How can I become a professional portait photographer?

Learn how to become a professional portrait photographer.

Tutorial

Becoming a professional portrait photographer is a dream of thousands of amateur photographers. Becoming a professional portrait photographer is easier than you think!

The first step is to purchase a high quality camera. You can work with film or one of the high resolution new digital SLR cameras. We recommend purchasing a used camera from a camera shop or eBay. This will save you a considerable amount of money up front and will allow you to take a few jobs and earn some income before moving on to nicer, newer equipment.

The first decision is the type of camera you want to purchase. There are basically four types: Medium Format, Large Format, SLR 35mm, and digital SLR. The type of camera refers to the type of film it uses to take pictures. For years, many professional portrait photographers only trusted medium format and large format cameras.

A medium format camera is one which uses size 120 (and sometimes size 220) film. This film takes pictures in one of four sizes: 645 (6cm x 4.5cm - 15 images per roll), 6x6 (56 mm square - 12 images per roll), 6x7 (10 images per roll), and 6x9 (8 images per roll).

A large format camera takes 4"x5" or larger format film.

An SLR 35mm camera takes normal 35mm film shots.

A digital SLR takes digital pictures using an SLR camera body.

If you are new to photography, you may want to look into digital cameras as it may be less expensive in the long run versus film cameras.

Finding Customers

Most professional photographers find customers through referrals or large contracts. Our recommendation is to focus on referrals - offer to do some friends Senior year pictures or engagement shots. Ask them to pay cost for the pictures but to provide recommendation to their friends and family for your services.

You can also find local schools to contract with for their photography needs. Another often overlooked market is churches or other organizations that need a picture directory. You can provide the directory for free and make money by offering prints to the families.

Networking

Another option is to contact local wedding planners, cake shops, and bridal shops and network with them to receive referrals of their customers for engagement and wedding pictures.

Keep an Album

Keep an album of the best photo shoots you perform for potential customers and clients.

Good luck!