April 11th, 2021

You want to be a photographer.  But you haven’t started yet...because everything isn’t perfect yet.

I'm a fan of painful quotes...and if perfection is what's stopping you, consider these nuggets:

“Perfectionism is just a lack of courage, disguised as busy work and preparation.”

Or another quote: There's A Fine Line Between Perfection and Procrastination.

Ouch!

Does any of this sound familiar? (This describes ME. So I get it.)

If you’re wishing wanting DYING to start a photography business, let me guess:

You never feel ready.  

You want to learn just a little bit more.

You need to get just a few more portfolio shots.

You always double-triple check every word on your website, or your price list.

But even though you really want to be a photographer, you’re not putting yourself out there because you’re not ready...and you’re never really going anywhere.

Busted!

I know...I do it too.  Case in point: This is probably the whatever-nth time I’ve re-written this post!

But if you wait for the “right  time”, or until your portfolio is “good enough” or until you have the perfect equipment, you’re at a standstill. 

Waiting until you feel “ready” and until things are “perfect “ guarantees just ONE thing.:

A year from now, you’ll still be waiting.

So what do you do?

How do you take the leap from someone who’s “pretty good at photography”, to being a paid professional?

You just close your eyes and jump.

Photography isn’t like many industries that require schooling, followed by  a certain number of hours of experience, (like a beautician) or passing specific tests  (like a doctor) before you “get licensed” and can start a business.

That’s both good news, and bad. news.

It’s good news because the barrier to entry is pretty low.  

And it’s bad news because, well, the barrier to entry is pretty low.

There have never been more “photographers” (please note the sarcasm dripping off the quotation marks here)  marketing their services than this decade.  Buy a camera, photograph a friend, sell them a few digital images for a few bucks, and...bam, you’re a pro, right?

Uhm….not quite.

Just charging a few bucks for photos does not a sustainable scalable income-generating business make!!

Put it this way: Many will try, few will succeed. You’re here, wanting to learn,  reading this...so chances are good you’ll be the latter.

Those who succeed take it seriously from day one. They never stop learning and improving what they do, and most importantly -- they learn how to separate themselves from the pack and stand out.  That’s a WHOLE ‘NUTHER story, and a whole ‘nuther blog post...my next post, in fact.  

But as far as getting started...

I get asked often, “What do I need to do to start a photography business? 

There are five essential skills or traits you need to do well as a professional photographer.  And not one of these five things  has to do with photography.

1.People skills. (Clients have to like and trust you.)

2. Determination.  (Sometimes it gets tough.) 

3. Reliability. (This industry is full of flakes. Don’t be one of them.)

4. Confidence to charge for your services.  (And charge enough or work enough  to make a living)

5. Passion for photography. (You better love it, or you’ll quit!)

Did you notice, I didn’t say “photography  or editing skills?”  Obviously you do need to be able to produce good images. But working with people and understanding what makes a business work is the most vital to your success.  

So is having the courage and confidence to just jump in and START.  And not needing to have to have everything perfect before you do.

When you’re walking the line between  just being a really good ametuer with an impressive hobby,  and going pro you absolutely can’t cave into thoughts that stall your progress. 

The best thing you can do is knock stalling  thoughts out of your way, with a dose of (sometimes tough) entrepreneurs truth. 

Stalling thought: I’ve got to have everything perfected just the way I want it, before I start!

Entrepreneur’s truth: I can take imperfect action and get started. Get your pricing done even if it’s not perfect. Get your website up already, even if it’s not exactly how you want it. . Get your business cards made...and hand them out as you leave the printer!  Take IMPERFECT action, and start earning money NOW.    You can rework and perfect along the way.

Photography is one of those businesses that you learn as you go.  It’s how I learned.  And when you start, it’s just gonna happen.  You’re gonna suck a little bit. Maybe a lot.  I know I did.  And that’s ok!  People will still like what you do!  And pay you!!

Still not convinced? We can take this farther:

 No studio? Shoot outside.

 No lighting? Hello, windlow light and a piece of foam core for a reflector.  

Your camera isn’t the top of the line mirrorless wonder you crave?  

Ha. I’d been working in film, and my first “professional” digital camera (that I could afford)  was a Canon 10d back in the day...a whopping 8 megapixels.  But I shot with it, and I sold images.

If it makes focused sharp images and you can take it out of P for Professional mode and shoot manual, you’re ok starting with the camera you’ve got!

And now it’s a matter of figuring out how to work with clients...

Stalling thought: --I can’t do this yet. I need to know exactly how everything will work.  I need to know exactly what to say, what to do, how to work with a client.

Entrepreneur’s truth: I can take a baby step. Then another.  No baby learned to walk by learning everything there was to learn about walking FIRST.  One day they just stand up, and take off. Do they land on their behind a time or two? Absolutely.  So will you!  And that’s ok.  Experience is the best teacher, and you’ll learn faster than you think you will. 

You can study and read and take a few online courses, but nothing compares to just getting out there and shooting. Real people in the real world and charging them real money.

Stalling thought:  I have too many distractions...I have a job...or kids...I can’t focus on this too.  

Entrepreneur’s truth:  Distractions?  It’s called LIFE.  Wait a year, and you’ll have all the same, or different, distractions! And likely more.

 I’m quoting one of my fave authors, business coach Jen SIncero says “Distractions are like unwanted hair.  Get rid of one, and another will sprout up somewhere else.  Get rid of whatever is most easily dealt with, and as far as the rest go, learn to stay focused on making money in spite of them”

If you’re a human who needs to eat, sleep, and love a few people in your life,, you’ll never run out of excuses, or reasons why you can’t do this.  Ironically,  these distractions the exact reason you want to make photography a viable career option in  the first place, right? 

 The only way you CAN do this is to deal with wonderful “distractions” (like family) as needed,  muddle through other less important “distractions” (like Netflix). And with unwavering determination, even when you want to quit and throw your laptop through the window.  Keep going. 

The point is there is never a perfect time, never a perfect portfolio, never a perfect situation.

Just start.

Imperfectly!

And then don’t stop.

Learn.  Grow.  Start before you’re ready and don’t be afraid to suck!  Get better at what you are already  sort of good at. But don’t stop.

And remember this above all else:

Every professional photographer is just an ameteur who didn’t give up.