How to become a professional photographer & get noticed!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you for your kind comments. Our small team works very hard to deliver the best we can, it's nice to hear we are getting it right :)

[@pscully1969]

I appreciate straightforward, non BS interviews like this. Karl gives the facts without being arrogant or self-absorbed. He also stresses the main ingredient - It all comes down to the quality of your work.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

+pscully1969 Thank you.

[@shyaab]

You are the best trainer I ever seen online & offline. I feel lucky to find u and I improved a lot listering u.

[@ChrisTheProactiveDM]

I saw this video for the first time when it was published. Back then I was working a dull job with no future, while my hobby (photography) kept me going. Today I watched the video again, and I see that I used a lot of your tips and tricks when I decided to go pro. I am quite sure the video was "playing" in the back of my head when I went out into the world to tell everybody that I exist as a photographer, because when I saw it just now I chaught myself nodding at most of what Karl said. Today I went to six different advertising agencies with my printed portfolio, not just to promote myself, but also to show them who I am. The email works, but adding a face to the account by personally handing out ones business card is priceless.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

+normalstupid Thanks, glad things are heading in the right direction for you. Best of luck for the future.

[@haliegro]

To the answer on the question " what makes you qualified to teach me photography?" besides the awesome portfolio I would be so free to add another aspect, that might be even more important for a teacher. The ability to explain the matters clearly for everyone to understand. There might be loads of great photographers, that would love to teach. The problem is - there are very few with sufficient analytical and social skills, verbalization, passion, experience, empathy and likability to make the lessons credible, thorough, yet understandable, easy to follow and even fun. And .................................You've got it all, Karl! :)

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Betty for your kind comments! :)

[@BrunoGallant]

Karl, I have been looking at online advice and training for the past 18 months, and you (and your team) are certainly the best out there. To be fair, Joel Grimes is pretty good also, but he teaches about his own style, while you cover a much wider range of techniques. A real thank you for your work.

[@josepholivo1722]

Your passion comes through very clearly in your work, both as a photographer as well as a mentor. Your ability to teach comes across effortlessly and flawlessly. I personally find your work to be very inspirational. Thank you for all that you do and keep up the great work.

[@ptarmwithiga2747]

I just thank the world.for giving us Karl Taylor I appreciate you alot

[@rogereriksen2472]

Karl, thanks for your dedication to 'teaching' the visual arts. Some folks just don't have the right mix of technical and artistic skills in addition to a great ability to impart that knowledge to others like you have. Love your work!

[@sphexes]

I love this guys approach...Exhibit Confidence, be truly self aware of your abilities, have the wherewithal to make it all happen in the best possible way. No BS here.

[@kreygscott]

Hey Karl I'm so happy I watched this video. Lately I've been a bit discouraged with getting new clients since moving to Jamaica. Watching this video has been so encouraging and motivating. Thanks a million mate. You're truly a lifesaver. -Kreyg Scott

[@canturgan]

During the gold rush the people selling spades made the most money.

[@mimstyle]

The best interview ever ! You open eyes of a lot of "photographers" now .... I am an authentic photographer for 5 year now (just strait of camera), and I'm not ready for pro yet. Maybe early next year because I realized I have good technic but I can't do a perfect final result.

[@50deserteagle]

Thank you Carl some of my best shots comes from watching your videos often people ask how long have I been taking pictures. I tell them less than 2 years they can't believe it. But thanks to you I have excel tremendously.

[@TadMoore247]

How refreshing to hear the unvarnished, direct, succinct truth. Really like your style Karl

[@PushkarajSShirke]

some of the most sensible words i have ever heard from a professional photographer/creative professional. these principles apply to all industries, professionas and segments. there is no substitute for being good at what you do. #respect

[@Lightsource101]

This is the BEST photography clip in youtube ever! Respect!

[@nicolelove54321]

I feel like photography is starting to look the same . let's put the creativity back into photography.

