The Journey to Professional Photography: Insights from an Enthusiast

From a beginner, I assume you mean not from a vocational aspect, where one decides they want to become a professional photographer. This journey is often a deeply personal and self-driven process.

Early Beginnings

I started early, much like many photographers, receiving a camera as a gift from a relative. It was a simple device with just two speeds, a wireframe as a viewfinder, and used 120 roll film. This camera was purchased at Woolworths, and along with it, came a roll of film for developing and printing for a modest price of 12 shillings and 6 pence. That was many years ago, and the camera was not the modern marvels we know today. It was a humbling start, but it taught me the basics of photography.

Self-Taught and Continuous Learning

Initially, I supplemented my knowledge through books, particularly those found in magazines like Popular Photography. I continued to learn through high school, articles, and eventually, seminars, wherever possible. Self-taught photographers often rely on a mix of personal experience and theoretical knowledge, and the process can be both rewarding and challenging.

The Transition to Professional

You can be a professional photographer before even realizing it. The key is to take on more clients who are willing to pay for your services. Making a living from your photography is what truly distinguishes a professional from a hobbyist. Quality is important, but it’s the business aspect that determines whether you can sustain a career as a photographer. I never set out to be a professional photographer; I simply loved what I did and pursued it with a lot of passion.

Experiences and Lessons

I began my professional journey by assisting a wedding photographer for about a year. During this period, I helped in starting the cinematography services our team offered. This experience made me proficient with a camera and refined my eye for capturing pretty decent pictures. However, there’s a crucial lesson many overlook: the difference between a professional and a hobbyist is not about the quality of the photographs but about running a successful business.

The best way to become a professional photographer is to work for and learn from a successful professional. Running a successful business involves much more than just taking nice pictures. It encompasses areas like marketing, sales, and customer service. This principle applies not only to wedding photography but to many other creative industries, including commercial photography, and visual arts.

The Path Forward

If you aspire to become a professional photographer, my advice is to seek out opportunities to work for established professionals. This hands-on experience will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to run a successful photography business. While innate talent is important, it’s the combination of technical skills, business acumen, and passion that truly makes a professional photographer.