Many people ask how much a photographer earns? – It all depends on the level of skill and experience. In European countries, representatives of this profession earn an average of $5,000 per month. Some earn up to 10 thousand dollars.
Will the profession suit you
To understand if you’re suited to the profession of a photographer or not, you need to analyse your personal qualities. Photos are taken to convey a certain message. Professionals tend to think ahead about the composition of the images, visualise the main frame and set accents.
The profession of a photographer is demanded enough to realize it, it is important to be attentive, because the shooting is a living process. The skill to quickly capture the moment is essential in this business.
The photographer’s intuition, aesthetic taste and imagination are indispensable. Almost all photographers in this profession have an irrepressible urge for self-improvement. They are interested in everything new. Other important qualities include:
– curiosity;
– patience;
– meticulousness;
– the ability to concentrate;
– attention to detail.
Job sites often publish advertisements stating that a website photographer is needed. This is a promising direction, because many companies promote their products and services through the Internet. Representatives of this profession must have good stamina, stress resistance, be communicative, and be able to work in a team.
Choosing a direction
It is important to choose the right direction. A content photographer, for example, takes pictures for social networks. His services are used to promote various products. It is noteworthy that in this case the picture can be taken not only with a camera, but also with a phone. Naturalness and liveliness of the frame are the main trends, helping companies to win the loyalty of the audience.
The most popular trends in the art of photography are:
– portrait;
– documentary;
– subject matter;
– reportage.
Portrait is the earliest genre, originally performed in a laconic, classical style for magazine publications. Today’s photographers are increasingly disrupting outdated canons.
Landscape is another popular commercial photographic genre. Beautiful images of nature are actively used in interior design.
There is also a “nude” genre, it is chosen by creative individuals wishing to demonstrate the beauty of the human body. This trend is favoured by bohemians.
Documentary photo plays an important social role. Vivid natural images have a pronounced emotional impact on the audience.
A separate trend is street photography that captures daily life in megapolises. Such photos are a part of modern urban subculture.
The photo reportage genre is chosen by professional journalists covering different events by editorial assignment.
Subject matter photography is very much in demand and is used in advertising. Such photos show the advantages of a particular product and emphasise its design and construction. Objects in the frame are united by a common composition, the photographer chooses the most advantageous angles. This approach makes it possible to reveal the functional characteristics of the product and encourage its purchase.
Choosing the equipment
Equipment should be chosen responsibly. A beginner photographer does not need to buy the most expensive camera. The minimum kit for any shoot includes:
– a camera;
– a special carrying bag;
– 1-2 lenses.
It is advisable to buy a standard lens plus a portrait lens. Much depends on the chosen direction.
You will also need tools to clean the optics from dust and memory cards. The beginner photographer should buy a spare battery, a computer with a medium-range photo editor.
The basic tool is a camera. It is possible to buy a budget model, replacing it in the future on more expensive. Most money is usually spent on the lens. You should consider changing your camera every few years, as this type of equipment will quickly become obsolete, unlike lenses.
For the novice photographer, a “premium” compact camera is a great choice. You can get a good sensor, optics and numerous automatic modes in a small package for a reasonable price.
Where to learn
Photographic technology is an art form, it doesn’t stand still, and it’s constantly evolving. You can learn useful skills, become a professional photographer through university or special courses. Those who are interested in this area, you need to read thematic articles, you can get a job as an assistant to a professional, about YouTube is also not worth forgetting.
What you need to be successful
To succeed as a photographer, you need to learn constantly, to improve their own photo equipment, to engage in promotion. To look for clients, you can use the Internet. Representatives of this profession will not interfere with additional personal branding courses. Be sure to create a template for a photography contract.
It is very important to love what you do, to be attentive to details, to build effective communication. Photographers are required to be patient and diligent. It is important not to be lazy and make a portfolio, it will help in finding clients.