How to Become a Photographer
More Than One Path to Success
By Vonda H. Blackburn, IFPO Founding Director
You have a camera and you take pictures. So that makes you a photographer, right? Maybe — but not so fast! That’s certainly the right combination but there’s more. Do you fully understand the capabilities of your camera — what it can do and what its limitations are? Does your camera gear match the subjects you want to shoot? If you want to capture action, do you have or can you acquire the right lens? Are your photos predictable — meaning that you can capture the quality of image that you want most of the time? If so then you have already taken the first step to being a photographer. If you are not there yet, there are many opportunities in your local community or online to develop and grow your skills. Being a photographer is an awarding lifetime journey of learning and growing. It can be a passionate hobby, a part time job or a dedicated career.
As soon as you are confident that you are — or want to be a photographer the next step is to start your part time or full time photography business. That takes real work and can be difficult with lots of trial, error and time spent away from your photography. The easier course is to join a recognized organization such as The International Freelance Photographers Organization (IFPO) (hyperlink) and tap into a wealth of tested, proven business information, practices and services available to get your business up and going. IFPO’s affiliate SmugMug, offers other marketing services which can launch your business to an even higher level.
The International Freelance Photographers Organization (IFPO) provides the know how and credentials, backup and support to make money, gain access and get published to its 93,000+ members. IFPO is the longest, continuing international source of support for freelance photographers and journalists still in operation since 1984. IFPO’s one time, lifetime fee provides access to all other optional IFPO programs, information and services. IFPO’s proven programs pave the way for independent photographers and journalists to succeed — no matter where they live, their goals or experiences.
- Get the recognition required to be successful.
- Get business forms and cards for every aspect of your business.
- Get your work published
- Grow your portfolio
- Gain press access with your camera
You are never alone with IFPO. You can always prove who you are with your IFPO unique verification code linked to an online site for verification 24-7. Business cards, business forms and a wealth of proven information are available to IFPO members that take the guess work out of operating a photography business at any level — which is key to being recognized as a photographer.
IFPO will get you from wherever you are now to where you want to be — even if you are a hobbyist starting out with your first camera or are an experienced photographer traveling the world. IFPO’s support will guide you every step of the way. IFPO’s business hours are M-F 10am – 5pm EST. Call 1-800-654-9557 to speak with an IFPO representative.
* IFPO is affiliated with SmugMug which offers portfolio websites, a way to share images securely, have apps to simplify workflows, unlimited high-res storage, and e-commerce solutions to sell art. From learning the basics and building a beautiful portfolio to selling your work and protecting your images, SmugMug supports photographers at every stage of growth. And IFPO members have an advantage. You save 20% when you create your new SmugMug account at https://www.ifpo.net/ifpo-affiliates/.