Art and Photography

Photography Amateur To Photography ‘Professional” Is Not A Straight Line

Photography Amateur To Photography ‘Professional” Is Not A
Straight Line
By Kalem Aquil

Five years ago I returned to the world of photography after a
20 year absence. Then I was a ‘struggling-professional’
photographer. I gave a face to the following type jokes:

Question – What’s the difference between a professional
photographer and a McDonald’s family-pack happy meal?

Answer – The happy meal can feed a family of four.

I started in photography for the love of it. Eventually, I
decided that all I had to do to become a professional
photographer was to pass out my business cards and wait for the
telephone to ring. I confused my love of photography with
success as a ‘professional photographer.’

For me, being a ‘professional photographer’ dampened all of the
joy that photography had given me over the years. I took on jobs
that weren’t challenging or profitable. I didn’t take the time
to figure out what type of photography offered the most profit
for the effort, resources and time investment. I didn’t pay
attention to where my best potential customers were or how to
‘over deliver’ on my services to them. Although I went about
operating my ‘professional photography’ business with all the
best of intentions, plans, enthusiasm, and commitment, I had
doomed myself to predictable failure. Of course, I recognized
this ‘after’ I ran out of money, enthusiasm and hope. Hindsight
is often 20/20.

Now I have returned and my excitement and enthusiasm is even
more intense than twenty years ago. The world of photography is
exploding in growth and changing almost just as fast. Since I am
older now, I should be more mature and better able to make well
thought-out and researched business decisions. Well, sometimes I
act my age. Other times…. Here are some of my lessons learned.

The greatest aspect of current photography, for me, is
technology. I prefer digital over film. Digital allows me to
shoot and practice more than I could with film. Also, I can
manipulate the photo to get the best image possible. Technology
helps me to find information to help me make business decisions.
Technology now helps me to target my potential customers and
market specifically to them. Its not a hit and miss marketing
exercise.

I found photography books that helped me to focus on a
profitable photography niche. Prior to finding the books I had
absolutely no concept of what a photography niche was or how
important it is to being a successful photographer. There are
many very good books about successful photography business. For
me, one of the best (after my 20 year absence) was “The Business
of Studio Photography” by Edward R. Lilley. His book kept me
from repeating my costly mistakes of the past.

Twenty years ago I had never heard of stock photography. Now,
stock photography is where I put most of my scheduled time when
I am shooting for business purposes (versus shooting for my love
of photography). There are a lot of books about stock
photography. “Sell and Re-Sell Your Photos” and “Sellphotos.com”
both by Rohn Engh, have been two of the best investments that I
have ever made. I have a clearer understanding of the business
of stock photography and where I fit. Stock photography is
experiencing a great deal of change. Some long time stock
photographers simply don’t like what is happening. Other long
time stock photographers welcome the changes and adjust
accordingly. Since I am relatively new to stock photography, the
changes have little meaning or consequences to me. Author Michal
Heron’s books “How to Shoot Stock Photos That Sell” and “Pricing
Photography” were very valuable in broadening my understanding
of the stock photography business. The latter book also offers
pricing information for assignment photography.

One of the best aspects of the current photography world is
technology. I enjoy showing my work. Photography websites allows
me to show my work, to supplement my advertising/marketing and
to sell my work. I had established a number of photography
websites before I found one of the greatest internet ‘freebies’
for photographers. A site called Proimageguide.com gives fully
operational photography websites for free! That’s right free!
The free photography website has no advertising or popups! They
give you a fully operational photography website for three
months for free and they hope you like their service so well
that you will become a paid subscriber. This free photography
website is more functional than the photography websites that I
pay for. The fully functional photography website that is
offered by Proimageguide.com is flexible for whatever your
photography niche may be, from amateur photographer to
professional photographer.

“The Photographer’s Guide to Setting Up a Website” by Martyn
Moore, is a great resource to assist you in understanding how to
set up a photography website. The book offers free resources for
photographers such as a free web site, free photography website
templates, etc. The book has an accompanying website which
contributes to the value of this particular resource.

It feels good to be back in the world of photography.
Initially, I was overwhelmed. With the assistance of all the
available information on the internet I was able to learn the
current business of photography and to share it with others. For
sure, the world of photography is massive and growing. I take
the time to get all the information necessary to make the best
business decisions. I have reversed my business success record.
I actually make money in the photography business. Being back
makes me a few bucks and allows me to get paid to do what I love
– photography.

About the Author: Kalem Aquil is the owner of a website that
offers information and resources to assist photographers find
customers and market their photography as well as themselves as
photographers. Kalem is also author of the special report,
“Freeze, I Have A Camera And I’m Not Afraid To Use It! – One
photographer’s step-by-step account of successfully marketing
his photography business.” He shares the report from his site.
http://www.Marketing-for-Photographers-and-Photography.com While
you’re there, grab a copy of “Freeze, I Have A Camera And I’m
Not Afraid To Use It! – One photographer’s step-by-step account
of successfully marketing his photography business.” Here it is:

http://www.marketing-for-photographers-and-photography.com/photographer.html

it’s free and very informative.

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