If you are precise, have a good eye for lighting and detail, a creative inclination, patience and love to work with magazines, corporates or be a freelancer, photography is way forward, says SHWETA TANWAR MUKHERKJEE
The field of photography has evolved tremendously in the last couple of years. Photography had, traditionally, been restricted to events, weddings, and movies; but with the surge in e-Commerce platforms, advertising, mass media, and digitally related fields have created a huge demand for professional photographers.
Learn by taking up a Course
To make a career in the digital photography world, you need to stay updated with the new techniques and equipment. With the change of era, when budding photographers used to gather the rudiments of photography techniques on their own, the institutes across the country offer courses to train people in the creative field. You can get a degree in photography (Bachelor’s or Master’s), or pursue diploma courses, the duration of which may vary between three months and a year.
Getting a majors in photography from institutions would help to hone your existing skills and eradicate the gaps. The enhancement of knowledge will help in shaping your career.
Back to basics
Enrolling yourself in a course will help you understand the basics of photography: Framing, rule of thirds, shutter speed and editing. Understanding these basics will help you take balanced and interesting photographs.
Practice and learn
Once you learn the craft, the next step is to practice it, and become proficient. Participating in competitions and events can give you an opportunity to grow, recognise your strengths, and develop your skills. Competitions also provide you with a great platform to showcase your talent and a chance to get your work evaluated and critiqued by a panel of judges.
Choose your segment
To become a professional photographer, it is important to experiment with different genres that allow you to gain knowledge about different areas of photography. Venturing out into various domains will help you understand the areas of strength, and help you build up expertise in the areas of your choice. In the long run, you will be able to carve a niche in a particular domain of photography.
Create your Blog/website
Showcasing your skills is as important as doing good work. A portfolio, blog , Social account or website can easily be turned into your marketing brochure. Making a portfolio communicates your views, abilities, skills, etc, and gives you a professional outlook. When you have your own blog/website, you can showcase your work to increase your chances of getting noticed.
Get the right gear
Just like doctors are incomplete without their surgical tools, photographers are incomplete without their equipment. Good equipment matters. A lens is also an important piece of equipment, as it can provide diverse shot options.
If you are yet to take a professional plunge, you don't have to spend a fortune buying an expensive camera. Begin with a point-and-shoot or a mobile camera, and later shift to a DSLR, once you are sure of your skills, and passion for the field. Buying a DSLR will largely depend upon your budget.