How to be a professional photographer [7 Steps to maximize your chances of success]

[@abdulmalikibrahim5506]

1. Know basics 2. Choose your niche 3. Getting right equipment 4. Practise 5. Be Realistic 6. Understand dots & connections 7. Get your work out there

[@a.s4899]

I haven't decided to become self employed. Covid 19 has kind of made that decision for me. But photography has been a huge passion of mine since I got a Pentax film camera for my 16th birthday. At nearly 40 and finding myself out of work, and medically unemployable, I am going to give photography my all and try my absolute best to make this work. If I fail, at least I tried while I had the opportunity. And there will be no regrets. But I don't intend to fail. I am spending hours on your education platform and have invested in some new kit to add to my collection. I have learned more in the past few weeks than the years of text book reading. The on set tips and tricks you share just cannot be found in a book. They come from years of overcoming these various challenges and seeing what works and what doesn't. I hope to look back and think that this decision was the best thing I did with the situation I've found myself in. Thank you for sharing your experience and skill with us!

[@kanan2gunz306]

How is it going so far?

[@recnepsyarg]

Good luck!! What’s your IG would love to see your work

[@rennnyuk1190]

Good luck 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@yungkaos3500]

how is it going now?

[@sangyedorje]

Good luck buddy

[@jessestarks3128]

I'll stay in the hobbyist lane for now. The key point for me is to practice and try different things.

[@tonypmedia]

Make a business and practice still. make money in the process without cutting yourself short.

[@speterlewis]

Been doing this for 35 years and still learned stuff. Bravo.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Peter

[@alexanderstyrlander7991]

Interesting… Congratulations to a successful career.. How would you say that photography have changed professionally since when you started?

[@ravimathew4123]

Sir, you are not only a top professional photographer but extremely talented and kind enough to pass that wisdom into our hearts.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

So nice of you thank you.

[@mroblige1018]

I'm new and my heart is leading me to portraits. No where near weddings 😂😂😂. Ppl have entitlement issues when it comes to weddings. No thx.. When it comes to portraits it's more private sometimes even in a busy area. I like that and I don't wanna just shoot the typical skinny women and muscle guys. I'm willing to shoot any race, any gender, and any body size.

[@georgescanvas]

As someone who has been trying to quit my day job for the last 9 years and become a working photographer, you are one of a small number of people on youtube whose advice carries gravitas, let alone knows what he's doing.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@sarahale1769]

I agree 100%

[@Gourmondise]

I appreciate your honesty. You gave my a little hope on becoming a proTog one day, although it is hard to keep the positivity sometimes.

[@janiadavis6207]

I hope to become a photographer one day :)

[@CorbanLaFon]

Hey don't be telling everyone how lucrative product photography can be. I don't want the competition lol.

[@adenikeomogenaija]

😀

[@seamydobbsno1]

Competition breeds excellence!!

[@terrygunderson5681]

No doubt

[@YourMajesty143]

There's enough products out there to spread the wealth. And those who worry about competition, are usually the ones who aren't very good. They rely on exclusive access to clients, rather than relying on their talents to stand out & be successful. Just something to consider...

[@derryk1]

Yes people he actually shows you step by step how he does his product shots instead of just talking about the latest camera. Useful info that you need to know in order to make money in the business of photography not just aimlessly spending money on gear you'll never get full use of.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you for your comment

[@tommynikon2283]

Good stuff Karl; subbed. I've been sloggin' away since I was a 22yo grad; now 63. I'm a proud Generalist. On purpose. So my "style" is more.....the ability to cover multiple bases and subject matter. I'm hired for that range and experience. Any photographer that says they're a "professional photographer" needs to do at least two things: Demonstrate it, stop talking about what you are; SHOW it. PROFESSIONAL RESULTS is the operative standard. And secondly, if photography isn't your chief source of income, you ain't. You're a semi-paid hobbyist. Lastly, everybody seems to think they can shoot a wedding. That's not my cup of tea, but I've seen HORRIBLE work for decades. Actually the specialty requires advanced skill-sets, knowledge of mixed lighting, using flash, posing, ETC. Few do it well. And it shows!

