“The Earth is Art, The Photographer is only a Witness.”
– Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Every photographers’ perspective is different, so is their photography style. For example, we saw many portrait photographs but remember the ‘Afghan Girl’ by Steve McCurry clearly. This picture worked as a catalyst for his widespread fame.
What is fame to photographers? It’s recognition. If you are a photographer who wants to be recognized with success, we have prepared this article for you.
What do you know from this article?
– Strategies to follow.
– Tips to stay on track.
– How to handle fame?
– Answers to most google search questions.
Let’s get the work started!
Strategies to Apply to Become a Famous Photographer
Becoming famous is about hard work. Talent will work only when hard work is combined. Famous photographers’ biographies show us why they deserve that spot. They have worked hard enough, focused on their passion and uniqueness, and eventually gained success over time.
Those photographers have something in common, undivided attention to certain factors. I have put those together and listed them as ‘road to fame’. Take these as guidelines and customize them in your own way.
1. Aim to Become a Brand for People to Recognize.
Want your name to work as a brand? Then, solely prepare for your skill to skyrocket. Take Jordan Matter as an example, famous for taking attractive headshots and is an active participant in 10-minute photo challenges in social media.
a. Grasp Camera Settings Completely
Be confident with your learnings. There are plenty of photography techniques, and you will know them every step of your way.
The most important piece of equipment for photography is a camera. When you are well-versed in camera settings like ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, it’s time to level up. Pick the best camera. Nowadays, global photographers produce convincing shots by using DSLR for professional photography and outsourcing photo editing services.
b. Have Your Own Photography Studio
As a commercial photographer, having a studio is a necessity. It’s like a home for the profession. You don’t have to have a fancy studio in a vibrant city. Primarily, you can build one in the backyard of your house or in an empty room. Later go for a well-equipped studio.
Your photography studio should be matched with your work; it depends on the type of your photography. Look for photography studio setup ideas for finding which studio matches your preference and workstyle.
2. Attend Niche Related Photography Events.
Attend any program being arranged around you. It can be a concert, a ceremony. You can go for niche-related events as well, but to reach more people, I would recommend not to differentiate just yet. Frequently participate in courses and workshops, photographers’ communities, and integrate with more photography-related persons.
3. Start Your First Step From The Local Area.
Shooting starts, Yaay!
a. Begin your journey from home.
Every journey starts with a single step, so start shooting from the place you live, your home, or your backyard. Your road to getting noticed begins with those little experiences.
Target to reach the peak of photography in your local area. The point of good images is to show people how you saw things and what they made you feel.
b. Go Around Your City
Next, go around the city; feel the vibe, capture the moment that you feel exhilarating, such as a busy & vibrant evening city, people getting off the bus, light striking on the street signs. Show how the city breathes.
To be a famous photographer,
take unique and interesting photos.
4. Target a Broad Range of Clients.
Want to get more photography clients? Don’t just stick to people around you, target clients from a broader range. This increases the change of higher revenue.
5. Stay Active on Online Mainstream.
Increase your activities on online and offline platforms. More activities mean more engagements. This is what you can do to stay active-
a. Have Your Own Online Portfolio
Create your own photography portfolio. As a photographer, you must have one, just like a modeling portfolio (one that every model has). Such a portfolio is undeniable proof of professionalism and working style. If you have a website, optimize it for search engines.
b. Use and Promote on Social Media to become a celebrity photographer
Online platforms are a broad field; with a post, you can engage a lot of people. So, use online platforms to the fullest, be active, interact with people who have an interest in photography. Create profiles on different platforms and then post images once you finish shooting. We strongly believe that social media can help you become a well known photographer.
For example, on social media platforms, let’s say you use Twitter, post there, use hashtags to connect to a more relevant audience. This way, you will get your niche-specific fanbase.
c. Use Email List
You can arrange events and ask people to sign-up. This gets you a pair of advantages. Those are-
More engagement- Your niche interested potential clients and photographers will find it amusing and be inclined to participate.
Direct communication- Through their sign-up, you get their contact address. Thus it’s a good opportunity to directly communicate and convince them.
d. Ask Close People to Refer
Begin from home. Start working for your family and friends. Attend their programs, take photos, and show your talent. Also, don’t feel shy to ask them to refer- this free advertising is known as the Word Of Mouth (WOM) strategy.
6. Marketize Your Work Properly.
Like other businesses, your photography business needs marketing. Otherwise, nobody’s gonna know. You can use a number of means to marketize your photography work. Aside from traditional offline advertisements, online platforms have gained enormous positivity.
These are the most effective ways to market your photography-
- Have your own updated website intended for a brand.
- Sell your photos on platforms like Alamy, Shutterstock, Etsy.
- Use Google Business Page and blogs.
- Bond with professional photographers.
- Use paid tools to advertise.
- Optimize for google search.
These activities will help your potential clients find you and you to make money with your photographs.
7. Just Do It; What Feels Right!
Don’t always wait for the perfect moment; it rarely comes. If you put things off for workshops or photography courses, you may never actually start. Procrastination, self-doubt, and worry will always stand in your way. So do the first step: start snapping photos today!
Becoming a Famous Photographer – 9 Vital Tips To Stay In Track
Tips are like nutrients; they will help you only when you are working. Therefore, not taking these as shortcuts is advisable.
