Photography as a passion and as a Business, First thing you need to know is that there is a difference. So lets start by talking about photography as a passion.
Photography as a passion would probably have to be one of the greatest times to be in. You are learning, trying new things, pushing your self, taking risk. As a passion you don’t have to please anyone, you are doing this for your self. Its the most illest stage to be in.
And so many people rush this stage. They come from a stage of passion and Immediately want to turn it into a business. My advice to you is, stay in the passion side of photography as long as you can before turning it into a business because thats where you will find most of your enjoyment, thats where you will truly develop your self.
As you can see I did not start off as a photographer. I Started off being a Photographers assistant, holding reflectors, fighting against winds while holding a Westcott sun bounce, grabbing water for the clients and models. I focused on what made me so passionate about photography then I took my time to learn it.
Now let’s talk about photography as a business. And I don’t want to make it sound like the worst thing ever. Photography as a business can be fun. It can be what ever you put into it, it could suck and you hate your life everyday but thats up to you. I have lots of fun being a professional photographer like engaging and networking with new clients , getting new insights on how I can market by business better, get free merchandise!
Keep in mind when you enter photography as a business you are entering the service industry. So your helping hand as to be next level. Ask your self this, why do I love and shop at Amazon? Its because of their Amazing customer service they are winning amongst their competitors.
Other people are going to be paying you to take pictures for or of them. That person is going to be your client. So they come first, and what they want out of an image will not be what you want. So maybe the artist side of you cringes at that. Keep in mind you decide to turn it into a business you agreed to be in the business of helping others. As long as you remember that you will be a great photographer because you were great to work with.
Be prepared to do all the work no matter how menial a photoshoot may seem at the time of doing it. Start of shooting family, friends, and events. Do a lot of collaborative shoots . Most people want to skip the process not knowing when you skip steps you miss the lessons. The road to Turning into a full time photographer is paved with long hours and years of struggling. You are always unemployed until your next job.