[@GromovPhotography]

To me this video is one of these single times that a top pro photographer gives away such honest, informative and useful advice. Karl thank you very much! and i really mean it I totally agree with you that starting photographers should be careful with the online available educational content out there and double check the source credibility by assessing their portfolio I think being able to educate and pass on your knowledge is not less important, which clearly your are great at! Thumbs up mate!

[@jimseymour273]

I went to your website and your work is fantastic. Very impressive. I'm a novice photographer, picking up gear and knowledge where I can. Videos like these are a great help. Thank you very much.

[@MasterOfMusiccc]

Yes Karl I strongly agree! and i wish i live in London to take photography courses with you and your team! please keep this great work and let us at least feel that there still is REAL PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS!

[@matthewwilkes6065]

fantastic in depth interview, can't understand how anyone unlikes these videos, it's awesome advice that everyone can learn from and take forward.

[@erikdewilde7404]

Top inteview, very interesting! My first lesson about photography was from Karel Tylor, that was 7 years ago. I learned a lot from those dvd’s they were prefectly done and gave me the start I needed for my photography. Seven years later I feel much comfortable about my photography and learned a lot more from many courses, differerent photogravers and shooting a lot with the usual mistakes. But the Karel Taylor courses I will never forget , they are just top! Greetings from Dubai. Erik.

[@c0brabul3]

Hello Mr. Taylor just wanted to say that i love your work and i currently am working on becoming a professional photographer myself. A lot of things that i know, i've learned by watching your videos. Your a great Photographer and i appreciate you taking the time to show your and explain things in a way we can all understand. Over all good work and thank you.

[@sin3rgy]

Karl that is some fantastic advice. Those questions aren't the usual soft stuff you find that like you said, are common sense information. Thank you for providing real perspective on the market. It would be great if you could turn this into a regular series that answers business/industry related questions, perhaps some from online submissions?

[@ravholly]

One of the best no nonsense videos I have seen from a Pro Photographer on KZbin!! Thanks

[@hj45lp]

Well done, thank you! It's refreshing to have a clear and no-nonsense rundown of how things are. A lot of these issues are common sense really: I am in a different field, yet I would've given the same answers to many questions. And yes, first priority is to do good work, not to have great social media competence... Thanks again!

[@TheCr8tivity]

Karl...you are the teacher,the pro and the master.

[@AshishBalkhande]

definitely all the right & blunt questions .. thanks Karl that was truly great.

[@qarimanable]

Karl, you are an excellent teacher. I have learned so much just by looking at your videos and the images you take. Within few weeks I have seen improvement in my work. Thank you so much and may God bless you.

[@FrederickDunn]

These are all very good points and I respect your experience and am very glad to send new photographers to your KZbin Channel... you've save me lots of time in mentoring new photographers myself. I'm not lazy, just frankly don't have the time to properly share what they should and should not be doing. Much appreciated! I play your videos in my editing room... :)

[@kevindiossi]

You are, by far, one of my favorite and more respected photographers out there. Great interview.

[@NikolayMirchev]

I'm not a bad photographer and on top of everything located in London and still can not make it quite well though, very tough business. I think the most important thing is combination of talent + good connections + some luck.

[@ravholly]

I've been shooting since the Nikon F5 main body and Nikon N90's with autowind grip as backup and this is one of the only YT channels I get my info from.

[@ejphoto]

The 5:22 point in my opinion is the most important part of this video.

[@kaiwalyarangari30]

Just saw the video.. great and you have explained it superbly. also visited your website. Nice Work..

[@mackydread]

I've found these videos and thoughts very helpful and I AM a professional with twenty years experience! I'm completely self taught and had a reasonable good career and done some very interesting work, but as I said I'm self taught and made a lot of mistakes especially on the business side of things and paid the price for it. Also the recession hit me hard followed by an injury which left me out of the game for three years. This game can be a lonely business no matter how many models come through your door & you can lose sight of things you need to do no matter how simple they may seem to others. So even the statement "You may not be as good as you think you are'" can make you rethink your work. A lot of what Karl has said here I've already done but some things have hit home to me. Now my injury is on the mend its time I actually created images as good as I think I can produce, need to get a new site sorted as well so I'd better get on it! www.mcvirnetienne.com

