Maggie teaching the business of photography at WPPI in Las Vegas

Dinky Feet Studio is now 8 years old! We have been through the journey, perturbations, ups and downs and are actively training new and aspiring photographers for over 6 years now!

Transitioning from a full-time job to a successful career as a photographer requires careful planning, dedication, and persistence. Here are some steps to help you navigate this process:

1. Define your photography niche: Determine the specific genre or niche you want to specialise in, such as portrait photography, landscape photography, wedding photography, fashion photography, etc. Focusing on a particular area allows you to develop your skills and target a specific audience. Not sure which way to go? Don’t stress. Try different genres and see what makes your heart sing.

2. Build a portfolio: Start building a strong and diverse portfolio that showcases your best work. Include images that demonstrate your skills, creativity, and unique style. You can collaborate with friends, family, or even do some pro bono work to gain experience and add to your portfolio.

3. Develop your technical and artistic skills: Invest time in improving your technical photography skills. Study composition, lighting techniques, and post-processing. Take courses, workshops, or join photography clubs to learn from experienced photographers and gain new insights. Can’t afford training just yet? Head over to YouTube! The old faithful is full of great content and it’s free!

4. Create an online presence: Establish an online presence to showcase your work and attract potential clients. Create a professional website or portfolio that highlights your best images. Utilise social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Flickr to share your work and engage with a wider audience. Can’t afford a website just yet? Try creating your site on Canva! Even a landing page is a start. When you start earning from your craft, swap it to a full-blown site and start working on your SEO.

5. Network within the industry: Attend photography conferences, workshops, and events to meet other photographers, industry professionals, and potential clients. Networking can help you gain exposure, learn from others, and discover new opportunities. Bonus: photography conferences, such as SWPP or ClickConference in London, are absolutely brilliant social events!

6. Offer your services: Start by offering your photography services to friends, family, and acquaintances. This can help you build a client base and generate word-of-mouth referrals. As you gain experience and confidence, gradually expand your reach and market yourself to a broader audience.

7. Set realistic goals and a business plan: Define your short-term and long-term goals as a photographer. Outline a business plan that includes your target market, pricing structure, marketing strategies, and financial considerations. Having a clear roadmap will help guide your decisions and track your progress.

8. Manage your finances: As you transition from a full-time job to photography, be prepared for potential income fluctuations. Create a budget to manage your personal and business expenses. It’s also advisable to have some savings as a safety net during the initial stages of your photography career.

9. Continuously learn and adapt: Photography is an ever-evolving field. Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and industry standards. Invest in continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and attending photography conventions. Adapt to the changing market demands and adjust your business strategies accordingly.

10. Market yourself effectively: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your services effectively. Utilise social media platforms, create a blog to share tips and insights, collaborate with other professionals, and leverage online directories and platforms dedicated to connecting photographers with clients.

Nina Mace is a brilliant marketing educator I would recommend to anyone, whether they are just starting out or in business for years.

Remember, building a successful photography career takes time, perseverance, and dedication. It’s important to continuously improve your skills, deliver exceptional work, and provide excellent customer service to establish a strong reputation in the industry.

If you are considering a professional career as a photographer, join our Tog Academy Facebook group for more tips and help along the way!