People struggle more than ever to stick to a hobby, considering how easy it is to pick up one. Some of these recreational activities have different learning curves, but with the help of the internet, most people can become experts in crocheting, writing, and even photography.
However, consistency is the most challenging aspect of starting a new hobby. The art of “quitting” is a prominent issue for young people, but it’s not always bad. Sometimes, yes, it can show a sign of a lack of commitment, but it can also be a product of anxiety.
So, if you’ve decided photography is to your liking and want to pursue this passion, you may want to explore the styles that best fit your personality so you’ll have fewer reasons to give up. Let’s get into it.
Analyze the different photography styles
While a beginner can experiment with photography and styles, sticking to a specific one requires different approaches. At the same time, some styles require a more dynamic lifestyle than others, so depending on your lifestyle and willingness to get out of your comfort zone, you may be able to put your photography for sale sooner than expected.
You can choose among the following options:
- Wedding photography;
- Landscape photography;
- Food photography;
- Wildlife photography;
- Product photography;
- Portrait photography;
You can determine the style you want for endless reasons. For example, introverts may want to capture nature and food, whereas extroverts could be suitable for wedding and event photography. Of course, this is not a rule― it’s just a heads-up for what to expect.
How do these styles differ in terms of photography technique?
Every photography style has different demands in terms of hardware and software requirements, especially if you want to become a professional. For example, wedding photography includes taking photos in venues like a church or a restaurant, where the questionable light will give you a hard time getting the right hues. At the same time, outdoor pictures must be done according to the sun’s position.
On the other hand, product photography might be more complex, although you don’t quite need movement to capture them best. Since it can be linked with advertising, product photography might require more time to edit the final pics or get creative for unique shots. Therefore, every photography style has specific activities, camera settings, and engagement needs.
Spent time researching to see what’s more appealing to you
If you want to take photos of nature, spend more time outside. Have a walk in the park or even around town to see what you like to capture. While you can find inspiration online, creativity comes from what’s around you, so it’s best to have an idea of your surroundings.
But if you’d like to photograph food, spending time in restaurants or cafeterias might not be the easiest to do, which is why you can take inspiration from online advertisements. There are also plenty of genius videos on how video ads in this industry are done, which usually includes a lot of creativity.
Every sector you choose can become a side hustle if you’re willing to study the industry. For instance, food photography implies using a color checker or emphasizing natural lighting, but you can also play with angles.
Creating a portfolio that sells
As a beginner still learning about your preferred photography category, you might find it difficult to create pieces that can sustain a portfolio. You’ll also have to do several pro bono projects in order to start working and have a starting point in photography.
Your portfolio should have the best images you can capture, but photographers can use editing applications to improve their pictures. These tools are best for adjusting exposure, sharpening images, and cleaning images, so don’t be shy of learning how to use them.
Finally, choosing the pics for your portfolio should answer a few questions regarding your message. Take advantage of social media like Instagram to make a perfectly visual portfolio that allows those interested to get a better view of your art. You could stick to a single-color palette, have a row-by-row design, or settle on a brand color.
How competitive is the photography field?
While it’s best to be optimistic when starting to work in this industry, knowing the level of competitiveness in photography can help you push for greatness. In the era of Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr, when the visual impact matters more than anything, you’ll find it challenging to be unique when there’s so much content. There are many other people who photograph landscapes or portraits, each with a unique approach, so you must express yourself through photography in a notable way.
Standing out implies several things, such as having networking skills and knowing how to market your brand and visuals. Truth is, becoming an expert in multiple fields at the same time is considerably tricky, especially if you already have a full-time job, maybe a family, or other commitments. Sometimes, you need expensive equipment to capitalize on your talent― the time-consuming post-process will add to the hours spent in the field.
Therefore, reaching your dream might take more time than expected. However, if you’re truly excited about it, you may be able to push forward. Of course, make sure to prioritize your mental and physical health to be in perfect shape to create. Still, like in many other creative fields, being a professional photographer implies a few sacrifices. The diverse opportunities and personal growth you’ll benefit from in this field will be life-changing, especially when you’re free to express yourself.
What photography category seems best for you?
Photography is one of the widest fields in the creative industry, as there are endless things to capture in numerous ways. At the same time, editing pics brings even more uniqueness to these creations, so the sector is full of opportunities, but you must choose an area in which you’ll be most comfortable for self-expression. Therefore, whether you want to do wedding or landscape photography, take the time to research the requirements.
