As many established photographers will tell you, mastering the art of photography can be a time-consuming and stressful process. While it may take time and effort, however, building expertise in photography can be a great way to develop a career that you are truly passionate about. Here are just a few ways to hone your abilities as a photographer, and why doing so can help you take your first steps towards your dream career.
Expensive Equipment Is No Substitute For Practice
While many new photographers worry that they won’t be able to achieve artistic excellence without expensive equipment, the truth is that many basics of the craft can be mastered with inexpensive cameras and lenses. Indeed, before you invest in a vintage Leica, try mastering formal elements of photography such as texture and balance. That knowledge will be far more valuable to you in your career than expensive cameras or hardware.
Don’t Skip Smaller Jobs
For most professional photographers, a career does not start with assignments for National Geographic or the New York Times. Indeed, most great photographers build up a reputation with smaller clients before submitting their work to bigger galleries or publications. If there is one virtue that is essential to a career in photography, it is patience; without a willingness to start at the bottom, build their craft, and work their way up to bigger jobs, few photographers will be able to truly excel in their field.
Get Feedback
While it can be painful to hear that we haven’t reached our desired level of competency as photographers, the truth is that feedback and criticism are important facets of any artistic career. If you admire someone’s photographic work, try asking them about what you can do to take your skills to the next level. Even if it’s a painful process, seeking out feedback can be a deeply fulfilling element of personal and professional growth.
For these reasons, putting in the work and effort required to become a top-tier photographer can be a deeply meaningful and life-changing experience. You may hit roadblocks in your pursuit of artistic excellence, it is true, but the photographers who consistently take on the greatest challenges often create the greatest masterworks. And that is what a career in photography is all about!