5 Photography Myths Exposed
Social media and blogs help keep us up-to-date with the all the latest industry news. However, these sites can also publish stories for ‘clickbait’ or spin the truth a little to sell a story. If you’re a part-time photographer this may hold you back from taking the leap into turning what you love so much full-time.
Let’s stop making excuses and get you into the right, positive mind-set. Whether you’re an event photographer or headshot photographer, you can be the next big thing in the industry if you put these common myths out of your mind:
1. Talent is Enough to Be Successful
Let’s start by being realistic. Photography takes practice:
- You need people skills to get the best out of clients during headshots
- During events experience tells you which shots will be the ones your clients tend to love in the end
- Do you know how to utilise light optimally when you don’t have your own lights set up?
You won’t attain these skills by simply playing around with your camera and taking an exceptional landscape photograph when conditions are perfect. When it’s your career you need to manage your talent, your equipment and the people on the other side of the lens all at the same time.
When you’ve mastered some of that, don’t forget about the marketing, administration and accounting skills a business also requires. It’s challenging, but possible.
If you’re ready to give it your all, read on.
2. You Can’t Shoot When There’s Bad Light
Perhaps you haven’t built up that portfolio yet because you’re always waiting for the perfect moments. You need perfect light conditions, right? That’s not true.
You can imagine event photography doesn’t always provide much natural light. That doesn’t mean you can’t get great shots. A skilled photographer knows how to use alternative sources of light or get a unique look because of the different types of lighting available.
But you won’t know how to utilise them if you don’t start practicing. And imagine how impressed clients will be when you have examples of this challenging—but not impossible—type of work.
3. A Better Camera Will Always Lead to Better Pictures
Are you saving up to purchase the latest camera so it will help you build your new career? Then you’ve probably missed out on countless career opportunities. There will always be a better camera coming onto the market but that doesn’t mean you have to upgrade each time.
Of course additional features will enhance your images, but that only happens when those features are actually used correctly. Have you even explored all the options of your current gear?
A bad photographer doesn’t become great the moment he or she owns an exceptional camera. So, go out there and practice with what you have. Gear is never an excuse.
4. You Need a Tripod to Get Excellent Photographs
Of course you can’t sell or showcase photographs that blur because you couldn’t keep the camera still. But why not take the shot with a rock, a box or a table as your foundation?
And why make events or conferences boring? Changing your angle can show the exuberant mood of the day. Also, if you’re mobile—instead of forcing yourself to shoot from the tripod—you can move between the guests and capture unposed moments. And that’s the type of photographs your clients usually want.
5. There’s No Room For Your Skill
Do you look at all the respected photographers and you doubt whether you’ll get enough clients?
Yes, it’s a highly saturated industry, but mostly because photographers tend to fall into a rut. They think they’re supposed to do it the same way the famous ones do it.
Don’t you have something unique to offer?
- You like photographing a topic no one else seems interested in
- You put extra time into editing
- You don’t mind working weekends
- You’re very good with kids or pets
- You can produce video interviews with event attendees for future marketing
Somewhere there’s a client—or two—looking for your specific trademark. Get going and help them too enjoy the career you’ve always dreamt of!