[@tommino8970]

Thanks for your honesty. 8:08 I do photography as hobby, I can shoot when I want and what I want when my daily job can pay all my expenses. No any stress to find a client next day ... BTW, my photos are time to time in local newspaper and what they generally pay per photo is laughing....

[@kramsniggah4333]

These days a great photographer takes a picture and spends days in Photoshop to get the desired results.

[@imonedesign]

So many golden advices in a very educational way! thank you for taking time to share your experience.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Amine

[@FBall-im8ui]

I know many portrait photographers do struggle and they do not specialize, I was making one million $ per year constantly since the 90's until about 2014 then it did start to sink in that everyone is a photographer as Karl said, I am out of retirement as I was totally bored and now only generate 100k or so, People are spending less, if I market more then yes more to $ come but less per client. One thing I am very surprised about is the number of photographers out there, it's amazing, there is much money to be made in education and there are many educators. I like Karl he does a very good job. I NOTICE that portrait clients are very much influenced by the Instagram thing and the cameras on their phones, So Karl is right the portrait sector has taken a hit, Nice video Karl, From Canada EH!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you and glad to hear you are still in the game and hopefully still enjoying it.

[@valdemarcaballero5298]

what a wonderful response!!! Thanks for sharing!!!! Both Karl and you fine sir..... Greetings from Mexico

[@amethystrose1888]

Man. I've got an ancient DSLR and an old copy of Photoshop. My family thinks I could become a professional but watching this makes me feel like a stupid idiot who just learned how to hold a camera. I don't think I'll ever go pro...man. I can't even imagine taking photos like this.

[@twentyoneplusvideo0472]

I struggle getting my name out there and advertise to my niche. I am a boudoir photographer trying to appeal to the 30+, everyday woman. I just don't know how to get it out there.

[@bulentkamali]

You could have been a very good English speaking teacher, you speak so clearly even a cat can understand (this is a saying in my language ;) )

[@77dead]

Something I'm struggling with is affording the light or finding studios. Any advice?

[@stephenmorgan5100]

People skills are hugely important. I know some extremely good photographers but can't communicate. You may have all the above but if you are not likeable you have hit a wall. Having a great assistant can be worth their weight in gold. Excellent list.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Good point on the people skills I forgot that one!

[@teddykansiime4366]

Thank you Soo much but I need some advise about my boyfriend he is financially down currently and he has bn looking for wat best he can do in life cause he wants to quite his job of which I support coz it's not good but also his options are kind of the same to it.i wanted to tell him try out photography because he loves taking pictures and he really do it well but with his phone thinking of telling him to do it as a career coz he loves taking pictures and I love them as well as all his friends his like their photographer I don't know wat to do .should I tell him or live him wat he is thinking

[@michaelkeith8496]

Is it necessary to hire a model to build a portfolio? I've been into photography for 2 years now, but this year I decided to make it serious as a career in fashion photography

[@samkomoras471]

I'm 15 and I have a love for photography, I understand art and the art for photography and hope this can be my future career, hopefully my photos can improve.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Best of luck Sam.

[@DenisStosic]

Well after a year of subscription on the Karl Taylor Education (KTE) platform, and learning from KT DVD-s a year before, I'm a better photog. then I was last year. With learning and trying, making mistakes, watching and understanding the lessons on KTE a photog. the only way is forward. One of the most important lessons is that learning and progression are to build one step at the time. On KTE there is so much knowledge that one needs a few years to try all of the examples. And not just stay focused on practical lessons, but to learn about organizing work and watch or listen to the interviews from professionals. Thanks, Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Denis.

[@DenisStosic]

@@VisualEducationStudio You are welcome, thank you again!

