channel your passion of photography
Remember the excitement of holding your first camera? For me, it was a disposable one (yes, I’m old), but I had dreams elsewhere of becoming a pilot. Little did I know, this dream would intertwine beautifully with a passion for storytelling with a camera.
My outlook on life changed dramatically and added a different dynamic to my meaning in life when I was diagnosed with cancer - I learned that being truly alive is about capturing moments that stand the test of time. Piloting allowed me to the privilege of travel, exposing me to diverse cultures and ways of life, which I felt compelled to capture through photography. And thus, my love for photography was cemented, but I never thought I could, or would, do it at a professional level (and I’m not sure what that even means these days to be honest - no one agrees on the definition of ‘professional’).
How best then to transition from hobbyist to someone who delivers photographs at a premium quality for money?
The first step, is to find your niche. Passion is a powerful driver, but turning it into something that rewards you financially requires focus. Do you love capturing candid moments at events, or does your heart beat faster at the sight of stunning landscapes? Maybe portrait photography is your calling…
Here's how to find your niche:
Experiment: After you learn the basics of photography, try different types of photography. Start with your immediate surroundings, your life, your friends, your family, landscapes, portraits, and anything that catches your eye.
Analyze: Look at your work critically, compare against the best. What type of photos bring you the most joy? Which ones get the best reactions from others?
Specialise: Once you've identified your favorite genre, dive deep. Study the greats in that field, understand the nuances, and start building a portfolio that showcases your best work in that niche.
My first paid gig was a personal client photoshoot in a friend's studio. I felt like I knew nothing and learned so much along the way. There's nothing like putting yourself out there and realizing that I didn't know what I didn't know, but now I do. No amount of books or resources can replicate that experience.
Here are a few tips based on my early experiences:
Preparation is Key: Have a checklist of all the gear you need and triple check batteries, settings etc. Have a plan or moodboard for the types of photos and setups you want. Factor in time for ice-breaking, being late, changing, and general conversation to get comfortable.
Network, Network, Network: Build relationships within the industry. Attend photography events, join online communities, and don't be afraid to ask for advice or even better, constructive critiques.
Continuous Learning: The photography world is always evolving. Keep up with the latest trends and techniques through courses and workshops. It’s easy to get left behind which is not ideal when you’re seeking a career or semi-career in it.
Here are some resources that helped me along the way - don’t underestimate the inspiration and insights that other photographers can give you:
Books: ‘On Photography’, by Susan Sontag – a must-read for making you think about what photography is even about. And that’s important - to be curious, to have critical thinking, and to formulate a ‘voice’.
Courses: Well, I hate to say it by YouTube is an endless resource for all things photography. But it can be overwhelming and not in enough detail. Don’t be afraid to invest in a course, preferably from a photographer you like and respect..
Gear: Start with what you have - please - but as you grow in your skills, invest in a good quality mirrorless camera. I spent years building up to something like the Canon R5 or a Hasselblad medium format, and was thankful that I had cemented my knowledge, trials and niche before I did.
Turning your passion into financial reward is a journey filled with ups and downs. It's important to stay motivated and remember why you started, or want to start. Every photographer has moments of self-doubt - actually most days! - but those moments are just part of the process. Keep shooting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun.
Happy Shooting,
