With the amount of amateur photographers out today, it can be difficult to really make a good living. You have to know how to stand out and apart and make your work be noticed by people. Luckily, that is possible. You just have to know how to go about it from offering photo retouching services to having pure knowledge of photography. It is a good and a bad thing that so many people think that they are good at photography. It’s a bad thing because it’s harder to get people to pay for good quality when bad quality is so cheap but it’s a good thing because it gives people the opportunity to see how different your work is compared to all the other cheap photographers they have been through. Eventually people get sick of having poor quality photos given back to them and will look for a professional. Here are a few ways that you can make a living as a photographer.
Having the Knowledge
The first step is knowing what you are talking about. If a person approaches you or you are trying to promote your company and in conversation, you can explain to them about different photo styling and color correction services, this is a great way to show them you are different. Lots of photographers have fancy cameras and can point and click and bark instructions to make it seem like they know what they are doing. But, if you were to sit down and talk with them, you would see that they don’t really know all the ins and outs of what makes a good quality photograph. People don’t want to be talked down to, so don’t talk in photographer lingo but don’t dumb down the language so much that people feel like you think they are stupid. Just be balanced and use intelligent Layman’s terms to describe your process and understanding of photography. Cultivate a connection with people while showing them that you know exactly what you are doing and how to give them the best service they’ve ever had.
Having the Editing Software
Being able to offer photo retouching services is extremely important. Professional photo editing can make the different between a poor and good quality photo. Most amateurs do not take the time to invest in photo retouching services or software and are not able to properly edit an image. There are so many things that you can do in a photo retouching service, from changing colors, contrasts, focus and more. Photo editing is not about changing your picture but about enhancing what is already there. For example, if your subject’s chosen outfits blends to much with their chosen background, you don’t have to tell them they’re choices are unsuitable; instead, you can use your editing skills to brighten your subject and blur or darken the background to make the subject stand out.
Having the Promotions
Everyone loves a good deal. However, most people understand that cheaper is not always better. If business is slow then try offering a promotion or a deal based on an upcoming holiday. For example, if graduation season is coming up you could offer a senior picture deal. If you know a hair stylist or make up artist, you could even team up with them to offer a full package deal to people. The Christmas season is always a good time to offer discounts. If there are no upcoming holidays you could make something up of your own like a newborn package or wedding and bridal combination shoot. However, be careful not to underestimate your prices. You still need to pay for your time and supplies. Sit down and work out exactly what it costs to work a particular shoot, including time it takes to edit and whether you are going to be giving them their photographs digitally or printing them for them. These variables will give you different packages that you could offer your customers.
Photography can be such a rewarding career if you can make it your sole endeavor. It may have to be a side job for awhile until you can build up a set flow of business but either way, it will be worth it in the end.