Tips For Becoming A Successful Professional Architectural Photographer

By Peter Cox


Today everybody seems to be taking pictures of themselves and everything else. Photos are posted online immediately so the whole world will know how great you look. Most of these pictures aren't very good, and some of them are terrible. Taking good photographs requires talent, skill, and knowledge. If you are someone who likes to take interesting photos and has an interest in architecture, you might become a successful architectural photographer.

It may be fun to snap friends and family in awkward moments with your phone camera, but a real photo shoot requires professional equipment and the know how to use it. It is not a good idea to invest in expensive equipment until you are serious about learning the craft however. You can purchase an affordable digital camera, that will produce good quality pictures, to start with. These cameras have a lot of functions, and it's a good idea to learn exactly what they are capable of.

An advanced education is not a requirement to become a successful photographer, but you have a better chance of getting good jobs when you can put a bachelor's degree under the education section of your resume. You may have natural talent, but even talented craftsmen can learn from experienced professors who teach basic and advanced composition, lighting, color, structure, and software manipulation technique courses.

Photographers are visual artists, and that usually means they need to have visual resumes in the form of portfolios. While you are in college, there will be projects you are proud of and want to include in your portfolio presentation. As you gain more experience, your portfolio will change and evolve along with your confidence and experience.

In olden days, young artists became apprentices to master craftsmen in order to hone their skills and learn some of the secrets of more experienced workmen. Today it is a great idea to get a job as an assistant to a professional photographer. The experience you gain will be invaluable, especially if you are working with a professional who is generous with his time and suggestions.

One of the best ways to get ahead in any career is by networking. You should consider joining community organizations, becoming active in professional associations, and increasing your name recognition by volunteering whenever appropriate. Becoming active in organizations comprised of other photographers will stimulate your creativity.

If you are wise, you will continue to learn every day, and you will never get to the point where you believe you know everything there is to know about photography or anything else. Keeping up with new techniques and technology will be vital to your success. Taking courses in design and computer software periodically can be invaluable.

You may never be a world famous photographer, but you can become successful and earn a good living taking pictures of interesting buildings. Travel may be necessary, and standing for long periods of time will probably become the norm. You will have the satisfaction though of doing something you love and that is admired by others.




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