How to Become a Professional Photographer: Work from Home, Work From Anywhere!

This article is Part I of our series on How to Become a Professional Photographer

So, you like taking pictures and you want to turn that passion into a side hustle or a full-time income? In this article and those that follow, you’ll learn some of the basics that can help you get started as a professional photographer.

Hone Your Skills

Since you already enjoy photography, it is safe to assume that you’re also pretty good at it. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that there is always more you can learn.

One of the first things you should do is really get to know your equipment. Whether you’re starting out with a smartphone or a professional-grade DSLR, read the manual. Yep – the WHOLE manual. Practice each feature or technique described. Play around with all the functions and if you don’t understand how to use one or what it does, look it up. Check the manufacturer’s website for tutorial videos, how-to guides, or free classes.

Speaking of classes – if you can take one, do so. Where can you find photography classes?

Where to Find Photography Classes

Schools & Universities

• Most universities offer photography courses, often resulting in a degree. Many universities also have a darkroom. At my alma mater, students were required to take Film Photography before moving on to any other photography courses. This allowed the students to not only get to know a historical method, but it also forced us to get comfortable with manual focus, aperture, and shutter speed settings. This understanding is a strong foundation for good photography, as most DSLRs allow you to optionally use these same settings.

Free Photography Classes

• Many libraries offer free access to university-level online courses at universalclass.com. Check out your library’s website or ask your librarian. If your institution is subscribed to the service, you’ll be able to log in with your library card number and access their photography and business classes free of charge. At the time of publication, their relevant classes include:

• Digital Photography 101

• Photography 101 Beginner to Intermediate

• Digital Photography with the iPhone

• Photoshop Elements Version 7.0 or Earlier

• Photoshop Elements 101

• Home Business

• How to Start and Run an Online Business

• Small Business Guide

• Marketing for Small Business 101

Tip: You’ll notice that not all of the classes listed above deal directly with photography. Some will help you to build your own business or get to know Photoshop, one of the most common photo editing tools in the industry. But more about that later.

You won’t earn a degree with Universal Class, but you will be able to complete real assignments at your own pace and interact with real teachers and other students. You’ll also be able to print a certificate of completion for each class you take; this will look good on both your resume and your studio wall. The credits may count towards continuing education in certain circumstances.

If your library doesn’t subscribe to Universal Class on behalf of its members, you can purchase an individual subscription to take an unlimited number of classes for less than $16.00 per month (billed yearly). 

• Check with your local agriculture extension office or artist’s cooperative for more classes.

• Simply Google the type of photography or the technique you’re interested in. You’ll find endless tutorials and YouTube videos.

Conferences

• You can also research photography conferences in your area. There, you can sign up for hands-on classes, attend seminars by well-known photographers, and check out the latest gear and software. Due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic, many 2020 and 2021 conferences have moved to an online format, so you may be able to “attend” virtually.

More Ways to Learn

One of the best ways to hone your skills, especially when it comes to technique, is to shadow a professional photographer. It was in this way that I learned how to be close to my subject and to be everywhere at the same time while remaining inconspicuous during event photography. It’s how I learned how to position a group or individual for the most polished effect – how to place their hands and feet, even the tilt of their heads. It is where I learned to climb on chairs and use aluminum foil to aid in lighting. It’s something you just can’t learn from a book (though I’ll share those same tips in a subsequent post).

And, as they say, “practice makes perfect.” Make your camera your constant companion. Take pictures everywhere, all the time. Photograph what you like. Experiment.

You can also begin to build your portfolio by volunteering to do some photography work free of charge. Photograph a friend’s wedding, or take their graduation photos. If you are acquainted with a small business owner, offer to take photos of their products or before and after pictures of a service they offer. You may also be able to photograph menu items for a restaurant or properties for a real estate company.

Why offer your services for free? It will allow you to practice in a real-world setting without pressure or expectations from your client. You’ll gain confidence as a photographer. You can use the photos in your portfolio to show future clients the quality of your work. And, if they like to photos you take, they may end up becoming your first client or refer you to someone else who will.