Claire Gillo shares her top tips for aspiring photographers to get started and interviews a professional portrait photographer for her advice
How do I get going?
I’m struggling to know how to launch my photography career. Do you have any tips for an enthusiastic youngster who wants to get into the industry? Jake Pound
Unfortunately, there is no magic formula that can turn you into a photographer overnight. However, as you state in your letter, you have the enthusiasm and that’s a great start! Working for yourself and being a photographer is a brilliant job, but it also comes with a lot of uncertainty. Realistically, you should be prepared to compromise in the short term to ensure you can pay the bills but keep your ambitious goals in mind in the long term – just because something is difficult, it doesn’t mean it’s not achievable.
One way to get into the industry is to learn from others, and assisting a photographer is an excellent way to do this. There are many different platforms out there where you can find work. Start by looking at Facebook groups (make sure they are legitimate and pay you for your time). The Association of Photographers is also a great resource to register your interest.
It’s also vital as a new photographer that you continually get more experience, however that comes about. Try to practise as much as you can to build your skill set. Work will eventually come your way, you just need to keep ploughing at it before you feel like you’re getting somewhere.