How do I get into proffessional photography?

[dancerl14]

I've always been into art, but just recently have started to love taking pictures. I am really interested in taking it to the next level and photagraphing for weddings, families, portraits, etc. Is there any advice you can give me? thanks !!

[Andres Herlitska]

My brother follows photography in school.
There you also learn how to edit your photo's , very interesting.

[Charles]

There are many books you can read for this but you need to have a few things in mind.

1. You have to remember that Professional Photography is a service. People tell you what they want and you give it to them. Some of the times you are going to have to swallow your pride and give in to a clients wants/needs even if it doesn't suit your taste. Although clients usually let you have control.

2. Gear. Gear is vital. With no gear, you can't do anything! After reading what you want to get into, you're going to need lighting gear and you'll most likely need to get new lenses so you can get the results you want. Head over to photography-on-the.net for that.

3. Marketing. You will need to get your name out there somehow. Every professional photographer needs a website. Having a website provides a portfolio for your potential clients and a more personal view of your photography and your philosophies. Whether you make your own website or have it done at your cost is your choice. Having a blog always helps and making pages on popular social networking sites (facebook, tumblr, twitter..etc) helps a lot.

[Jeannie]

Charles has good info, but I would add a couple of things:

In addition to obtaining pro level gear (10K +$) an education in how to use it would be very helpful. Pointing and shooting can get you sued.

Also, I would NEVER hire a professional who could not spell professional or photography, photographing or photographer correctly. Brush up on that. Presentation counts.

[HisWifeTheirMom]

While you are taking those classes to give you professional skills with the camera, take some business classes.
You will be your own business if those are what you want to do. The business end of things has brought down MANY amazing photographers. It's also taken crappy photographers with good business heads to heights that they never should have achieved.

[Steve P]

"his wife" hit on the heart of the matter. Really great marketing and business ability will take you further than being a good photographer. Sad but true. In today's world, the general public has been so severely dumbed down as to what GOOD photography is, that the public will jump at dazzling marketing and "social networking" before they will seek the services of someone based solely on looking at quality photography. People typically only see garbage snapshots with cell phones on Face Book and the like, so when they see even a mediocre photo from a decent camera, they automatically think the photographer is "amazing" and a "professional". So, while you still need some degree of competence with your photography, your BUSINESS ability is the key to success.

Of course, now it seems that everyone with a cheap, entry level DSLR thinks they can start a photography business. Be their skills good or poor, their complete lack of business skill and knowledge soon puts an end to their big ideas.

steve

[mister-damus]

Slow down. You can't get to the next level ("weddings, families, portraits, etc.") if you are not even at the previous level (years of experience and/or training and practice).

Take a class, read books on portrait photography, learn everything you can about exposure, composition, etc. Then learn about how to run a business (running a photography business is no different than running any other small business. It takes planning and dedication and patience).