Here are some tips to aid your walkway to be a famous photographer-
1. Follow This 3P-Approach.
Being occupied in an artistic profession like photography is a dream of many, but if you aren’t a hobbyist photographer, you are busy as a bee! To become a successful & famous photographer, focus on 3P: Patience-Practice-Promote. Invest your energy in these, and see where these lead you.
2. Learn As Much As You Can.
Learning has no limit; the more, the better. You can strengthen your skill, such as nature photographers can learn wildlife photography. It’s like a bonus. Every technique you learn will help you a step forward from the average. So, don’t stop learning.
3. Hone Your Professional Skill.
Always, you must continue polishing your photography skill. Sharp skills will produce sharp results, so don’t let your skill get rusted. Let’s say, you are a celebrity photographer. So, grab every opportunity to have your skill in practice (friendly reminder- don’t be a sasaeng fan, though).
4. Heave Your Profile With New Works.
Do you believe fame is related to work? If you ponder about it, everyone becomes famous because they did something. That’s where you must focus- your work. Make sure your work is bringing some solutions to your targeted audience.
If you are working for a long period, you have countless shots taken with a big-size portfolio. But if you aren’t that long experienced, create one. As a photographer, it is mandatory to have a portfolio. A portfolio is the first part of your introduction, later comes your experience.
5. Enliven Your Business Activities.
In short, promote yourself professionally. It’s not only about letting them know you do it and are available. It’s about selling your skill, using your potential to earn. The Internet has made business activities easier. So, let’s make the best use of it.
6. Engage With People of Relevant Areas.
Luring your potential clients is obviously tough as you have competitors. Then how about mentioning them? Initiate talking or share their viewpoint. You may receive the same. This is an indirect approach to increase the audience.
You can also interact with your audience, influence or encourage them to act, ask them to answer or deliver some solution with your service. These non-profit approaches will work as a boon.
7. Enlarge Your Network.
Expand your network. Apart from online platforms, use offline platforms, work with different models, and interact with familiar people in the industry. This is the point where word of mouth works. Instead of waiting, create situations for opportunities to come.
8. Be Consistent.
In most cases, fame overnight or success in the blink of an eye doesn’t last long. Therefore don’t rush; be steady. Keep your audience updated with your work. Your consistency acts for your professionalism.
9. Focus On Skill Improvement.
Fame without skill is just a bluff. You can improve your photography skills and become famous as a freelance photographer. Utilize time to polish & promote skill; be patient, focus on adding value to your skill.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
How to Handle Fame?
Fame doesn’t always come alone; sometimes, the fame package includes topics like controversy, criticism. So, when you are prioritizing that part, be mentally prepared to deal with every possible outcome.
- Know Your Limit.
Be aware of your limitations. Becoming the talk of the town controversially will get you nowhere. The type of fame you want to circulate around and the possible results you will achieve- consider all these.
- Don’t let Judgement Feel Miserable.
You may get judgemental comments, remarks from your fellow photographers, fans, colleagues, or critics- skim those. Just find out the gist; you may have some useful suggestions. But don’t take those personally, and don’t let those down your spirit.
- Don’t Sway Mindset by Criticism.
There is only one way to avoid criticism:
do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.
– Aristotle
As long as you are doing something, criticism is bound to come. Criticism disheartens and demotivates us. Dealing with criticism is, of course, challenging, but don’t give up. Everyone has his/her personal reasons, but those shouldn’t concern you. Minding that will harm your career.
- Be Transparent In Action and Speech.
When you are famous, you must pay extra attention to this part- balancing action and speech. You must keep your promise; speech must resonate with your action and vice versa. Never do something that doesn’t match your speech. Be authentic and unequivocal.
- Respect Your Anti-Fans too.
Anti-fans are not always harmful. There’s no straightforward way to deal with them; you need to stay calm and be respectful about their comments. One day they might become your fan; who knows!
- Lastly, Always Have Feet On The Ground.
Stay humble even if you have become famous. Be proud of your work and status; enjoy them but don’t brag or be arrogant. As long as you are gentle in nature, doing fine with your work- your expertise will rise, and your fame won’t be contaminated.
FAQs on How to Become a Famous Photographer
Can you be famous for photography?
Yes, by mastering your photography skills and promoting your work, you can be famous as a professional photographer.
Who are the highest paid photographers?
According to the world scholarship forum, the top 5 highest paid photographers are-
– Morgan Norman
– Lynsey Addario
– George Steinmetz
– Terry Richardson
– Cindy Sherman
How much do famous photographers make?
Famous photographers make more than $15,000 per month.
Is learning photography hard?
Photography is the work of artistic minded people, it’s not hard if you are passionate about it. However, it depends on the type of photography though.
How long does it take to master photography?
Learning photography takes around 3 years on average.
In a nutshell…
You are special, and you deserve spotlights that will light longer. With your unique photography style, you can do it.
Just keep working; it’s about getting better than yesterday. Fixate your goal along with consistency. If you manage to keep up the work, sooner or later, you will be acknowledged. Being famous will be the payback for the best effort you put through.
Read More Photography Related Articles:
- Aperture in Photography
- An Introduction to ISO in Photography
- Introduction to Shutter Speed in Photography
- Ethics in Photography: What Should You Know?
- 12 Best Entry-level Cameras for Product Photography
- How to Master Product Photography on a Limited Budget
- How to Sell Your Photos Online – Make Money as a Photographer
- How an eCommerce Photographer Can Get More Photography Clients
