6 AMAZING QUALITIES EVERY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD HAVE
Almost everyone these days has a camera or a smartphone with a camera. So that means there are billions of photographers out there, right? Well, not exactly.
While anyone can snap a photo, the number of people who have solid photography skills are few and far between. That means choosing the right photographer with the right services is of utmost importance. The difference between an amateur and a pro photographer will show. Not only in the final image results, but also in how a photographer deals with a client before, during, and after the shoot.
Here are some key skills you should have as a serious photographer – and some key photographer traits to look for if you’re a client searching for one.
1. BEING GOOD WITH PEOPLE
While taking a picture might be viewed by some as simply pressing a button, getting a good result is far more than that. When it comes to working with people, the way you carry yourself can have a big impact on how the subjects look in the photo.
Whether you’re shooting models for a fashion line or portraits for a business card, making the subject feel comfortable is important. That might mean reassuring them or directing how they should pose. Some casual banter to make them laugh never hurts either.
If you’re not a good communicator or don’t take the time to help your subjects feel at ease, then they may appear rigid in the final edit. If you can build trust with a subject, they may open up and show you expressions you wouldn’t have captured otherwise. You’ll probably also be more likely to earn positive word of mouth.
2. KNOWING YOUR GEAR INSIDE AND OUT
Often in commercial or editorial photography, you’re working on the fly with tight timelines. If you’re shooting a wedding for example, then you have to be ready at the right moments to capture the essence. That could come down to experience and natural talent, and perhaps a good sense of timing. But it’s also knowing your gear, whether it’s setting up strobe lights in the right places, or having the right lens on the camera for the right purpose.
Being comfortable with your equipment will let you work more efficiently (and also come off as more confident to your subjects.) You don’t want to be fumbling around with your gear between each shot as your model gets bored.
3. ADAPTING TO UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES
Some days, the outdoor conditions just aren’t cooperating with the photographer. However, a good photographer won’t let that impact their final product.
Instead of shooting at the planned location, a seasoned photographer should be able to find another site that will work on short notice. Or, if going off-site is not possible, they will find a way to make it work at the original spot. This can show off the creative and problem solving side of a photographer. For example, if it’s raining, a photographer might make sure they have umbrellas on hand for the bride and groom for a unique shot. If it’s cloudy, it’s finding a way to work that mood into the photo that enhances it.
There can also be mishaps with equipment. While a photographer comes prepared with backup batteries and camera bodies, in some cases they might lose artificial lighting due to a malfunction. In this case, the photographer can improvise with natural light or by lighting the scene differently.
4. KNOWING THE BUSINESS SIDE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re serious about becoming a professional photographer, then you need to know the business of photography. Simply being talented at taking pictures is rarely enough. You have to know about the finer details of making money in the business. From marketing to estimating, scheduling to bookkeeping, professional photographers spend far more time on the details of their business than shooting and editing photos.
For example, do you understand model releases for commercial photography? If you don’t, you could be putting yourself in a sticky legal position if you use someone’s image for promotional purposes without their consent. That might even apply if you post images from a commercial shoot on your business’s social media without an agreement.
Knowing how to draw up a contract can protect you from lawsuits while outlining payment details as well as what you’re expected to deliver to the client. For example, you could tell them they need to pay half upfront before the shoot, and that you will deliver a specific number of edited images from the session when they pay the balance.
You should also have a solid online portfolio and a way for people to easily see your work, as well as to book your services. The website may also have a secure way to allow clients to view their photos, and download or buy them as well.
5. BEING PATIENT AND FLEXIBLE
Sometimes a client isn’t as comfortable in front of the camera as others. A good photographer will take the time to loosen them up, instead of getting frustrated and potentially making the situation worse. But patience is more than just working with a potentially difficult client. It can also mean waiting a long time for a single moment, and still being focused enough to grab it. This can apply to both photojournalism and wildlife photography.
Flexibility also means a willingness to do anything to get the shot. Many professional photographers think nothing of dropping to the ground to get a new angle or harnessing up to jump on a cherry-picker for an aerial view.
You will also need to have the patience to sift through potentially thousands of photos from a single shoot to pick out the best ones. While it can be very time consuming, the photo editing process is essential to great results.
6. LOVING WHAT YOU DO
Passion is important when it comes to producing the best results. If you love taking pictures and making clients happy with your best work, then photography might be the right path for you.
On the other hand, if you’re not enthusiastic about your work, the client may not respond well or won’t provide a testimonial to your work.
BUILD YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS ONE CLICK AT A TIME
Photography takes patience, knowledge of your gear, working well with people and knowing the business side. If you have some of these photography skills, you’re already well on your way!
If you’re looking for an experienced photographer who has all of these skills, then contact me today!