2 Things I wish I knew before becoming a full time Photographer
I think it’s important to understand that most people (I can’t speak for everyone) start a hobby that ignites a fire inside them. Photography especially. It’s one of those hobbies that’s based on one’s perceptions. These hobbies are normally passion projects. It’s art, and artist are sensitive.
It’s one thing taking a photo in a style that you’ve developed with techniques all your own. It’s another to be hired by someone to curate the vision that they have.
So this brings me to the the two things I wish I knew before I became a full time photographer.
You don’t have to be creative
I know it sounds crazy but hear me out on this one. This could be interpreted a few different ways but essentially what i’m saying is that if someone hires you take photos. Whether they be Portraits, Event Photos, or Product Photography. If you’re at the point where you’ve been hired you probably have a style, but that also doesn’t require creativity. That person is hiring you to deliver a product to a standard. Let’s take a painter for instance. If a painter is hired to come paint a barn. They aren’t being hired because of how creative they make the barn look. But because they can perform the task to a standard.
I really think this applies to post production. When I first became a photographer I thought I needed to have the trendiest looking photos or the most dramatic style. But in all reality I had a misconception of what it meant to be a Photographer by trade versus a Hobbyist Photographer.
I was actually loosing clients because I was trying to be “Too Creative” and I was totally missing the mark for the purpose in which I was hired. I think it’s important to work on projects that drive you. But when you’re in business to make money you have to consider what the clients expectations are and deliver just that. You can’t be sensitive, you have to deliver!
2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Initially starting out ( like most freelance photographers ) I had to do pretty much everything by myself aside from the occasional helping hand from a friend or family member. As you grow you’ll acquire more skill and eventually get really good at what you do. Trusting someone with the business, work ethic, years of hard work might be a difficult task. But it’s necessary for growth! Having a team is essential to scaling your business. When the time is right you’ll know it.