Becoming a Professional Photographer: What to Bear in Mind

So you know what the best digital SLR camera you can afford is, researched the bare minimum of lenses, tripods and photographic accessories you can get away with while producing professional looking pictures, you’ve learned your trade, or are learning it, what more is there to becoming a professional, freelance photographer?



Well, unfortunately, taking excellent photographs is only part of it. If you are undertaking a career as a freelance photographer one crucial question you will need to ask yourself is: am I able to run a business and, indeed, do I want to?



If you can’t run a business, and make a living out of taking photographs, then accept that what you are doing is a hobby that makes a bit of money on the side.



Contact your local Business Link who have lots of information for those already running a business or looking to start one up. If you want to borrow money, think long and hard, not just about how you will pay it back, but about the admin that can be involved. Applications, business plans etc take time. Sometimes it’s best just to start small and grow organically. Everybody’s different so think hard about what’s best for you and what your strengths are.



Good photos alone don't get work - it's about marketing. Fortunately there are a lot of resources to help with this. Remember though, that you do actually have to do it, not just read about it.



If you have another job, start saving money now for that top notch D-SLR camera, softboxes, a good range of lenses and photographic accessories for your studio. You may want to hold on to that job, or at least keep it going part time while you build your photographic work. It’s also worth doing some courses in how to run a business, or, if you are right at the beginning of your journey, looking for photography courses that include an element of the business side of being a professional. You can have all the passion and knowledge in the world when it comes to taking portraits, or the history of photography, but it will be your business nous, ultimately, that keeps the money coming in and the books balanced.



Additionally, master the technology you are using. Know it inside out. Make a plan to grow your business and stick to it. Look for a mentor to guide you; ideally a professional photographer or perhaps somebody who has successfully grown a business who will be able to advise you on things such as how to market yourself.



Think about joining the Federation of Small Businesses; this organisation offers a wealth of resources and networking opportunities. Just some of the services include legal advice year round, 24/7, specialist tax advice, employment law, and health & safety information, downloadable legal documents and insurance cover for legal defence.



You might also want to join the Association of Photographers. The AOP is a not-for-profit organisation that lobbies on behalf of professional photographers, as well as providing educational, promotional and networking organisation for photographers. Just in terms of building links with other photographers it can be invaluable, especially when you are starting out and can feel rather isolated.



Professional Photographers' Kit