How I became a professional photographer
I often get asked about my photography journey, so today I want to answer some of the frequently asked questions about how I became a professional photographer.
How long have you been taking photos?
I’ve been taking photos for years! Even when I was little, I liked to take initiative and photograph my family at birthday gatherings, travels, etc.
When did you start learning about photography?
In 2014 as a part of my university’s program at Anglo-American University in Prague, Czech Republic I had a Documentary photography class. At that course, we were taught basic principles of operating a camera (basically how to use it in the manual mode, as opposed to automatic ‘point and shoot’).
I borrowed my friend’s proper camera (a DSLR with interchangeable lenses), and went practicing around Prague’s city centre. First couple of days were so frustrating! I thought I understood the ‘exposure triangle’ and other technical details, tried to dial my settings in, but every photo came out fully black or white!
When I did get it right (finally!), and some details started to come through the photos, it was the most rewarding feeling! I started to enjoy composing my images, and thinking about how to capture people and objects in a creative way to tell a story. Photography course assignments turned into fun days out experimenting with a camera.
After each photo assignment we brought our images to the class to review. To my surprise, responses and feedback from my classmates was so encouraging! Lots of ‘wow’s’ and questions such as ‘have you been doing it for long?’ gave me shivers and really made me think I’m onto something here. 🙂
My mom bought me my first ‘proper’ camera the same year, and here I go! Never stopped taking pictures since then!
If you want to know which camera I used, check out How Not To Choose Which Camera to Buy.
What did you take photos of at the start?
My first photography ‘projects’ were travels. My mom and I went traveling around Europe and I brought my camera with me. Always. As well as travel snaps, I did a lot of street photography – I was inspired by new countries, people and their fashion.
How did you become a professional photographer?
I have been thinking about pursuing photography professionally for years. Though I could not even think about charging for my craft. I offered photoshoots to my friends, friends of friends, but couldn’t ask for a payment.
I posted my work on Instagram and hoped someone would book me. Crickets…
One day I decided to change my mentality, and start learning as much as I could about photography: lighting, posing, composition, so I could be proud of my work and finally put a price on it. Fast-forward several years of test shoots, collaboration projects, and online photography courses – I’ve created a portfolio that sells, and being a professional photographer became reality.
Why professional headshots?
I’m a portrait photographer, though my main passion and the biggest body of work is professional headshots and business portraits. It lights me up knowing that my work has a purpose. Whether it’s a profile photo for LinkedIn, or a professional portrait for someone’s About Me page on their website – it helps them sell their skill/craft/experience or even themselves to potential clients. All with the help of professional photography that I do.
If you are curious how I got into professional headshots and business portraits, check out How I Became a Headshot Photographer.
I love questions! If you have any other questions on how I became a professional photographer, feel free to drop them in the comment section below. Speak soon!
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