Photography can be more than just a hobby — it can be profitable too. Capturing moments in still photos as a life-long profession is possible if you know your skills and interests. People say a picture is worth a thousand words, and as a budding enthusiast, you know that sometimes they can hold more.
You might not have considered a career in photography because you think you don’t have the skills, but it can be learned like most things in life. Once you know the basics, you can move on to more advanced skills and slowly develop your brand.
Still, there are so many genres in photography that you may not know where to begin focusing on. A good shutterbug is someone who can take any subject matter and make it into an art. But an even better one knows that they need to have a niche, especially if you are to turn it into a business.
To get you started on finding your specialty, here are a few of the most popular photography genres that many successful entrepreneurs focus in:
If You Love Capturing the Beauty of the Great Outdoors…
You can become a landscape photographer. This could also be perfect for you if you enjoy the solitude and being in the wilderness, far from the city’s bustling streets. Another factor that will make you realize your niche is if you love traveling and discovering new places.
Being a landscape photographer will lead you to places where nature thrives best. This could be in forests, deserts, mountains, or beaches. It can also be in farms, wildlife reserves, or gardens. You’ll have to learn certain techniques, but ultimately, you’ll only need a camera, tripod, and a knack for adventure.
If You Love Taking Pictures of Babies…
You can become a baby photographer. The tradition of taking newborn pictures in studio settings is becoming more popular every day, especially since babies are born by the minute. There will always be a demand for this kind of photography business because parents want to capture every moment in their children’s lives.
To have a business in this type of photography, you’ll need a baby-proofed studio that can be safe for the babies. Usually, you’ll need props and cute backgrounds for this kind of setting, and you’ll have to know how to handle babies to take proper pictures. This could sometimes include the parents, but it will mostly be done to sleeping newborns because they are easier to pose that way.
If You Love Attending Weddings or Birthday Celebrations…
You can become an event photographer. Running a business in this department will give you access to the most important moments in other people’s lives. You will thrive here if you’re fond of capturing candid photos of different people during their happiest states.
Events you can work in span from weddings, corporate parties, award ceremonies, birthdays, and many more. And since this niche of photography falls under the candid category, you don’t need special equipment to be successful. You’ll only need an eye to take good photos and empathy for the people in whatever event you find yourself in.
If You Love Watching the Stars and the Night Sky…
You can become an astrophotography expert. By focusing on the astronomical aspect of photography, you will be able to take pictures of the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies that you can’t reach with just the naked eye. This is an important part of science and research, and you can be working with organizations like NASA or other research institutions.
But to succeed in this type of business, you’ll need to have the appropriate equipment that can capture subject matters from light-years away. You will also have to learn various techniques and post-processing skills like long-time exposure shots to fully capture the magnificent beauty of the night sky.
If You Love Advertisements and How They Are Made…
You can become a commercial photographer. By focusing on the commercial aspect of photography, you’ll usually work with advertising companies who want to promote or sell products or services. You will be taking photos of different subject matters like food, gadgets, household items, or fashion, depending on the kind of jobs you’re going to accept.
To make a business out of this passion, you need to learn about how the industry works. There may be certain terms you’ll need to understand, such as must-have shots versus nice-to-haves, or familiarizing yourself with the process of commission-based hiring.
If you allow yourself to treat your passions as more than just hobbies to pass the time, you’ll realize that it can take you to places you’ve never been to before. Continue to unravel the beauty of photography and tell amazing stories through still pictures. One day, you’ll be a great photographer.
