Comments on: 10 Attributes Professional Photographers Need to Succeed

By: Angel

Angel — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:33:30 +0000

This is very informative…I have so many people tell me I should go into business, but I know I am not ready. What holds me back is #2. I want to know more about my equipment, I know most things, but until I know everything about it, I am not ready. Post-processing is another skill I lack knowledge in. I have great programs, but dont know how to use them. Even though only a true photographer would be able to pick up on it, I know I am not 100% so I would not ba able to give 100% to my client.
Thanks again for this article.

By: BlueRose

BlueRose — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 06:47:43 +0000

Can I add one more ?

ALWAYS carry your business cards on you somewhere :)

By: Lisa Lees

Lisa Lees — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:35:13 +0000

As a newly qualified and recently employed photographer, I found this post very helpful and informative, and even point 4 hasn’t put me off! Although I have a part-time photography job, I am also setting up a small studio so that I can start doing solo work. I still attend college and intend to continue on that path for the next couple of years at least. Passion and commitment are, I think, the two attributes that one needs in abundance; I am juggling work, studying and family life, but with one key ingredient – my husband’s total support, both emotionally and practically. Real support is a must and I would not be able to realise my dream of being a professional photographer without it.

By: SSB GERA

SSB GERA — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:21:48 +0000

Excellent tips, particularly the 4th one and of course the 10th.

By: Matthew Adam

Matthew Adam — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:09:09 +0000

very good tips! our business started up a few years ago from scratch and we are learning all the time.

By: Terry Day

Terry Day — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:15:27 +0000

As a working professional for over 30 years I have to say.. Excellent post! Very helpful for anyone wanting to succeed in this industry.

By: Neal Pritchard

Neal Pritchard — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:42:58 +0000

Very good post. The confidence to promote what you think is a good photograph is my point of focus in the next year

By: selina maitreya

selina maitreya — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:22:26 +0000

I would add, faith, consistency of effort, tenacity, marketing skills,
marketing tools, and more faith!

By: Neill Watson

Neill Watson — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:53:42 +0000

Number 10 is withouit doubt the most important and something that no photo courses ever tell you. I had a 15 year background in specialist cars before becoming a professional photographer in 2002. Without that and some advice from other professionals, I’d never have succeeded.
And selling / marketing is a constant thing, it never goes away and as technologies kill of one market and open another, you need to constantly re-invent yourself.
Paul’s comment about money and a scare tactic has some value, but it’s still scary how modern digital kit is without value in a short time. Film gear used to have a much longer life.

Hope this helps someone!

By: Paul Sveda

Paul Sveda — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:59:53 +0000

I agree with all points, except I think point 4 “Money”. Yes you do need it but how much capital you need can vary. I’ve seen PLENTY of photographers get by with mid range gear that is several years old and a home office all the while using the web (relatively cheap) as a place to show, print and distribute their work.

Your point 4 sounds a little “scare-tactic-y” would be my only concern.