THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ELEVATING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER

I would never say I am the best at Photography, in fact this is a mind-set I would encourage all photographers to adopt, beginners and experienced.

In my four years of practicing Photography I have learnt a lot and my growth is owed to the willingness to learn. With that said, I have been offered an opportunity to share my knowledge and I can only hope it comes of use to anyone struggling.

There are two main categories to Photography; Professional Photography and Photography as a hobby. I am more than certain that most reading this article are more inclined towards Professional Photography, therefore, I will lean more towards giving tips in that regard.

Professional Photography as a category can be described as the act of "making a living" through Photography. It has many varieties such as Corporate or Event Photography, Studio-based Photography and Product Photography to name a few. It bears mentioning that beneath each of the mentioned varieties are various types of specific Photography genres.

The question therein lies on how exactly one makes financial gains from all the mentioned types of Photography, the answer to that comes in 2 parts. The first part of this answer is to invest a lot of time in practicing as many types of Photography as you can. Believe me, as you keep learning you notice just how wide this field is. A Professional Photographer is expected to be able to capture various types of Photography in different situations and deliver as expected by the client. The second part in answering the question of how to make financial gains from Photography shall be answered in the following manner:

1. NEVER TAKE A JOB BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITIES

Many a times beginners take up jobs they have no knowledge in, this brings us back to the point mentioned above, the importance of learning various types of photography. An example can be Wedding Photography which falls under Event Photography. However, it differs as the main subjects are the couple rather than the crowd. In this sense it is worth noting that as much as the couple wishes for their guests to be covered, you as the photographer ought to know that the event is actually about them. Therefore your captured moments should incline more towards them (70% - 30%), this scenario just as many other types and varieties of Photography, require you to know more than taking a pretty picture but rather to appreciate the task at hand and capture what is important. In short, learn, practice and perfect your craft before wasting a client’s time and money.

2. NETWORK

Photographers are amongst the luckiest people alive. In a Professional Photographer's lifetime they get the opportunity to meet and mingle with multitudes of people. Every job you are tasked by a client should also be treated as an opportunity given to grow your name or brand. Therefore it goes without saying that keeping a few business cards on you at all times is very important, most potential clients are attracted to you by seeing you carrying out your tasks and how you communicate with people.

3. GO THE EXTRA MILE

This is variable and will not always be the case, however if the opportunity arises and you get a chance to help a client, it is almost certain the client will value you forever. Remember that a client that is unhappy about the overall event will not necessarily be cheerful because of your pretty photos. Be hands on in times of emergencies, give constructive advice where needed so as to ensure the client's event runs smoothly. The client will surely engage you going forward in any event they have because you actually care about their success.

4. DO NOT VALUE MONEY OVER INTEGRITY

Most of the time beginner photographers take up too many jobs at once, this almost certainly leads to disappointing some customers. Understand that every customer is important and deserves the best that comes from you, this includes punctuality and observing timeliness in delivering their images. Understand that disappointing a client is actually you as the photographer tarnishing your own brand, therefore learn to schedule your jobs accordingly and never fear to tell a client that you cannot manage because of other commitments. In fact the client will actually appreciate you for not wasting their time.

5. ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES

Though this may seem as a repetition of point number 2, it is rather more inclined towards Brand Visibility. Social media has brought all continents of the planet earth right to the palm of your hand. Make use of all available platforms and the techniques used on those platforms to make the world know of your Brand. Give the world a "Behind-The-Scenes" moment where they can see the efforts you put in towards delivering quality moments for various clients. Trust me, requests for your services will come in and some may even amaze you on how far beyond borders you are appreciated.

Without a doubt, much more could have been said regarding growth as a Professional Photographer that I may have not covered, I believe firmly in the idea of learning and encourage others to further this discussion such that we grow as a community. With all that said I too look forward to enjoying my continued journey as a Professional Photographer and hope you will too, until next time, keep pressing that shutter button.