Those that know me, know that I love photography. It was one of my favorite side jobs for many, many years. However… just like you hear about in other professions, sometimes when it becomes a “job” you can lose your passion for it. It’s important to do things to keep the interest alive.
Professional photography in the US is big business and attracts more people into the field. For instance, since 2017, this field has grown by 0.4% annually, confirming that it is not a static profession. Moreover, with growing interest in the arts in general, you cannot do away with photography and the passion it ignites. So, here are some tips if you have already discovered your talent for photography and want to keep the passion alive.
Keep Up with Photography Trends
Several decades ago, photography involved the photographer getting inside a makeshift cloth covering the box-like camera to take a single shot. Today, the image of this sounds humorous and unthinkable. However, these were the trends back in the day. In the 21st century, photography has progressed from blurry images to sharp pictures that capture things even on the molecular level. With the help of technology, anybody with a camera can become a photographer. And even some smartphones take professional quality photos.
Photography trends in the 21st century include 360 panoramas, macro photography, HDR, drones, selfies, etc. It is vital to keep yourself updated on these trends as they help build your talent and interest. More importantly, keeping up with these trends can become the fundamental element needed to keep your passion for photography alive.
Just like other professionals keep themselves abreast with new and relevant trends in their respective fields, you also have a responsibility to do the same. Failure to keep up could diminish your passion or leave you unprepared for the major changes happening in the photography field.
Choose a Niche, and the Seasons They are Best Known For
Some photographers specialize in high fashion shots, while others venture into medical photography or architectural shots. The truth is, there is an endless field of niches to choose from. Speaking of your photography niche, you may also want to consider what times of the year you can get the most business. For example, if you love character-themed photography, Halloween may be the best time of the year to get diverse and excellent shots.
Furthermore, you can also focus on baby and toddler portraits as your niche. Usually, the best times to get these shots are during holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Especially during Easter, you will find parents dressing up their young children in a toddler Easter shirt to commemorate the celebration. Toddler portraits are in great demand, and you can excel there.
Take Lots of Pictures… Just Because
One thing to keeping a passion alive is to not only do that thing when being paid. So, take lots of pictures… just because! Not every photo has to be a professional shot either. I have started making it a habit of… if I am not being paid to be at an event, I leave my professional DSLR camera at home. I still take pictures! Either with my smartphone or with my smaller mirrorless camera. That way I do not feel like I’m working.
And, of course my gardening obsession provides plenty of things for me to take photos of. I take several photos a day of my plants, flowers, or vegetables. Sometimes I share them on social media, sometimes I don’t. But, it all helps keep the love alive.
Get out of Your Comfort Zone
Don’t be afraid to try something new when it comes to photography. Learn a new technique, learn how to do something new with your camera… Get out of your comfort zone! Buy a nice new a camera lens, or another piece of equipment that improves your technical know-how. Anything that gets you to move your camera around in search of a new challenge can be an excellent way to get out of your comfort zone.
Last but not least, make a deliberate effort to always keep your camera(s) in good condition. And I’m a big believer in saving all boxes and manuals. Because when the time comes to upgrade, you can sell your older camera if it is in good condition. And buyers love when it includes all original items!
Now, go take some pictures!
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