2016 may have been the year you got your first camera. Maybe you have had a camera for a few years, you're pretty good with the camera and now you want to get to the next step. No matter what happened in 2016, 2017 is going to be incredible for you and your growth for photography. Today Ill give you photographers just starting out some actionable tips to grow your photography, get yourself out there, and find clients! There is a lot of work that you are going to have to put in but to be happier it will be worth it!
1. Bring Your Camera With You Everywhere!
When you bring your camera with you wherever you go you are doing 2 things. You're going to capture the everyday moments that you look past because you are not looking at them with a photographic eye. When you're in the moment and you have your camera with you, you will be hyper sensitive to how to capture whats going on around you. You are also going to be looked at AS a photographer by everyone around you. When people remember you as a photographer that is going to open up the door to possibilities of you getting clients.
2. Let Everyone You Know, Know You're A Photographer.
Simply put no one is going to ask you to photograph them if they don't know that you're a photographer. I know that when you first start out you don't have all the answers in photography and are scared to put yourself out there to be so venerable. But when you are honest to your clients and shoot within your abilities, you're photography will grow and you will impress your clients! If you don't have a Facebook page for your photography MAKE ONE! Again how are people supose to support and like your work if you don't have a place to show it off! Start posting everyday with a simple caption. While you're out ask to take photos of strangers if they are in interesting situations or lighting. Send that photo to them, give them a great experience and they will remember you when their friend gets engaged ;)
3. SHOOT EVERYTHING!
Someday if you want to turn photography into a business you will more than likely focus on just one area of photography. But today you might not know what you want to focus on. So this year you are going to shoot everything to figure out what makes you most passionate. Portraits, Families, Maternity, Seniors, Landscapes, Pets, Commercial, EVERYTHING! Don't say no to photography gigs this year! Also the more you shoot the more you will learn things that you will be able to apply to whatever area of photography you later decide to focus on.
4. Stay Creative.
If 2017 is going to be a year of growth you are going to have to stay creative! Spend time on Creative Live, SLR Lounge, PetaPixle, or any of your favorite photography blogs. Find a technique or tutorial that interests you and PLAN A PRACTICE DAY! Where one day a week you are going to practice the new techniques you are learning. So many times I have read a tutorial and thought "I could nail this" then I go to try it and Im horrible at it. Taking the time to practice is the only way you can become a better photographer.
5. Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Sometimes you just need a new perspective. We all know the lens that comes with your camera is not the best. Make the investment to buy a prime lens in 2017. A Prime lens does not zoom and it focuses you to move your feet to get closer to a subject. Both Canon and Nikon have great prime lens options with wide apertures for under $150! This whole article is about you stepping out of your comfort zone. Comfort is complacent. The Complacent do not grow.
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