

Wondering how to become a professional photographer, or figure out how to get paid for your photography? Here are the steps every photographer needs to take.

But first, are there really just 10 steps to become a photographer?

There is no exact formula for how to become a photographer, but there are some key steps that you’ll need to take no matter what.

So how do you become a professional photographer, or figure out how to get paid for your photography? By looking at others who have done it before, and the common steps that they take in common on their way to becoming photographers.

Doing this, we’ve come up with 10 steps to becoming a photographer that you’ll need to take if you want to make a living at photography. Even if you just want to learn how to become a good photographer for fun or for travel or to capture your family, these steps are key to becoming all you can be as a photographer. Ready?

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So what are the 10 steps to becoming a photographer?

There is no exact formula for how to become a photographer, but there are some key steps that you’ll need to take no matter what.

How To Become A Photographer Step 1: Just do it.

Just do it. Its really that simple. The number one step you need to take to become a photographer is to stop procrastinating, and start taking action! Don’t wait until you’ve got the perfect gear to start taking photos. Don’t postpone advertising your services until you’ve got the perfect website. Don’t be afraid to tell people you’re a photographer just because you don’t have a portfolio yet. The number one step required to achieve ANYTHING is just to START. No more excuses. No more letting fear or insecurity or timing hold you back. You just have to commit and make it happen.

How To Become A Photographer Step 2: Grow intentionally.

Real success doesn’t happen by accident. Neither does transformation or growth. You don’t lose weight without some sort of diet / exercise plan. You don’t learn to play guitar by just picking it up and messing around. A surgeon doesn’t become a doctor by reading medical magazines or checking out the latest gear on awesomedrsgear.com – Any professional becomes a professional by intentionally growing – By following a proven system and learning from the wisdom of others. They’re committed, they’re consistent, and they’re invested. The speed at which you can achieve your dreams and become a photographer is directly affected by how intentional you are in your growth. Make a plan, study & practice your craft – Don’t just read randomly or take photos without any purpose.

How To Become A Photographer Step 3:

Take Risks Set big goals. Push yourself. If you’re not willing to take a risk and fail often, you’re not going to grow as a photographer, and you probably won’t make it as a full time professional creative either. Failing is a prerequisite to learning, and every time you grow its because you’re taking on something you’re not 100% comfortable with!

How To Become A Photographer Step 4: Shoot for free.

Build a portfolio, gain experience, learn from those further along. Its worth shooting for free just for the chance to learn from people years ahead of you. Imagine being able to skip past ALL their mistakes, just by learning from them what NOT to do!

How To Become A Photographer Step 5:

Buy a decent camera – You don’t NEED an amazing camera to take amazing photos. But it makes it way easier + proves you’re committed.

6) Take more photos. Then go take more photos. Then take more photos.

Practice makes perfect. And there is no way to become a photographer without taking LOTS of photos. The more experience you have, the better you become. Get practice, exposure and a portfolio. It only comes through photographing a LOT!

How To Become A Photographer Step 7:

Be your biggest fan. No one else is going to. Own it! Be confident. Tell everyone you know. And be proud of yourself. When you are confident in you, others can be too.

How To Become A Photographer Step 8: GIVE first.

The fastest way to find opportunity + make connections is to help someone else. The world of the generous grows larger and larger. The world of the stingy grows smaller and smaller.

How To Become A Photographer Step 9: Don’t Be Yourself. Copy others… THEN be unique.

Copy others… THEN be unique. The whole snowflake theory of “just be you, find your own style blah blah blah “is mostly wrong. Especially when you’re starting, your unique style might be just plain bad. Your eye is still developing. You’re still learning about lighting and composition and camera settings… When you’re starting out, DO copy others. DO find photographers whose work you LOVE. Copy them, learn exactly how to produce the work you love and admire. Once you know how, you can then have the tools to do things your way, create your own unique style and brand etc. But until then – Don’t assume you’re the greatest thing ever and the reason your work looks so different is because you’re awesome. Even if it IS the best thing ever – Learning how to recreate a variety of styles and techniques will only give you more tools to make your original style that much better.

How To Become A Photographer Step 10: More application, less information. (aka DO THE WORK)

More application, less information. (aka DO THE WORK) Learning & studying are a crucial part of growth – But knowledge isn’t power – APPLIED knowledge is power. I can know everything there is to know about how to get a six pack, but if I don’t go out and apply it – No magical fairy dust is going to sweep over me in my sleep and turn me into a swimsuit model. Not going to happen. The ONLY way to get a six pack is to WORK FOR IT. You can’t cheat the system. There are shortcuts like eating right, doing the right exercises, intentional, consistent workout plan – But there is no way to get around the work. Can’t avoid it. And that’s why so many people want to become photographers or artists or musicians or creatives but never do. They spend all their time getting information, and NONE of it on application. Application beats information. You’ve got to do the work.

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Once you get into the higher range, its hard to recommend specific options as there are SO many amazing choices! At this price you’ll want to purchase your camera body separately from lenses for best value / performance. I personally have owned and recommend the Sony A7ii, Canon 5D Mark iii / iv & Panasonic GH5. After using all of them, I made the switch to the GH5 because A) Its smaller / more discreet B) Its lighter / travels better C) Its fantastic for video projects D) I love live view, and the colors in this camera are my fav. BUT its not full frame and the ISO performance isn’t as great as Sony or Canon – So you need to be willing to work with that.

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