4/01/2011

Requirements Of Becoming A Professional Photographer

By Charles Murray


Becoming a professional wedding photographer requires equipment, research and planning, experience, and the willingness to learn and have fun in the process. Whether the aspiring photographer is a child or an adult, following several guidelines can help attain that goal.

Aspiring wedding photographers will need to purchase a camera and learn as much as possible about all of the features. Even though the camera is an obvious important tool, photographers need to also obtain other items. A good investment is made in quality lenses, as the lenses will often outlive the cameras. Photographers should begin the equipment purchasing process by reading articles and product reviews about possible choices for equipment. Determining specifically which type of wedding photography will be offered is also important before buying new equipment. Investing time with these decisions will pay off when making purchases. After a purchase has been made it is extremely important to practice with the camera and fully understand its limitations and features. Photographers need to know how to use their equipment when conditions change, such as lighting or weather.

As in many other professions, wedding photographers need to have a solid foundation on which to build their portfolios. This foundation can begin with research and planning. For students there are often high school courses on photography which can be taken. This might seem far from wedding photography, but it is important in the beginning to learn as much about photography in general as possible. Many communities and local art centers offer workshops, courses, and opportunities to speak with local photographers. Some even host amateur photography exhibits which can connect hobbyists to professionals in their areas. The library and book stores are also great places to learn more about becoming a professional photographer. Topics such as exposure, composition, lighting, and the specifics about camera settings can all be studied even before purchasing a camera. Budding photographers should not look to rely on the computer software to transform their pictures, but should instead learn to take amazing pictures that can be highlighted through technology.

Once a new photographer has done research and purchased a few basic pieces of equipment, it is time to gain some experience and make contacts in the photography field. Young students can volunteer to be school or club photographers. Those out of school can find opportunities to become free-lance photographers for local newspapers or non-profit groups. Many of these will not be paying work, but the experience and exposure can be priceless if a career in photography is wanted. Perhaps an established wedding photographer would be willing to take on an apprentice, where he or she has the benefits of an assistant and in exchange will provide tips and techniques to the amateur.

Throughout the learning and foundation building process the new photographer should strive to learn from his or her mistakes and find ways to improve. Amateurs can use this time to discover what type of wedding photographer he or she would like to be, such as classic or contemporary, and find ways to develop a personal and unique style. Wedding photography requires solid foundations built on research and experience, accompanied with a passion for the job and all that it includes.




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