[@clived3566]

WOW! - just seen your web site...what terrific work.. I too am a completely self taught Professional of 35 years standing and have made a successful, good living over the years,- I continue to do so, but its people like yourself and Karl Taylor, who restore my faith in our industry, - there is so much junk being presented as 'photography' and 'art'...keep up the fabulous work!!! professionalphotouk.squarespace.com

[@mackydread]

Thank you man! Very much appreciated

[@dariusz79]

amen to that karl. you always tell it like it is. I watch those 'youtube pros' and sometimes I just can't believe the trash they're saying! later I check their site and see couple of bad weddings or even worse family snapshots in 'portfolios'. very hard to find someone who will inspire you and not just annoy you. keep up great work.

[@ptarmwithiga2747]

Rewatched this video after 3 weeks again because It inspires me alot,I learn alot helps me to keep on focusing to be a profesional photograher.

[@allanmenard1651]

I am not a great photographer (yet). But I learn something new everyday. And one thing I have learned is that to make it in photography these days, you have to diversify. Take GREAT shots, Edit amazingly, Video, Teach, Make KZbin tutorials/editorials. Multi stream your income.

[@darlenelopez6006]

Thanks for all of your many instructive videos Karl. They're informative, impressive, and extremely helpful...plus your accent is charming.

[@RGMPhotos]

Love the video. As a fellow Photographer and Instructor, I absolutely share your opinions and perspective on the industry. I especially like the confidence you display about your work.

[@blondebobbi4505]

Thank you Karl Taylor. It is wonderful that you offer this to us.

[@michaelcross2199]

Always love your work and vids Karl. You really hit it on the head about people thinking they are better than they really are. I am a member of a few FB photography groups and narcissism is rampant

[@TheKiwiJobes]

I'm 17 in a month I started photography at the end of the summer and I've really taken too it. This video is very helpful, thanks! I really would like to get into the photography world

[@OurVideos73]

Thanks Karl. I always enjoy and respect your work,experience and advice. I see myself as a novice and I am my own worst critic but I do appreciate that honesty about "comparing yourself to the top notch photographers". If I really want my dreams of a business to work I have to compete to be one of the best Thank you again

[@GuruAndrey]

Couple of years ago i was photographing the beach I live near by and met an older couple who's son appeared to be a blind photographer from Los Angelis. His name is Pete Eckert. He has some really wonderful artistic images and won a few awards. His total blindness doesn't stop him form being an artist. And I, as well, wish you best of luck

[@pollytodd7579]

Such honesty the more I listen the more I like this chap and have learnt a lot....Got to find him on twitter and follow him!

[@Jackie.Cali.Productions]

So glad that I came across your video! I’ve been getting a lot of info from several different photographers, but your info has answered most of my questions all summed up into 1 video. I’m excited to watch the rest of your videos! Thank you Karl🤗

[@castieldiallo2945]

This fella makes plenty of sense. I see my photos as average at best. I let other people judge my photos. I am still learning the craft,and dont get into a strop when i get negative feedback.

[@wra7h]

Wow I've just been on your website and am really impressed, especially the 'people' section. I wish I could get models like that and locations so great.

[@roamingbritain9484]

He said it in one..You Have To Take Great Pictures...! Iv`e seen people take Great pictures with crap cameras and seen plenty of people take really bad photo`s with expensive ones. Be critical about your own pictures don`t try to like them when you know their poor, take it on the chin and chuck em in the bin, then start again. If your new to photography don`t use the cheap lenses they give away with cameras, buy the body them get a prime lens say 28 or 50 mm and work only with that, the standard of your images will determine how well you might do, Oh ! and how hard you work. My tutor said ` If you want to make loads of money do something else, or be prepared to.....Work Work Work.

[@fanjan7527]

Thank you for your time and sharing information Karl.

[@JVLIVSPhotography]

Nicely composed! I've learned in this video than I have within the past several years! Thank you very much!

