UPDATED OCTOBER 2024

A list of things I’ve learned as a photographer

Here’s a little list just to get you fuel for your passion for taking pictures. It’s not exhaustive, but things I’ve learned over the years that hopefully will steer you away. Making mistakes is a part of the journey, and it’s how you get better as a person and a photographer. If you want to know more, head here for a deeper dive for the steps to become a successful photographer.

  • Believe in yourself.
  • Don’t listen to the tiny little voices on the internet.
  • Shoot for yourself, clients second.
  • A career is a journey, not a destination.
  • Success is about all the mistakes and errors you make. Learn from them, make corrections, and move on.
  • Put the work in. Work without making a fuss, head down, be diligent, and keep your emotions in check. Shoot, shoot, and shoot.
  • You will have ups and downs
  • Success is not quantifiable; happiness is.
  • Ask yourself some serious questions, is wedding photography right for me? Why?
  • At weddings, you have to like people. If you don’t, this is not for you.
  • Do you have an enthusiasm for photography? If not, don’t follow this path.
  • Keep your day job until you feel you have income and can cover your expenses.
  • Education. Paramount. Locals like Jim Landers school of photography. WPPI in Vegas is another. Workshops, exhibitions, immerse yourself in art.
  • You will need a second camera, at least. Do not think otherwise when it comes to shooting someone’s weddingSpend more $ on glass than the camera
  • Go second shoot or assist with a photographer you like. DO NOT EMAIL. Pick up the phone and call. Meet. Bring your work.
  • Do not think about becoming a rock star photographer.
  • Keep your ego in check.
  • Photography is a craft. Study photographers. Research masters of art is a start; Henri Cartier-Bresson is my go-to. 
  • Study geometry
  • Do not copy some other photographer’s styles. But you can steal ideas and be inspired. Artsists have been doing it for centuries.
  • To grow your business, you have two avenues to pursue. 1. Advertise online. 2. Ask your friends and family, business friends, to shoot at a discount to get more of your work available online and build a portfolio. Without a portfolio, it’s going to be hard to get a job.
  • Meet photographers. Reach out. Ask questions; You’d be surprised. Some people remember what it was like to start and will repay in kind, helping the local community of photographers.
  • Join local photography meetups. Be open and friendly.
  • Study light and composition.
  • Repeat. Study, light, and composition. Rinse, repeat.
  • Don’t give up.  Re-read top to bottom. You can do this.

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