[@edvinrushitaj]

Your channel and experience worth more than gold. Thank you!

[@adedotunajibade]

Thanks so much for this Karl! You're a huge inspiration to me despite that I'm a nature photographer.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@thatcreole9913]

Always an inspiration. Thank you.

[@aneesbata878]

Tysm Karl, this was so helpful to understand what we are doing and what we should be doing.. lots of love and support..

[@lincolngriffith2805]

Karl, I appreciate your advice in this video. I noticed that you included video snippets of various niche's. May I ask what your specialty is? And what Niche have you made the most money?

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You can see my speciality here karltaylor.com but it is mostly product and advertising photography

[@LightMagicAcademy]

This is more than useful, it was pleasure to watch!

[@yourdc]

I Really enjoyed your advices and all are really true. I am in that path to discovery myself in that field and I have the passion for it. Thank you for sharing all this and I will focus on it. Thank you again.

[@riddlerMD365]

Karl, for someone just getting into product photography and lighting being so important, what 3 lighting set-up would you recommend?

[@jigneshparikh102]

Thank you Sir for sharing this Truth of Perfection in this Profession of Photography. This helps every individual who is looking build themselves as a Professional Photographer, I do love to implement this truth in my passion & profession of photography. Thank you Karl Taylor Sir.😊

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful Jignesh!

[@Shanaevaz]

Upcoming photographer here . My niche would be headshots photo for business etc. I do well at those. I wouldn't do anything outside of that if I'm not comfortable.

[@moobivlogs]

How to learn product photography

[@VeranoDulce]

Well done, cool video!👍

[@njrivetelite]

I want nothing less than $100k+ I was in fl.. now I live in Manhattan

[@manilamartin1001]

I assisted in manhattan. I think it's a great place to be.

[@madphotographer762]

Karl would do very well in a Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels sequel..... debt collecting with a baseball bat... that kind of thing. Just sayin.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

That's actually what I do if my clients don't pay :)

[@madphotographer762]

@@VisualEducationStudio lmao.... bravo!

[@YourMajesty143]

The wedding photography and filmography for my culture sucks. It's incredibly tacky. And it's an untapped market bc my culture celebrates more than just the wedding. There are at least 5 (and upwards of 10) events that happen before the wedding that can be photographed/filmed. And at least 3 events that happen after the wedding to look forward to capturing throughout the year after marriage. I person's wouldn't want to shoot the wedding, bc I don't want to spend 12 hours on my feet all day. But I can see myself doing all the other events that are being underserved in my community.

[@julialincoln-stefan1066]

Your videos are very comprehensive and it's obvious that you're an expert. You're a true educator. Looking forward to watching more.

[@jorgerodriguezmessina9070]

This is awesome! Amazing!!! Every photographer must watch this

[@enricoviappiani4305]

I studied as a product photographer, but i have so much difficulties to find clients. I still do some work of different nature to keep me alive and pay the bills but it is really frustrating. Also in my area there aren't product photography studios if i will try to search for a job under another photographer. Sadness is over the roof.

[@richardbutcher6153]

thanks for the helpful tips

[@davidheller25]

I've been watching alot of photography videos on youtube and this guy really seems to have it dialed in. It seems like there are far more youtubers making videos on photography than there are photographers making videos on youtube.

[@julesc6215]

Just saw this, I am happy because I checked all of the “boxes”, well, in my mind at least,….One thing I do not agree with though, I don’t care if I make half of the money I make now, even if I have to work extra hours to make that half, photography is my passion, from the moment I wake up till the second I fall asleep, all I can think about is exposure, composition, gear and all that jazz…. To make just enough money to pay the bills would be amazing already if I get to spend my all my days making pics, I think lot of passionate photographers feel the same way….

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Excellent upload… Big Tingz

[@TruongNguyen-pv1bt]

Thanks a lot sir, very valuable information 🥰

[@johnl4469]

Thanks Karl. Great video mate.

