Newbie and abit confused
Hello Readers and potential photographers!
What do you think are the necessities when it comes to being a photographer? Maybe an expensive camera or fancy edits? Not at all. It’s mainly two things, passion and skills. Without these two things, almost any profession is unachievable. What drives you to this profession? Feel free to comment below.
Funnily enough, for me, the skills came first and my passion came second. I know, shocking! Growing up, my older sister would ask me to take pictures of her (she loved to dress up!) and as expected, it felt like a chore! Back then, we had what we now call “brick phones” so you can imagine what I had to work with. Tiny screen, bad quality and zero skills! Not the best combinations at all for someone who has a task of taking photos.
Over the years I improved my photography skills, but at this point, it felt more like a hobby considering I was professionally working in the Childcare field, so photography was way out of the picture for me (ironic, I know!). Once my daughter was born, I loved taking photos of her using my mobile phone.
I would dress her up, teach her cute poses, and I enjoyed editing them too. If you have read my other blog about “Once Upon a Time Behind Quick Qlick Photography”, then you would know what happened next!
All of a sudden, I have a professional DSLR camera, backdrop and lights but I didn’t know where to start! I began asking myself a thousand questions like, “Am I going to get far in this profession as a female photographer, IN BRADFORD?!”.
Unfortunately, I think negatively at times. I knew I needed to practice, so decided I will take my camera with me on outings. I also did professional photoshoots of my friends and family. I was then confident enough to create a portfolio. I still have the images from the first three professional photoshoots I did. I still look back at them now and still feel impressed. Take a look at the image above. This was the very first photoshoot I did for my portfolio.
I have not done a course in business, but the fact that I am naturally business minded is bizarre. I can’t complain really! Unfortunately, I did not have the guidance I would have benefited from. It definitely would have given me a head start in my business. This is why I have helped many people close to me with starting up their business, literally for FREE! I know the feeling of having the passion for something but confused as to where you should start.
My advice to anyone who would like to get into photography, (not just professionally but even if its a hobby), just take photos of anything that catches your eye. You don’t need a professional camera because your phone will do the job of practicing or for fun. A short course on the technology side of things (including social media) and being able to edit on photoshop is always a bonus!
Happy snapping everyone, if you have any questions then please feel free to comment below. See you in my next blog!
