How to become a Pro Photographer

Have you ever wondered how to become a professional photography without going to school? I truly believe you can learn how to become a pro photographer at home by following these three steps. Learning photography without school will take time and determination but it can be done and here’s how.

This post is sponsored by KEH Camera, but opinions are your own. Affiliate links are included in the post.

It may seem weird that I’d be giving away tips for free to help you step up your game and make your dream come true- to be a professional photographer.

It’s ok. I was once there too. In reality every professional photographer has been where you are.

Constant questions swirling around in my mind all while wondering how to take it to the next level. Then the ever lurking mental drain of “How do I have others see me as a professional and not just the “family photographer”?”

The list goes on!

Right?

Well I want to give you three simple steps that you can take, if you haven’t already, to head towards the big world of being a professional photographer. They are simple, yet they may take time. Unless you have already taken these steps of action, then you are on the right path.

1- Equipment. I know…it’s not the camera that takes a good picture. We’ve all seen this meme and we’ve all heard it too. Yet let me tell you aside from a trained eye, every professional photographer I know has professional equipment. Maybe I’m wrong, but any professional is willing to invest in their equipment because they know the quality is there and is valuable.

PAUSE button

If you have equipment you’ve already invested in but have realized it’s not what you need I have a solution for you! Head over to KEH and you can simply sell them your equipment.

You can purchase quality pre-owned camera equipment. KEH makes the process of buying and selling beyond easy. You simply head to their website and right on the home page it gives you the option to find what you’re looking for or wanting to sell. Once you type this in the search bar a new screen will follow giving you all of the specs, pricing and choices. It’s super user friendly and easy to navigate. If I can navigate my way through the buying process, you can too! I promise!

–> KEH has always has been helping photographers of all levels buy and sell used photography gear, making us the world’s largest pre-owned camera store. Our gear is carefully inspected by our industry experts who can help customers find the right gear. The grading system offers an option for every need and budget. KEH Camera offers the right price and grade on our gear in order to bring you better value! –<

Either step you take…selling or purchasing KEH knows how to make the process easy and simple. Believe me I’ve stepped through it. I don’t have time for fuss!! You can compare prices and know you’re getting the best bang for your buck!

2- Act like a Business. Stop giving away everything or free. You aren’t only hurting yourself but you are also hurting every other professional photographer that’s in the photography community. Set your self up as a business legally for sure but act like you are CEO of your business, run it like a professional CEO and talk like a professional CEO. Then everyone else may take you a bit more seriously.

3- Educate. Always educate yourself and find ways to stretch yourself. Whether it’s in technique of shooting, it’s learning a new piece of equipment and how to fully get the best use of it, whether it’s editing tips or business tips. Maybe you lack in accounting knowledge…whatever the weakness is to you and your business, educate yourself. This will not only strengthen you as a photographer but it will strengthen your business and the photography community as a whole.

I really fully believe that these three steps will help set you apart in the professional world of photography.

Here are some true Myths on becoming a professional photographer you might find interesting!

Hi I’m Erin a Southern mama from South Mississippi, owner and chief editor of Sixth Bloom a blog helping mom-tographers capture their kiddos and life, talking all things home, adventure + travels, parenting and how we navigate through life. You will find me living life to the fullest with my mister (aka husband) and our two year old, Miss Elle, in our 500+ sq foot cottage as we build our dream house on our two acres! We are blessed beyond measure, love to travel, involved in ministry at our church and in between all of that I run three successful businesses! Follow me at: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST