Making the transition from a hobbyist to a professional photographer can be a daunting challenge. The best way to prepare yourself for success is to invest time, effort, and (yes, sometimes) money in your education. Pro photographer Lauren Nievod of Lauren Nievod Photography shares her list of ways to build confidence and skill while still having a blast!

 

In order to be successful in the world of professional photography, you absolutely must invest time and effort into building your skill, your network, and your confidence. Each and every client you book will expect you to adapt to changing circumstances and requests. Although it sounds like a daunting task, when you’re first starting out, there are so many opportunities to get to know your camera inside and out. Each one will teach you how to out-think your camera and achieve the results you envision:

 

1. Head back to school.

Local community colleges offer courses covering everything from the basics to shooting in the most challenging of situations. You will not only learn from your instructor, but also from your peers, who have tons of tips and tricks to share with you.

 

 

The best part about enrolling in a class is the fact that every hour you spend there is set aside to focus solely on learning your craft with no distractions. Plus, constructive criticism can be hard to come by outside of the classroom. Be a human sponge and take in as much as you can.

 

 

2.  Make some pro friends.

Believe it or not, there are photographers in your area who are more than willing to help you grow as a professional. The right mentor can provide advice and may allow you to shoot alongside them as an assistant or even a second shooter. The key is to have a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn. It may seem a bit fast-paced at first, but you will learn so so much from photographers who not only know their craft, but who have also had so many unique “curve balls” thrown at them over the years.

 

 

 

I started assisting pro photographer Shawn Hubbard during the engagement and wedding shoots that he was hired for. I was able to see firsthand how he interacted with his clients, the lighting he would shoot in, and how he would use all of his fancy gizmos. This experience was priceless, and I will always be grateful for his help! 

I am also a second shooter for Dani Leigh Photography and have learned a ton from feeling the pressure to perform and work with real live couples on their wedding days! Dani is such an open book and has always been there to answer questions and provide guidance.

 

 

3. Find your tribe.

There is so much value in creating a network of peers who are in a similar place, professionally. I am a part of several creative groups that meet monthly. One is The Rising Tide Society, founded by Natalie Franke and Krista Jones. They promote community over competition, and are such a fantastic resource for knowledge sharing.

 

 

 

4. Attend as many workshops as you can.

Workshops are also a fantastic way to learn from fellow photographers that inspire you. This is where you can really get specific: there are workshops that focus on posing, lighting, marketing, styling and other important topics that are super relevant to your business. Plus, it is a fabulous way to connect and meet new friends around the country.

I have attended classes and workshops from Kelly Brown, Robin Long, Zach and Jody Gray, Bayside Bride, Cliff Mautner and many more. I love photography, I love to learn, and every single teacher has something different to offer. Workshops can have a hefty price tag, but as long as you choose wisely, they are worth every single penny.

 

 

 

5. Practice, practice, practice!

Once you have a really solid foundation of knowledge about your camera, take it everywhere and shoot, shoot, shoot! Find your style by trying new settings, lighting scenarios, subjects, and locations. If your family and friends are anything like mine, they will be more than happy to model for you so you can create images for your portfolio (especially if it means they get some new art for their walls)!

 

 

 

 

In the beginning, it also helps to have open calls for other types of models that are specific to your genre of photography. People really do jump on those opportunities! When I first started out, I even offered free newborn sessions in exchange for the opportunity to practice posing and post processing. I put myself out there and learned from these parents what I would need to add to my approach and to my workflow that would create a seamless experience for my clients. Their feedback has been invaluable as I’ve expanded my business to other forms of photography.

 

 

Practicing is the best way to get to know how to use your camera and to learn how to react to any situation that could be presented. Now that you’re entering the business world, you will be commissioned as a professional and you better be able to deliver “that” shot that your clients are expecting. This is where the pros really differentiate themselves from the amateurs. If you know your camera and know how to handle any situation, you are guaranteed to have success!

What was the hardest part about becoming a professional for you? How did you overcome those challenges to get where you are today? Comment below, and stay tuned to the Artsy Story for more stories from Lauren Nievod about establishing yourself as a new professional photographer!