[@MrNasserRadi]

Very good advices specially point three “Niches” for myself.

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

Hi Karl nice video, "How to be professional" Just get someone to pay you for your photography. To to stay a professional put out good work and become smart at the business of photography.

[@Jdikmen]

KTE platform is money well spent... since I joined a couple years ago, not only have I learned a ton from Karl, but I am starting to go bald - so I know I am getting better!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers John. It's good being bald one less thing to worry about, no faffing in the mirror. :)

[@Jdikmen]

@@VisualEducationStudio Hmmm. Yet another reason to consider switching to "mirrorless"!

[@Annie261.]

No grass grows on a busy street. 😂

[@Greg.Mika.]

Hey Karl, you mention earning figures and charging prices at the same time, so do I have to understand that the first one is (yearly) income after taxes and the second gross sales before taxes? Living in a heavy-taxed country, it can make a significant difference... Thanks ^ ^

[@vimalneha]

Excellent advice from someone who knows what he does.

[@camloff]

Superb video and very nice taste and expertise .... my congrats , from Lisbon, Portugal.

[@yourdc]

One more comment or maybe a question... Are you or you have you been in a Dental school before? Why this question? because I watched only 2 of your videos and I heard one dental inst. name and a dental terminology in each of those videos. coincidence? maybe .. thank you and great continues lighting video.

[@Djerris]

Cool! Thanks for the video! 📸

[@26LTexXb]

Well... In Russia you must shoot everything to earn lil money for a living. And because of this the medium level of photos is very poor.

[@theoell2049]

Some photographers approach studio lighting from the very beginning, with the fear and with believe as something very difficult to understand and this behavior unfortunately keeps with the same level understanding for decades.

[@flickerspot]

Good advice. Thanks. I have been waiting for this

[@theoell2049]

Also, another thing, don't expect that all the new things need to come from outside sources, internet, books and asking others photographers learned to figure out new things, giving solutions by your self because for sure there information that never written or said anywhere

[@satyajitmukhopadya6159]

very true , all the information given by Karl absolutely true . Thanks Karl

[@impressiontv1998]

Innocent Digital

[@extremelyannoyed7343]

I’m here

[@terrypeterson1088]

%

[@GilbertTV]

great tips.. but that second camera angle is annoying or is it just me who thinks that ?

[@Bimbleandwander]

Love your work, coupled with your clear and concise approach to teaching.... thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Stuart

[@N_Kodesa]

Sir,iam a phorographer and diziner india ,job prodesnal in india

[@bestinpa5752]

Thankyou sir...

[@leoleonard3392]

What "professional" means? Bokeh? Expensive gear? Lots of Photoshop? or is just creativity ..? if you make a portrait picture without Boke you are not a pro after the actual standards...but is this Professionalism relative word?

[@ondrejvavra5415]

Professional means making a living with it

[@GeorgiaThompson-v9g]

Thank you!!

[@DipakThapa1]

Useful tips sir ,

[@riri_imperial]

I have decided to watch all your videos, I know will learn a lot from you ❤️

[@AJF4Me]

It's very easy, it only took me 10 years of assisting and working on my portfolio until I had my own studio in NYC. Nowadays everyone with a cell phone thinks they can become a professional photographer because they make "pretty" pictures with it lol. My favorite is when someone calls themselves a "semi-pro"; you're either a pro or you're not. But good luck!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes the 'semi-pro' is an unusual one.

[@theoell2049]

Also what kind personality you have plays and important role but is not an easy thing to change

[@afrimajestyframesshop4677]

pls. am trying to subsccribe for you training program but finding it very difficult

[@devtank]

You should make a video for clients on how to use photographers.

[@josephasghar]

👆listen to this guy.

[@fidelreyna]

Suscribe.

[@atulmohan]

Sir, please make a video about commercial, architecture eal estate photography

[@kusimoabiodun77]

Sir teach me how to become the best photographier

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Go to Karl Taylor Education!

