Are you a new photographer? Do you have dreams of becoming a photographer? Well, as someone who has been in business for over a decade, I do have some advice!

How did you get started as a new photographer?

My first DSLR was my first big ticket item purchase after I started my first full time job after I graduated from college. I bought a “fancy” camera because I wanted to learn to take better photos. I began photographing anything I could including the flowers in my parents’ backyard, my pets, and family members. I was able to sneak backstage during the Spring Concert at my ballet studio, and that’s where I discovered I loved photographing people.

There is just something special about capturing the essence of people. I began to scour the internet for answers to my photography questions. Composition, lighting, editing, the whole gamut. I’m a self-taught photographer who read a ton of books and practiced, practiced, practiced.

As I was planning my own wedding, I discovered the world of wedding photography. A local photographer took a chance on me and let me be her third shooter for a wedding so that I could get an idea of the experience. It was great! I was hooked.

How did you teach yourself photography?

Books and practice. I took a few courses at the local community college to learn the ins and outs of Photoshop and Illustrator. I attended a few workshops to build my portfolio, and concentrated most of my learning on business basics and learning to run a profitable business.

What is your formal degree in?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego.

What books do you recommend for a new photographer getting started?

Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson was one of the first photography books I picked up. It has great explanations of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO and how they all work together. Once you understand the basics of that trifecta, you can really start using your camera to create the images you want.

What’s in my bag?  

I wrote a whole post about what’s in my camera bag here.

What are the three most important things for a new photographer to have in place to present themselves as a legitimate business?

1) Strong Portfolio – Shoot, shoot, shoot! Shoot strategically. If you’re just starting out and don’t have access to photograph a wedding or a family, use your network to set up a shoot. If you want to photograph weddings, organize a styled shoot. If you have the opportunity to second shoot with another photographer, ask the main photographer if you can use some images for your portfolio. Carefully curate the images you have to showcase your best photos.

2) Social Media – Once you decide to pursue your photography dreams as a business, you’ll want to establish a social media presence. Make sure you always conduct yourself in a professional manner. Once you post something to the Internet, whether it is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or elsewhere, it is there forever. Keep your posts positive and encouraging to anyone who may come across them.

3) Network – Meet with other local photographers and develop genuine friendships. These relationships become your support system as a small business owner. The one thing I miss from working in a “traditional” setting is co-workers and the camaraderie. Depending on what you decide to specialize in, connect with your community, whether that is a local wedding planner or floral designer or a children’s boutique or doctor’s office. Your next referral could be right around the corner!

My Best Advice to New Photographers

Seek advice from seasoned pros, but trust your gut and do what works best for you. As you grow as a photographer you will learn new things all the time. Some things will work for you, some things will not. But only you know what is best for you and your business model. Also, it’s okay to change things up. Change is difficult, but it is often worth it!

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