8 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Photography

In this post, I want to share with you 8 things I wish I knew when I started in photography

Every photographer who started photography once, realized after a while that there were things which could be different from day one.

Knowing the right things and following the right path from the beginning, not only can increase your productivity and learning curve as a photographer but can save you a lot of money as well.

But today, more than anything, I want to share with you 8 things I wish I knew when I started photography.

#1 Photography is a long marathon, not by far a sprint.

In order to be a successful photographer, you need to build a relationship and trust. And more than those, you need to learn, build experience and confidence in yourself that you are going to face every challenge will come in your way as a photographer.

What can be worse than not feeling confident about a new photoshoot contract you just signed, and there are real chances that you are going to mess things up?

This is the harsh truth. When I started photography I would’ve like to dedicate myself more time of practising than to find my clients with the minimum experience I had.

Reflect on this. If you are at the beginning, I would recommend to learn and to have your focus in photography more on social media and sharing with others than hunting clients. Build your trust first.

#2 Know your niche and invest smartly.

Knowing your niche and your passion to focus on a specific branch in photography can be helpful to identify what camera and lenses do you need (if you need) and what is going to be your investment plan

I mentioned “if you need” because if you are aiming at being an aerial photographer, you obviously don’t need any DSLR and lenses to invest in (unless you really want) and your learning path may be slightly different than a DSLR photographer.

And in terms of investment. How much does the “photographing fire” burns inside you? Do you see yourself in 5 years doing photography and are you really going to try your best in creating a successful business or being a brilliant photographer?

If the above answers are YES, think to invest big. Although on one of my posts I expressed not to invest too much in photography at the beginning, this would be different.

Myself, I had that love of photography long before having my first DSLR. Until present, I invested in 4 DSLR cameras, one drone, about a dozen lenses and over ten thousand pounds in photography just to realize that all I need is one camera and two lenses. Rarely using my drone due to laws and regulations in UK

#3 Invest smartly?

Think about your niche in photography and study your niche and what you will need to buy.

In connection with number #2, I would strongly recommend you to invest smartly by buying your exact camera to fit your needs (which most probably is going to be a full-frame than an APS-C camera) with a great investment in the right lens.

Do not buy just to test or if you are unsure. Study before or you can find yourself losing plenty of money like myself before to know what you really need.

#4 There is no such thing as failure

In photography, there is no such thing as failure. Everything is a learning process.

I found myself in a situation where some crucial photographs were either blurry or out of focus. But I did learn from my own mistakes of course.

If you find yourself also in situations like you miss your perfect shot, please do not be too hard with yourself.

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#5 Create a short term and long term planning.

It is very important to know from advance what you are going to do in photography and what is your plan

And I am not talking about planning your sessions but more like having a business plan or to have an image about the process in general.

Knowing exactly where you stand and what you are aiming to do on a long-term situation, will help you identify your studying path and to create a consistent interaction with the right people and probably your customers.

#6 Consistency

When I started photography I had a full-time job (even now I do) other than being a photographer. I used to be a photographer whenever I had time only and I was never consistent.

It is one thing wish I knew, how to curve my photography consistency around my work as I do it now

More than important in succeeding in photography is to be consistent. Even if you don’t have any clients, post regularly on social media and have regular photography sessions.

Going back in time, If I was consistent from day one rather than “on and off” probably I would be at least three times more productive in the present.

#7 Having a website or a social media account.

It is more than obvious that I am writing this post on my website and share my experiences with you, and also I am posting regularly on social media my photographs, but this just came lately

How it would be if I’ve done this from day one? Being consistent and sharing my experiences and my photographs on my website or social media account probably would have a greater chance of success and to attract a bigger number of subscribers or to grow my email list.

God, how better it would be if I can go back in time and decide straight from the beginning to do this? not writing tutorials of course, but all this?

As I’ve mentioned before, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Although I’ve decided years later to start my blog and to focus on my social media, this could’ve been much different.

If you are just starting in photography, don’t do the same mistakes as me. Depending on your niche, create a platform online where you will be visible not only for your customers but for people interested in your work as well.

#8 Be yourself and love what you are doing!

If you are going to listen from everyone’s advice or to take all the critics on board, you will get nowhere. People are so quick to judge others! Remember that!

There is no more important step in the whole process than to really be yourself and love what you are doing.

Critics can be welcomed sometimes as long as they point a mistake which can be corrected. But remember, most of the critics are coming from short-minded people who are no interested in your passion and all they know is talk, talk and more talking.

8 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Photography

Sweet&Love my camera! Conclusion time 🙂

Hey. I want to be truthfully with you. Following the above tips will not guarantee your success at 100% but be mindful that it can have a great contribution, in special if you are just starting in photography.

If you love what you are doing and be consistent on the path you are going to take, you will be successful.

But more important also, is to be positive on the whole photographic journey.

Sometimes you may also need a break and is nothing wrong with that. We all do. But dreaming is our number one tool which keeps us going forward.

Thank you for reading my post and may the epic shots come in your way!

Have a look at other posts I’ve created for you and everyone!

• PBG Series. You can have a look at our photography beginner guides
• 8 beginner photography mistakes to avoid
• How to train your photographic eye