[@rahulpande2817]

it's gret

[@johnleighdesigns]

Hi Karl it was great that you made this informative video - I did take advantage of many of your classes for a while last year which helped my knowledge and confidence tremendously - as an out of work graphic and motion designer Ive been trying to get into headshot and portrait work for some while now based in Pimlico London just form my flat or on location - its not easy so many here already doing this with better equipment and space plus as you say many potential clients using their own equipment to do a passable job themselves - if you get a chance to suggest an idea on differentiating oneself from this London market I would be so grateful - I did recently attempt a black and white Hollywood style shoot - it went well I think can do better and I like the look as have always done since a little boy.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi John, it's difficult as every one has done everything these days and every style. If you are interested in the Hollywood style check out Harcourt studio in Paris for inspiration. We've also got a live show on replay of the technique on our education website.

[@johnleighdesigns]

@@VisualEducationStudio awesome reply thanks yeah i can see me rejoining your site!

[@dmitryersler8095]

no how

[@observerfx212]

Superb shots!

[@mohdnorazmil]

My dilemma, I have an engineering job but I love photography and love to make it as a pro. At my level, without proper portfolio, I wouldn't be able get to close what I am getting for my current job. How do I start in this particular case? Probably people might say quit the engineering job but as you can imagine, at starting level, i probably make 1/10 of my engineering job, so, it isn't as easy as people think.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I wouldn't quit your engineering job given the current state of the market. If you are passionate continue building your portfolio and re-assess in the future.

[@petebuoy]

Why don't you put in "links below" ?

[@josediazh3890]

Muchas gracias!

[@charlesnetzler2262]

How to become a professional commercial photographer... nothing wrong with that. A professional photographer is too broad in this day and age with social media photographers.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My terminology would be a photographer who makes his or her entire annual salary from producing images for clients, that salary should be higher or at least level with the renumeration of middle management employment (otherwise, as I said in the video, it's not worth the effort of being self employed). These images should be to a certain standard to be considered professional but in this crazy world unfortunately they are not always. However all of the successful photographers I know that have stood the test of time have done so because the work they deliver is well above par.

[@nomadicsoulart]

Karl you deserve more sub mate . One of the most underrated channel . The information you providing is true gem . One point in time I thought u are monte isom.

[@alimarri3347]

Tnx Karl . You Are Great man

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thank you.

[@williamraybould]

I’m 15 and doing GCSE photography and hope to do A level photography so this is very helpful thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dacoole]

Fun to watch you work in the Studio and see the Tools ..brings back Memories and Inspirational too !

[@os6219]

Will stop Flickr and subscribe to KTE finally. You are the only real pro here. Sure this will be good!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you

[@adyelito]

Great video.!!! A bit overwhelming for someone like me who wants to get into this business but my only equipment is a nikon d5600. 🤣 definently im going to check your classes

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@roldangamino5465]

Great!!!!

[@rutamieliauskaite2604]

Would be very interesting to see you give constructive criticism about your viewers photographs.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

We do that regularly on Karl Taylor Education, in fact we are doing it again on Thursday.

[@RodolphosTechchannel]

Karl Taylor you should do a website review, like to see how we present ourselves to clients. I am a member of Karl Taylor, just joined

[@VisualEducationStudio]

@@RodolphosTechchannel Thanks for joining. In the live show listing here www.karltayloreducation.com/live/ you'll see in April we have our first of these and we'll be looking at doing more similar things this year too. All the best Karl.

[@rutamieliauskaite2604]

@@VisualEducationStudio That's great, I'll look into it.

[@prs26]

tips from a Legend

[@MrChristopher0003]

A very powerful video filled with insightful information. I don't plan to go pro even I study professional photography just for building the foundation of photography.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you

[@razorisdead]

Yess! Amazing

[@feryutomo4680]

I don't want to work in photography,but I want photography to be my entire life and soul

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Me too.