How does one learn to become a pro photographer?

I am staying at a B&B here in NOLA where one of the house attendants asked me this morning how she should help advise her daughter on becoming a pro photographer.

I mean, we all know natural ability plays a part but that's not what I wanted to say.

So what advice would you give?

Good business practices. There's a lot more to it than just taking great pictures.

Do something nobody else is doing
Or know people.

Knowing someone who knows someone who can get you 'in' is easier.

Get out there and shoot stuff, find ways to monotize what you are shooting.

Practice. Know/learn how to read light so you can effectively use whatever equipment you have to get the shot. Read books written by pros on the subject. See if you can intern with a pro, even if it's just being an equipment getter.

I'm no pro, but I'm hoping to be. I take my camera with me pretty much everywhere I go and hope to find opportunities to practice and find interesting subject matter wherever I am. Even in the flat desolate cornfield I call home.

Rite here in this forum. Every conceivalble question has been asked and answered here atleast a hundred times. I have had my camera for only a week and this forum has helped me more than any book or any class could ever do.

The best way to learn to be a professional photographer is assist a professional photographer for a few years.

Don't do it. The general photographic business is declining and is being taken over by amateurs, with prices in free-fall. Most speciality affected: wedding and events, then high-school senior portraits.

BestVisuals wrote in post #11918095
Don't do it. The general photographic business is declining and is being taken over by amateurs, with prices in free-fall. Most speciality affected: wedding and events, then high-school senior portraits.

Any area of photography that a GWC would be in the thought process of the client is not a good area to be getting into. Some of the well established, higher end wedding guys will probably be OK but if the herd is your competition its going to be a bumpy ride.

BestVisuals wrote in post #11918095
Don't do it. The general photographic business is declining and is being taken over by amateurs, with prices in free-fall. Most speciality affected: wedding and events, then high-school senior portraits.

From what I have read, the usual path to enter into the professional photography market isn't the same anymore. Companies and publishers print less and pay less. I think you can still make some money in the field. You need to create your own brand. Your own brand of photography. This is can be hard if you are young. You need to dig into your soul to find out what is so special about YOUR photography. In this digital day and age, if you are at least somewhat artistically inclined, you can easily master a DSLR within a year. Just because you know how to take a picture isn't going to cut it.

practice practice practice.... oh, and frequent this forums for tips.

TooManyShots wrote in post #11918272
From what I have read, the usual path to enter into the professional photography market isn't the same anymore. Companies and publishers print less and pay less. I think you can still make some money in the field. You need to create your own brand. Your own brand of photography. This is can be hard if you are young. You need to dig into your soul to find out what is so special about YOUR photography. In this digital day and age, if you are at least somewhat artistically inclined, you can easily master a DSLR within a year. Just because you know how to take a picture isn't going to cut it.

And then try and find a photographer that is very successful doing that type of photography. Do what ever it takes to work for him to learn the field thoroughly. Learn the techniques that are required for that type of photography, and make connections with not only the clients but maybe even more important all the other support people that are in those industries or areas too. Also what to do and what not to on the business end and even after all that there are no guaranties. Companies/clients that wouldn't hire a GWC also wouldn't hire someone they don't know and don't trust. Theres only one way to meet the clients and build relationships and you probably won't be able to do that without some kind of inside track. Now this all comes after you have reached a certain skill level and then all you do is probably set up some guys lights. But its the knowledge and the connections that are so valuable.

+1 on knowing people, I happen to know a top photographer in town and am friends with her, the information she provides me with is outstanding.

But also, a lot of it is trial and error, but the key is to never give up!

dannequin wrote in post #11918639
+1 on knowing people, I happen to know a top photographer in town and am friends with her, the information she provides me with is outstanding.

But also, a lot of it is trial and error, but the key is to never give up!

When learning yes but once its on someone else's nickel trail and error will put you outta biz pretty quick because its a lot smaller out there than you might think even in big cities and word gets around very quickly.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #11918661
When learning yes but once its on someone else's nickel trail and error will put you outta biz pretty quick because its a lot smaller out there than you might think even in big cities and word gets around very quickly.

I never view my experience with her as trying to outdo her or copy her, but rather, things that I can take and add to my photography for the best possible results. There are so many questions I had about the essential things like lighting and f stops that I felt overwhelmed and she has answers those questions, if not more. What I learn I'll use to improve myself, not open a studio and copy.