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Five Tips on How to Become a Professional Photographer

Capturing the world through a camera lens is a beautiful hobby that everyone should try at least once in their life. With a small snapshot, you can evoke large waves of emotion. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s not as easy as it looks. You need to learn how to time the photo, find the perfect composition, and add a touch of your personal creativity. 

Here are five tips to help you get one step closer to your dream of becoming a professional photographer. 

Always Shoot in RAW and Use Manual Settings 

Some photographers don’t like to shoot in RAW because they argue that these images take up too much space in their memory cards. However, RAW photos will give you much more leeway when it comes to the post-production stage. When you shoot in RAW you will find it much easier to edit and manipulate your photos. Similarly, learning your camera’s manual settings both inside and out is essential if you hope to make it big in the photography industry, as automatic settings will only get you so far. 

Start Broad and Find Your Niche 

It’s unlikely that you know what field you would like to specialize in until you give them all a chance. Start off broad by soaking up new experiences, once you find something you enjoy, don’t be afraid to specialize in a niche. When you truly nail one type of photography, you’ll have much better chances at succeeding. 

Brush Up on Photo Composition Skills

Contrary to popular belief, photo composition is much more than knowing the rule of thirds. You should also consider using depth of field, contrast, negative space, leading lines, and patterns to elevate your photography skills. If you’re feeling a bit rusty, don’t hesitate to pick up a theory book and brush up your knowledge. 

Editing is an Essential Skill to Have 

Taking great pictures will only get you so far as a professional photographer. No matter what niche you specialize in, your customers will expect your photos to be well-edited. There are plenty of photo editing courses online that can teach you the basics, such as how to create transparent background images and colour-correct photographs. 

Ask For Critique from Your Peers 

The best way to improve your skills as a photographer is by asking your peers for critique. Constructive criticism can help provide a new perspective and show you things you may have never seen for yourself. Keep a journal of these critiques and evaluate your progress as you advance in your career. 

If you’re interested in becoming a professional photographer, it’s important to keep your options open. Don’t limit yourself too much at the beginning. Instead, explore all the different avenues at your disposal and find one that suits your lifestyle.

For example, you start off becoming a food photographer only to find that you prefer being a wedding photographer. To successfully launch a career in photography, you should start broad, find your niche, and specialize in your skills.

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