[@donnamarie598]

It has taken me almost 10 years to realise that I needed to change my kit lenses and i found that practicing and experimenting between shoots helped a lot Now I just need to perfect and decide what kind of photography I want to do I know where I excel but theres not a lot of money in the field I love working in so now I do Portraits and Commercial Advertising and I quite enjoy it

[@VPPietila]

I'm not a pro photographer, but I still like to earn some extra cash with photography whenever I can. I've been planning to do some stock photography just to try it out, so I found your insights very inspiring. Thanks!

[@talkingtogs2910]

Interesting and direct answers to questions. Refreshing.

[@Gayhippie420]

Great advice on social media, brochures etc. :) Thanks Karl.

[@stronghold429]

I've learned so much from your videos man, please never stop

[@VisualEducationStudio]

+Leonardo Munoz Thanks, if you are not already a customer then you can learn much more from our paid courses along with our training support service. Go to my website to see what we have to offer. Thank you.

[@stronghold429]

+Karl Taylor You got it, I'll check it out , thanks again man

[@MrPutrifyingEagor]

Hi Karl,I have watched a few of your videos now,and I'm impressed with the straight to the point facts.I am not a Pro,and I agree with everything you see here.Ok I'm an experienced Amteur.Because of this many people have approached me about worK & weddings etc,but always turned them down.Im have been utterly Horrified at some of the Atrocious results done by "Pros"! Very sad peoples special day memories ruined.

[@gorila1958]

I am an Old school Photographer Film wise . Just got my D7100 and Yes I understand Aperture lighting and film speed . Like what your saying and I get depth of field rules of 3rds . Mostly into Wildlife and Buildings .I do Like black and white . My understanding of Digital is one thing I want the Picture in its original state without editing it to much say how the quality of the Photo is !! Like this Video for what your saying !!

[@chase337]

Excellent and 100% accurate observations.

[@handsomelok]

I 100% agree of what you say, how can someone to sell a product or a service that can't sell itself? people really should spend time and money on education rather than expensive gears !

[@maherali1203]

Thank you Karl for the amazing good and honest advice that you do not hear from other photographers, I think because you are a real pro. I very much enjoyed and hopefully will benefit from your videos, and soon GOD welling will buy some of it. Thank you.

[@dizeaz]

Banking on that, some disabilities sharpen other skills. So experiment and find yourself, you might surprise yourself.

[@noemikedves9470]

I really appreciate these videos,love learning from Karl. Thank you.

[@joshrosales]

Brill Mr KT..Thanks for sharing your Talent..lovely meeting u in Birmingham. your DVD change my work quality of photography.

[@feryutomo4680]

I never ever feel that I'm good enough right now,that's why I don't decide to make it as my profession yet,and I'm still learning about photography,especially for compositing

[@shankarlimbu3583]

Great guru for photography, thanks Karl..

[@Adri4n0]

Those tips seem quite handy. Thanks for these freebie advices.

[@Matt_Aquila]

In my learning experience, there are some outstandingly great photographers who are sadly poor teachers and vice versa. Very rarely will you find someone who excels on both sides but I'm happy to say you're one of the few exceptions, Karl.

[@OwenMathiasYES]

Great video. Having a background in education and training and specialising in e-pedagogy and instructional design I have become so irate with so many 'training' packages available online as all they are is ego trips for ageing photographers. Agree with everything you have said in this video.

[@AdviseMyStyle]

This is awesome! I don't want to be a photographer, but I think I could benefit from your school in terms of video production. I guess it comes down to lighting and I can't find any other tutorials I would like apart from yours. Are you guys considering making tutorials for video production in the near future and will I get a certificate if I finish your course?

[@baryalaya616]

Karl thanks very much for recommendation. So now time is to save money for purchase yours DVD. I know these DVD course will be help me to be a good product photographer but to be honest currently I do not have beget for that DVD .I saw your last video took picture of whiskey bottle in black background .it was so pro work .I hope one day I have that DVD course.

