Turning Your Hobby into a Profession
Thursday, May 29, 2008 @ 17:32
So you've made the decision that you'd really like to quit your day job and do photography full time. You have acquired lots of first-rate equipment over the years, along with the knowledge to use it. So where do you start?
First you have to carefully examine if you really are ready to make the big leap from amateur to pro.
The basic requirement for becoming a truly professional photographer is customers. Do you have any? If so, do you have enough to make a living from your hobby? To answer these questions requires honesty. Have you managed to form professional linkages over the years, through networking and through your reputation? Do you understand the market for the specific type of photography you like to do? For example, if you like doing portrait work, do you really know what it takes to stand out from the crowd of so many others offering the same service? What sets you apart from the crowd? Do you have a niche?
The best way to ensure a successful transition from amateur to pro is to have successfully laid the groundwork for a unique niche. Maybe you have a studio facility that is especially appealing to children and your reputation for having a great working style with them has spread. While working in photography on a part-time basis, do you have more business than you can handle? Does the quality of your work speak for itself and have you earned the respect of your peers? Do you get a steady flow of referrals from other photographers in your area who don't really like working with children? If you can give positive answers to these questions, then you are clearly ready to make the leap to full-time photography work. If not, then maybe you need to do a bit more groundwork first. If you have a niche, develop it and then go out and advertise it. Network with your peers and let them know about your specialty and that you would be glad to take this type of work off their hands if they would prefer not to do it. Assure them that you'll be happy to reciprocate with referrals outside of your specialty area.
Making the transition from amateur to professional is not that difficult as long as you know what you do best and you stick with that. Don't over-reach and get yourself in too deep. Disappointing a client, or embarrassing a fellow colleague who sent you work that you fluffed isn't going to win you popularity and in fact, will hurt you in the long run. So, don't be afraid to turn down work that you aren't equipped to do and then refer it to a colleague who can handle the job.
Being a true professional means a lot more than having a lot of skill and fancy equipment. It means having good judgment as to what jobs you are equipped to do and then having the skill and commitment to carry them out in a professional manner that will speak well for you and for the profession in which you work.
