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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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%

[@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

[@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!

[@jessestarks3128]

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

[@mediaflmcreation]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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....

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@edvinrushitaj]

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

[@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.

[@stilapsievideos6892]

I absolutely love this guy, no nonesense or false humility, just a great photographer and teacher.

[@2094-o7t]

dude im 15 mins in and WOW!! Not only is this on point but really thorough for youtube. Thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great thanks. Check out some of our others too.

[@aneesbata878]

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

[@LightMagicAcademy]

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

[@riri_imperial]

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

[@imonedesign]

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

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Amine

[@flickerspot]

Good advice. Thanks. I have been waiting for this

[@dacoole]

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

[@rembeadgc]

Straight to the point. No punches pulled. Appreciate your good advice.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@pictureeyecandy]

First time ever to see how much can you make from a Photographer based on the kind of photography! The best advice was practice. But so much great advice.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Alvin, definitely just doing it is the best advice.

[@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!

[@observerfx212]

Superb shots!

[@TheJingsVolgs9996]

I'm planning to start my photography journey. This is helping me alot

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great cheers.

[@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.

[@johnl4469]

Thanks Karl. Great video mate.

[@nathdeeanandlarp5591]

I currently enrolled in your course and learned with your video since before it was subscription. I have improved so much and been doing very well because the way you teach makes it fun to learn and easy to understand. thank you so much for your lessons

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you

[@satyajitmukhopadya6159]

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

[@jorgerodriguezmessina9070]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Bimbleandwander]

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

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Stuart

[@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.

[@alimarri3347]

Tnx Karl . You Are Great man

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thank 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.

[@cmpblsmith]

Wow! Karl, what an amazing amount and quality of information you have presented in this video. Thank you.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

My pleasure, thanks

[@vimalneha]

Excellent advice from someone who knows what he does.

[@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

[@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!

[@eldies1]

One of your best videos!

[@richardbutcher6153]

thanks for the helpful tips

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

You are right, it is probably best to specialize in one or two areas to become experts at those first and make money there, before broadening the scope in other areas. Thanks Karl for your tutorials. I am looking at joining your website classes.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Great thanks, all our best stuff is over there. Cheers.

[@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

[@reynaldobrigantty8417]

You asked a question... If your image is perfectly exposed at f11 at 1/300th, what would you have to do to reduce the depth of field while maintaining the same exposure? Get closer.. Cause changing the iso would change your aperture and shutter speed.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Peter, yes getting closer would decrease depth of field because getting closer increases magnification and any increase in magnification reduces depth of field so you are correct in that sense but if I asked that question it would have been on the assumption that the composition was to remain the same. But simply reducing to f5.6 and increasing the shutter speed to 1/1200th would maintain the same exposure and reduce depth of field significantly. Or if we were using controlled lighting and no ambient light then a 2 stop reduction in the power of the lights with a 2 stop increase in the aperture size would also suffice. If there was no change in the lighting then reducing the ISO would also work as you would then open the aperture by the equivalent amount of exposure reduction and thereby reduce DOF too.

[@reynaldobrigantty8417]

@@VisualEducationStudio thx u .. Love the channel.. Very informative.. and yes adjusting the triangle to achieve the same exposure is definitely the way to do it. ..

[@GeorgiaThompson-v9g]

Thank you!!

[@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….

[@sunwang3076]

Fanatic portfolio and professional advice, thank you

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Our pleasure!

[@parthakar3833]

Really a great lesson for me, thank you..

[@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

[@prestonlhouse]

Really good, sound and honest words Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you

[@77dead]

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

[@Djerris]

Cool! Thanks for the video! 📸

[@karabosepeng9200]

Awesome video 👍🏾👍🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you 👍

[@riddlerMD365]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@CanadianArchivist]

Love your videos. Lots of information. Great advice. Your product photography is WOW! This makes all of us watching your channel, and subscribing inspires us to do more.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks Andrew

[@TruongNguyen-pv1bt]

Thanks a lot sir, very valuable information 🥰

[@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. 😂

[@adamgregorynyc]

Superb advice!

[@paulbernardi2597]

Great advice Carl thanks for sharing.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you

[@luissalazar2021]

Thank you so much. This must be your passion.

[@wallymikhu]

All great advice. You're a huge inspiration to me and I've learned so much. Thank you!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Wally

[@mynirvana8075]

Dear Karl, In my 15yers of works as a photojournalist and photo editor. I have not come across any professional photographer willing to sharing knowledge to such in-depth as you do. Amazing brother!! Cheers:) Takecare N Be safe

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Very kind thank you.

[@bestinpa5752]

Thankyou sir...

[@camloff]

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

[@DipakThapa1]

Useful tips sir ,

[@PlantCraft]

Thank you for this video! I will check out your classes!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@theoell2049]

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

[@MrNasserRadi]

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

[@RichMaciverPhoto]

Fantasticly honest Karl, I really enjoyed this.

[@ColoursofLight]

I simply love the information you provide/ you have been providing throughout these years. You are one of the reasons I dared try anything new with my photography. Wish I could come and learn in person at your institute, but till that time comes I keep learning here and from your DVDs that I got some years ago !! Thanks for the channel and the Knowledge you share.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you

[@josediazh3890]

Muchas gracias!

[@annettekempers6213]

Excellent overview and presentation!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you Annette

[@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 ^ ^

[@stephaneMichaux]

thank you so much! merci beaucoup pour votre video

[@VisualEducationStudio]

de rien

[@stephaneMichaux]

@@VisualEducationStudio 👍🏼

[@devtank]

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

[@natalipeguero5368]

What camera do you recomend to start shooting anything at all.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Any decent brand Nikon, Canon, Sony etc will do well. If you can afford it go for a full frame model as long as it's got manual mode and save your money for better lenses that's what makes the difference, check out my fre course on my website

[@razorisdead]

Yess! Amazing

[@imeshweragoda6921]

Thank You Sir.......

[@FarisPhotos]

thank you so much ! .. so useful video

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bijeshmohan]

Excellent content!

[@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!

[@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...

[@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.

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Excellent upload… Big Tingz

[@os6219]

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

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you

[@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.

[@brittbyler1092]

What you recommend for everyday photography

[@prs26]

tips from a Legend

[@feryutomo4680]

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

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Me too.

[@roldangamino5465]

Great!!!!