[@Red_dead_I_I]

The problem is there is just so many photographers.. and so many advertisements out there that try to cheat people into buying more cameras, gear, and other photographers that the only way they can make more money is to sell tutorial videos, apps, programs, etc.. im not offending the person in this video.. hes honest, i like hes work.. this is just for beginners to reconsider

[@Qfly9]

Taylor your shots are AWSOME!!! Please show tell me how did you do the pain splash and falling shots. Please!!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

www.karltaylorphotography.co.uk/product-still-life-lighting-secrets-photography-course.htm

[@stevetompsett2603]

Nice vid karl..to the point and informative. .I find myself recommending your channel to other amateurs like myself..cheers mate...

[@OkinawaRV]

Thank You for your informational videos. Its inspiring how you share your knowledge so freely.

[@marisirte]

Like all of your videos - great one! Thanks!

[@AlexStreinuPhoto]

Thank you for the tips again Karl. You are very inspirational and one to follow. I started following you due to the result of your work and the way you are teaching. Best wishes! Alex S.

[@paolinopcphoto2773]

Great tips, thanks Karl, you're the best!

[@olaskold]

Thank you for great information and presented in a personal and very professional way! But that is on the other hand "the Karl Taylor way" of doing this! ;-) You are one of the best!

[@photobyjewell1987]

Thanks for making this video learned alot

[@randallburgess6393]

Karl, I am a 65 year old and a recent grad from film school. While I learned a great deal, so much of becoming great at it is going out there and doing it. I have no pension, and no family to help support me in years ahead. So I have to make a success out of this new career. I dont have 20 years to develop skills so I need help from someone who does know what they are doing and is willing to help someone else grow. I continue to take on every opportunity to video docs, weddings, commercials I can get to gain and learn from others. Sadly, none are paying and I understand the issue of the value I bring to a shoot, at some point here I have to make a living somehow. How does one go about starting out in regards to getting paid and finding clients that are willing to pay when you are just starting out and have no past client base to list and show reels from.

[@linseykrzykala3969]

WOW I just went on your website and its incredible.

[@kamwrites]

Best video I've seen in a while, thank you!

[@salemfotografy2938]

Karl, i admire and respect you a lot , i’ve learnt a lot from your free stuff and from th dvd courses i bought a while back... i think you’re one of the best photographers i. the world, i liked specifically your models shooting session wheich i don’t see a lot of those on your instagram...but, if i may, why are you so tough, harsh and negative at times? the rants and the negative view points of other photographers is strange coming from someone up there on the top f his game... i really liked you more when you showed your kindness and super sense of humor, like how we saw u on the iceland shoot... please don’t take this the wrong way, you’ll always be my number one tutor :)

[@popzxc]

Great video, very sound advice. well done!

[@meiraleibo3752]

Wow thank you so MUCH, These are such an important tips you've shared with us here, And of course they refer to any self bussiness out there , I personally am a makeup artist and willing to get more deepen in photography art . I'd be honored to participate in one of your classes sometimes.

[@MikeWarville]

Love the ending by Mr. Taylor :-)))))

[@davejvickers]

Great video, with some really good real world advice.

[@wolvsking]

Big Fan of your business style, Great Video

[@nossacamera]

Amazing video! Really good tips and inspiring at the same time. Thanks a lot for sharing this!

[@Xzefreeman]

lol, i feel you mate! i've had these experiences too! Usually, i always end up thinking free courses are way better than overpriced ones that i just attended to. except, when the instructor is well known and has a great reputation. otherwise, i would just slip in on one of my university's free photography courses or just look up something more useful on the internet.

[@baldknicksfan]

I enjoyed watching every bit of this! Thanks so much for the advice!

[@gazmorris100]

This man speaks the truth.

[@nonsense502]

Great insight into photography world. Thanks for sharing :)

[@TheLightBearer]

Awesome tips and great advices... Thanks Karl

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Of course my honest and the most obvious answer would be yes this will hinder you. For a photographer vision is key to making great images, but in saying that athletes with no legs have run in the olympics. Discover which area of photography you are most passionate about and practise from there. Continual practise forces discovery and only then will you know yourself if what you ask is possible. Best of luck.

[@smokey267]

So smooth on the ending :P