Consider these things before becoming a professional photographer
Many dream of becoming professional photographers. The incredibly intimate profession is not for everyone. It takes time, effort, dedication, skill, and talent to succeed in the industry. There will be slow days and jam-packed seasons. For San Diego-based photographer Arie De Jong, one has to love labor in order to make it far in the industry.
While it may seem high-profile, professional photography isn’t all about the glamour. Photographers ought to know how to work on their own — be the boss and the employee at the same time. Some may be hired by companies while others may choose to carve their own path in the industry as an independent photographer. Regardless, they must love and excel at working hard and smart.
Professional photography is an extremely competitive industry. Some photographers only offer mediocre work as photography isn’t their main gig. To keep going even when pay isn’t the most favorable, it would be best to know from the start that it’s one’s love and passion for photography that would have to drive them to do the job and not the money. Before flying solo, find a good mentor. Online lessons can only do so much. Shooting under the careful eye of a respected photographer will not only build one’s photography skills, but also ready them for successful network building, shares Arie De Jong.
Unlike other jobs, calling in sick during a shoot is virtually impossible. Shoot days are carefully planned and coordinated days that skipping these for minor health inconveniences would tarnish one’s reputation. Be sure to have a backup photographer ready to take on the job should things turn from bad to worse.
