I am self-taught, and I admit when I talk about it I probably sound like I’m ashamed of that fact. I tell the same long, boring story every time someone asks me how I came to call myself a professional photographer, and I have got to stop. I never went to school to learn all the technical terms, never took a class to teach me about how to use my camera. I couldn't afford it! Everything I have learned, I have researched, asked other photographers, and studied. I learned from experience.. and there is NOTHING wrong with that! How many songwriters went to school to learn how to write? Or artists to learn how to paint? Photography is an ART. You learn from your passion, it is what pushes you forward. You wanted something and went after it. Never be ashamed to tell someone you are self taught. That is something to be proud of! You fed your passion. You pushed yourself. You spent hours behind a lens just learning how each button on your camera works. There is nothing more inspiring to me than seeing the beautiful work of a self taught photographer because I know how hard they have worked to get there.
There are a few things that I believe have truly helped me learn and grow as a photographer.
1. Read your camera's manual.
Yes- that long, 250 page book that you set aside during the excitement of getting your first DSLR camera. That itty bitty fine print will teach you a LOT of techniques that will better your skills. You will learn things that your camera can do that you never would have if you wouldn't have read the manual. Take a few hours to sit down and read it, skim through each one, read a little each night before you go to bed, it doesn't matter. Just open it already!
2. Practice!
You won't get better just by reading about how to take pictures. You have to practice if you're going to get comfortable behind the lens. It doesn't matter what you're shooting at, as long as you are shooting. You will probably start with inanimate objects (i.e. flowers, landscapes, things around the house, etc.) but you have to take it farther than that. Push yourself. Do a few sessions for free. The more you shoot, the better your aim is going to be (tee hee!).
3. Learn about exposure.
Shutter speed, ISO, Aperture.
Exposure, simply, is the combination of three main variables that control the amount of light that is allowed to interact with your camera's sensor or film. The right combination of these variables is at the heart and soul of every photograph that has ever been taken. As scary as it is to talk about something that you know nothing about, these are vital keys in learning how your camera works. Reading your manual will only assist you so much in learning these. Read a book from the library about photography. Ask a fellow photographer. Research it online. Once you get the hang of it, you will realize how easy it is to manage.
4. Go at your own pace.
Slow down! No one is rushing you, you don't have someone over your shoulder saying "I need you now and I need you to be perfect." Being a professional photographer takes practice, time, and years. I have been taking pictures for over 3 years now and I am still learning something new every day.
5. Take your face out from behind the lens.
Getting your picture taken is scary! Very rarely will you have a client that will pose for you, be relaxed, and won't freeze up. I was very bad at this when I first started out. I still am not good at it to this day. I was never a very good people person. I am extremely shy and to-myself. It is so much easier for me to hide behind my lens and shoot than to interact with my clients. I started by bringing my boyfriend along with me. He is the kind of person that connects with everyone. All of my clients love him because he can carry on a conversation about pretty much anything. While I am busy behind my lens, he is making them laugh and relax. Don't know someone like this? It's up to you now! Take a deep breath, pull your camera away from your face, and GO. Crack a corny joke, ask about something going on in their life ("So how long have you been in dance?" "Where did you grow up?"), make fun of yourself. One of my favorite photographers took our photos just a few months ago and she made me laugh by making silly noises.. "Awwwww SOOOOO cute!" "Get it girl!" I started out dreading it, clammy hands, my stomach churning. By the end of the session, I had a huge smile plastered on my face and was laughing with her like she was my best friend. The images turned out to be beautiful because she captured out true happiness. My best technique is to tell your client "Okay, now give me a serious face." Get your camera ready, take one shot, and watch a genuine smile explode from ear to ear. No one can be serious for too long! (:
6. Shoot with someone.
Whether another photographer allows you to follow them or you go on an adventure with a friend with your cameras, do something with someone that shares the same passion with you. there are things that they know that you don't yet.. and vise versa. Not only will it make you more comfortable to talk about photography with someone (that actually knows what you're talking about), but you may learn things that you never would have if you hadn't opened up. After I joined a club on Facebook, "Photographer's Connection", I learned a ridiculous amount of information and was able to share my interest with other people working for that same goal!
7. Make yourself known.
Make a business page on Facebook. Advertise a free session, create a referral program, pass out business cards (Moo.com is my favorite!), do anything that will get people talking about you.
8. Use protection!
It doesn't matter if you charge $300 a session or if you are ding them for free. I can't stress how important it is to have everything legal. When you start advertising yourself as a business (and start charging), you are getting into a whole new world. It is best to protect yourself as a photographer, your business and your name. You can find a few free ones HERE.
9. Do your homework.
After 3 years of photography (and over 450 sessions), I still get the jitters before a session. What helps me the most is researching. Google "Newborn photography", "Photography Poses". Pin pictures on Pinterest. YouTube Behind the Scenes videos.
10. Believe in yourself.
"You are your biggest critic." If you don't believe you are good at what you do, how can you expect your clients to? You are growing.. so give yourself room. As an artist, you are creating your own style. Every photographer has a different style and every one specializes in something different. Whether it is weddings, lifestyle, children, newborns, models, food, or landscapes, figure out what you love to do, and do it! You are unique and your work comes from your heart. All you are learning, is the technical stuff to go with it.
Now go feed your passion.
