How to become a professional photographer

One way to stand out from other photographers is to find your niche. Ask yourself what kind of work you want to pursue, or which style of photography appeals to you most.

“Ask yourself what it is you are wanting to show with your photographic work and how you could express that visually,” says Daniel. “Build on your practice to find your own unique style.”

Our Photography Professional Practice And Academic Portfolio Course is the perfect opportunity to gain experience in multiple areas of photography and explore your interests.

2# Secure some work experience

Work experience is essential for success in the photography industry. Search for opportunities in your local area and consider internships or volunteer work.

Daniel suggests assisting other photographers to gain experience on professional shoots.

Any experience you can get will be a great way to boost your CV, make connections and meet potential new clients.

3# Take a class

Taking a class or short course can help to advance your skills, knowledge and confidence. Having a professional qualification in photography can also be advantageous when it comes to applying for jobs and marketing your services.

You can also improve your knowledge and understanding of the medium by visiting exhibitions, talking to artists and reading around the subject.

“Go to exhibitions and libraries to see other photographer’s work,” says Daniel. “Investigate the history of photography and the development of the medium.”

4# Build your network

As many photographers are self-employed, building a network is an essential part of the role. Try to build connections with others in the industry wherever you can.

Think about joining a professional body to stay up-to-date on new opportunities, competitions and events in the industry. The Royal Photographic Society offers lots of helpful resources and runs regular competitions for aspiring photographers.

One way to expand your professional network is to develop a website or portfolio to showcase your work and share it online. Include a link to your portfolio on your LinkedIn or social media accounts, share through email and pass it on to family and friends.

5# Don’t give up

It’s important to be persistent if you want to be a professional photographer. Be open to constructive criticism and take any opportunity you can to develop your skills and learn from more experienced photographers.

Experiment with different approaches to hone your technique. But most importantly, follow your passions and don’t give up.

If you're looking for some inspiration, you may be interested in our guide on how to improve your photography skills for some top tips from professional photographer and UAL short course tutor, Mark Aitken.

During the course, students develop 5 key learning skills:

1. Analogue and digital photography skills – using a range of cameras (35mm/medium format/5x4)
2. Black and white darkroom printing – from basic to advanced
3. Processing and scanning analogue negatives
4. Shooting in a studio and studio lighting techniques
5. Shooting on location