Photography and videography will always be something that plenty of people will always enjoy. After all, using photographs and videos are simply a more interactive way to tell a story, and people love stories.
And for those who enjoy photography and videography as their creative outlet, great for you! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting the perfect shot after long waiting times, or seeing your footage come together to tell the story you’re trying to tell. So now, you have the passion for the job, and now you’re looking to turn it into a marketable career.
So how do you go about doing this? While this isn’t a fix-all guide that’s going to magically make you an overnight photography and videography professional success, there are a few guidelines that might be able to help you get started with your career.
Look into your equipment
The kind of equipment you have now might be okay for the kind of shots that you’re currently taking, but you should seriously consider upgrading your equipment if you really want to take your photography and videography to a professional level.
We’re not saying that you should buy the most expensive equipment on the market, just that you should upgrade your equipment to accommodate more rigorous projects. A few good lenses and some professional lighting equipment would be a good start.
Boost your portfolio
One of the hardest things for beginners in the industry is getting experience in order to boost their portfolios. While it would be great to be bombarded by offers when you’re starting out, you don’t have to rely on client work to boost your portfolio. Get as many shoots as you can under your belt, and add in some of your own personal projects as well. This will help round out your portfolio.
Marketing will get the word out there
It will be hard to get noticed at the beginning. After all, there are plenty of professional photography and videography services out there, what makes yours so special? This is where marketing can really help make a difference for you.
We’re fortunate enough that a computer and an internet connection are all the tools that you need to market your brand. Set up a website for your portfolio, post your stuff on social media, and make use of online marketing strategies to give yourself a leg up.
Choose what you want to specialize in
Another way to really get yourself noticed is by choosing a niche that you want to specialize in. It could be events, parties, weddings, corporate events, anything really. Just find something that you want to specialize in, and concentrate all your efforts into that. This helps provide a clear direction for your marketing and portfolio.
