Uploaded September 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Step 1
Ask yourself if you really love professional photography. Often people are unaware of the difference between loving something passionately and loving the idea of something.
Step 2
Build your portfolio
Bring your camera everywhere. Don’t wait til you have the right gear. Shoot like crazy- exercise your creative muscle. Absorb everything you can.
At an event? Practice shooting it!
Once you build your portfolio...
Step 3
Make an excel sheetof all the photographers you want to work with.
Be sure to include:
Name
Contact info
Notes
DO NOT EMAIL UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO CALL
STEP 4
Start upgrading your gear
Get advice and start with your bread and butter lenses and a flash. Sexy purchases come later. I recommend a 24-70, 70-200, and a flash on top of whatever camera you decide to shoot with.
STEP 5
You're now ready to take on new gigs. This is still a learning experience. Each job will build your confidence as a photographer.
Step 1
Ask yourself if you really love professional photography. Often people are unaware of the difference between loving something passionately and loving the idea of something.
Step 2
Build your portfolio
Bring your camera everywhere. Don’t wait til you have the right gear. Shoot like crazy- exercise your creative muscle. Absorb everything you can.
At an event? Practice shooting it!
Once you build your portfolio...
Step 3
Make an excel sheetof all the photographers you want to work with.
Be sure to include:
Name
Contact info
Notes
DO NOT EMAIL UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO CALL
STEP 4
Start upgrading your gear
Get advice and start with your bread and butter lenses and a flash. Sexy purchases come later. I recommend a 24-70, 70-200, and a flash on top of whatever camera you decide to shoot with.
STEP 5
You're now ready to take on new gigs. This is still a learning experience. Each job will build your confidence as a photographer.
