Being a professional photographer is different from just working on it as a hobby. For those who pursue it as a hobby, they only need to focus on the good aspects of it and take pictures that are purely for their enjoyment. On the other hand, being a professional photographer entails taking on jobs that are not always that great and are less enjoyable than what you had hoped for.
Still, despite having its downsides, being a professional photographer has its own valuable perks that make it all worth it. You get paid for the thing you love doing, you can host your own exhibitions, you can share your views with the world, and if you are good enough, you can get a lot of awards for your pictures and have the opportunity to work with other famous creators around the world. So, do you have what it takes to become a professional photographer? Here are some ways you can find out.
You Have Mastered The Technicalities
One of the things that set professional photographers apart from amateurs is how they work in any situation.
A professional should know how to capture exposure, work in all kinds of lighting, how to read the histogram, and much more. It is also essential to learn more about how each tool works, such as your camera, Photoshop, and your favorite choice of photo editor. If you are not sure how these things work, you can always enroll in online or offline courses to help you understand these technicalities and improve yourself on them.
Having Your Own Style
Being a professional does not always have to mean business – you can also enjoy your own expression of art. Hence, you should have a definite artstyle before you set out to make money from your photographs.
Having a specific artstyle also helps your clients figure out what to expect from you. Your pictures will give them a good idea of what they want, and you can use your skills to their highest potential to deliver clients what they will most definitely appreciate.
Having a Passionate Drive
Regardless of which work field you are in, if you are passionate about it then nothing can stop you from achieving what you want.
A prime example of a photographer with a determined drive is none other than Sam Yari – an Iranian-Turkish fashion photographer and director. After experiencing the tragic incident caused by the Spider Operation in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2016, Yari emigrated to Turkey and continued his work as a photographer. However, his work was beginning to get heavily influenced by what he saw during the incident – the thought of seeing many models and photographers being arrested made him determined to use his photography in a way that would bring justice to these people.
He founded the prestigious Sam Yari Studios that focuses on developing, photographing, and exhibiting work that advocates the liberation of artists in strict regimes. He has also had the chance to travel to different parts of the world and work with many brands and modeling agencies, where he has spread his influence and shared his views through his work.
As a passionate and strong-willed individual, we can learn so much through his example and contribute to the cause that he has been relentlessly trying to spread to the world.