Do you enjoy taking photos and turning them into works of art?
Are you familiar with Adobe Photoshop, Corel, Canva, and otherphoto editing apps?
In that case, you could leverage your skills to become a professional photographer.
First, double-check you know what to expect in this role.
Professional photographers do more than just take pictures and edit them on a computer.
They also reach out to potential clients, conduct research for photoshoots, and spend hours on post-processing.
Having technical know-how is just as important, explainsDigital Photography School.
This career path doesn’t require a college degree, but you may complete training or apply for internships.
Also, be prepared to experiment with different types of photography and practice your skills.
Their work also requires a strong understanding of thedifferent types of light, camera angles, and compositional techniques.
This can also be achieved through the use of negative space, leading lines, or framing.
As a novice photographer, you may not be aware of these techniques.
Aspiring photographers can also take courses to develop their skills or learn new techniques.
For example, theNew York Institute of Photographyoffers online classes for all skill levels.
Upon completion, students can take an exam to becomeCertified Professional Photographers.
Choose your career path and focus area
TheBLSreports that nearly 70% of photographers are self-employed.
These products can be costly, so check that you have some money put aside.
This would allow you to gain real-world experience and learn about the industry.
Meanwhile, experiment with different types of photography and choose your focus area.
For example, if you enjoy spending time outdoors, consider working as a travel photographer or nature photographer.
Depending on your educational background, you may also specialize in forensic or scientific photography.
For example,Zenfoliofeatures dozens of website templates for creative professionals.
you might also upload your photos to Instagram, Facebook, and other social networks to gain exposure.
Next, decide how you plan to make a living.
The most obvious choice would be to apply for jobs, but there might be better options available.
A good starting point is to sell your photos onShutterstock,Adobe Stock, orDreamstime.
Another option is to sell prints of your work onImageKind,Etsy,Redbubble, orCafePress.
Some photographers offer image editing services onFiverrand similar platforms to earn additional income.
Others teach photography classes onSkillshare,Udemy, orCreative Live, which allows them to create passive revenue streams.
Alternatively, you might open a photography studio and offer photo shoots for clients.
