Becoming a professional photographer is not a journey one should take lightly. Most amateurs don’t realize the challenges that might arise along the way. Although being a professional photographer has many benefits, it’s not all that perfect. So, if you have decided that this is the right calling for you, you should keep in mind some important factors that we will mention in this article.
We will focus on some of the most common myths about becoming a professional photographer in today’s competitive industry. Take a look below.
I Will Be Able to Work My Own Hours
Unfortunately, this common misconception is not true. Many amateurs believe that professional photography means you will be the one who sets shooting times. However, in most cases, you will be busy on nights and weekends, especially if you decide to work at weddings and other celebrations.
If you think these working hours are not suitable for you, you might want to reconsider your focus field. Many pro photographers have switched to baby and kids photography simply because the hours are better.
I Can Write My Own Contract
Drawing up your own contracts might be a detriment to your business. Even if you’ve had a lot of experience signing them, that’s not the same as writing a legally binding document.
To avoid trouble, you should probably stick to professional contracts. If you don’t want to hire a lawyer to take care of that for you, select a photography contract template on HoneyBook. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
I Don’t Need a Second Camera Body
Not owning a second camera body is a common mistake many young pros make. Your current camera might be high-functioning and extremely expensive, but it’s still a piece of technology that might fail you when you least expect it. Just imagine — what would you do if your camera decided to take a break during an important photoshoot? Admit it, that’s a scenario you don’t want to be a part of.
Still, many people cannot afford a second camera body. If you are one of them, make sure to have some photography buddies on speed dial. That way, they can come to your aid if trouble occurs.
I Don’t Need to Network
Networking is a huge deal in the photography business, even though many people think otherwise. You should establish contact with other professional photographers not only because they could help you out when you are in trouble but also because you will pick up some tips along the way. On top of that, it’s always a good idea to have like-minded friends who can bring a fresh pair of eyes when needed.
Naturally, networking is important with clients as well. For example, if you’re hired to do a wedding, you can expand your business in no time. Take pictures of the cake and send it to the baker, photograph the property and send it to the owner, and so on. Making friends and potential clients like this is almost effortless.
My Website Will Bring in Clients
You might have paid loads of money for a professional website, but that doesn’t mean it will bring in new clients. In fact, if you put up an amazing gallery of photographs on your website and leave it be, it’s unlikely that people will stumble upon it. Why? Because your website has not been optimized for search engines.
One of the biggest mistakes is having little to no text. If someone searches for a wedding photographer in New Orleans, getting to you might be an issue. That’s why it’s crucial to put all the important information on your website, including your location. If you’re not tech-savvy, it might be best to let professionals take care of your site.
It’s Okay to Have Same Models for Every Shoot
Unfortunately, this is not true. Having your sister pose for every shoot will not bring in new clients. The photographs might be breathtaking, but clients want to see uniqueness and variety, and having the same model doesn’t show that you are creative or versatile.
The industry is challenging, and you’ll be competing with hundreds of people for a gig. For that reason, make sure to have a versatile portfolio. Offer free shoots to your friends and acquaintances in exchange for a model release. It will do wonders for your portfolio.
