Professional Photography
So usually a professional photographer begins part time.
To begin with you need a half decent camera.
Now this doesn't mean you have to run out and buy the most expensive state-of-the-art camera to take your pictures.
However it does mean no matter what you pay or where you get it from it needs to be half decent in quality.
A camera is only as good as the man who wields it.
Just taking high quality pictures does not make you a professional photographer.
You still need to shoot things people will be interested in.
You can take a brilliant picture but if it is something that no-one is interested in purchasing then it doesn't matter how nice it is.
You will also need promotion and the best form of promotion is word of mouth.
Try landing jobs for events and gathering around your friends and family.
Have business cards printed for your services and a website doesn't hurt either.
Having a gallery which showcases the work you have done out in the field will only enhance your business and people who will call on you for your services.
Even though photography has some basic textbook fundamentals involved with the art, it is mostly self taught.
The best ways to get better and improve your shots is to take pictures.
Always have your camera with you.
A good photographer always has their camera with them because you never know when you need to take a picture.
Having a degree from a photo school can be good and look nice on your wall but nothing beats experience and the serendipitous results of playing around with your camera.
At the beginning of becoming a professional photographer, do not be afraid to shoot everything and take every job which comes your way.
At the start of any photography career you cannot afford to pass up on jobs, no matter how small or insignificant you may feel they are.
Getting your name and your work out there is the number one requirement in reaching a professional level.
Newspapers and magazines are always buying freelance pictures which they feel they can use and are always looking for front page or cover material.
It may sound like a hard road to travel but it is ultimately easier than it seems.