What Is It Like Being A Photographer?
Like many of you, I always thought photography would be fun! I always loved capturing pictures on my phone, and the idea of working for myself while working with people was exciting. I am a visual person who loves being creative and so I always thought it would be a great fit. It was not until later in my life that I realized it was an actual job. Today I want to talk about how long I have been doing photography, what the experience has been like so far, the pros and cons, as well as what has been helpful.
Let’s get right into it. I have been doing photography for a little over 3 years. Before that I was taking pictures for fun on my phone, and I even took some online photography classes, as well as a course at my local community college. A little over three years ago, I began taking it seriously, taking my camera everywhere I went and capturing as much of the world as I could. During this time, I also began shooting pictures for family/friends before moving onto clients. I would say this time is crucial to learning your style of photography. Don’t try to copy anyone else. Don’t pay attention to what other photographers are doing.
My experience in the beginning was tough. I put a lot of stress on my self to be successful right way, and so I was taking pictures of everyone and everything. It was fun at first but it quickly became stressful. I would recommend just taking pictures for fun at first. I would also recommend holding off on any collaborations in the beginning. Instead, find a mentor who can help grow you. Once I stopped putting pressure on myself and started to really hone my craft, I saw a shift in my work and clients approached me. So work on finding your style. What makes you different from other photographers? How do you describe your style? What are your ideal clients?
I would say my work is colorful, classic, and timeless. I don’t stick to the trends. I don’t use props. Instead I use the great outdoors of Southern Illinois as my background, and I tend to shoot people being genuine and authentic. I think my style is very different from other photographers in my area. I also think a photography session with me is a ton of fun, and it truly is an experience. My ideal clients are people who enjoy nature and simplicity. They love being genuine and having a good time.
So what has my experience been like so far? Well once I learned my craft, things got much easier. I spent more time learning, and perfecting my process which has helped so much. It has helped in my process communicating with clients, in posting pictures online and so much more. I still really enjoy photography but have learned that taking the pictures is only a section of what I do as a photographer. I have also learned about editing, marketing, communicating, contracts, communicating my process to the client, and so much more. I have had a positive experience, and I love what I do. COVID has of course has an impact. I think I can do a whole blog on how COVID has impacted my business. Let me know if you would be interested in learning more about that.
Now let’s talk about the pros and cons. So the cons? It can be expensive. The cost of lenses, cameras, computer software, etc. can really build. You are talking about thousands of dollars. Another con? New photographers are popping up every single day, and their prices are getting lower every day. Just recently there was a new photographer who was offering sessions for less than $30. It’s tough feeling like you are one in a thousand and then having new people continue to pop up. Another con? There is no real consistency. I can have over 10 clients one month, and then 2 the next. Also, as a photographer who primarily shoots outdoors, winters can be a hard time for me as I tend to have fewer clients overall.
Although there may be some cons, the pros definitely outweigh them for me. One pro to photography is that it allows you to be creative. From the way you take the photograph to the way you edit it, and even how you present it to your client. The entire process is almost therapeutic to me. I find it relaxing, and I truly put my entire heart into it. I also love that it allows you to be your own boss. You don’t have to listen to anyone or clock in. You decide when you start and when you end your day. This can be good and bad. Lastly, I love that there is a community when it comes photography. Due to COVID, my photography community has mostly been online, but I would love the opportunity to meet more photographers.
As a photographer, my day to day can look so different. Some days, I have multiple sessions that I am trying to tackle, whilst other days (such as today) I am working on updating my website, and making sure I have content for my Instagram/Faceboook pages. Tomorrow I will likely be reviewing my contracts for clients to ensure that the process is as smooth as it can be. This means I will have to review the contract I have at this time, and then I will have do research to see if there is anything I can do to make it better. It is a constant game of trying to engage new clients, keep in touch with past clients, and also create work that is meaningful and exciting for me. It is a juggling act because some days I want to do it all but I realize I only have so many hours in the day, so I typically pick one area to work on and try to concentrate on that. I hope this gives you a simple glimpse into some of the struggles and challenges a photographer can face. Thank you for reading along!
XO,
Esther Kabwe Photography
