What I’ve Learned After 3 Years in Photography
In the past three years, working as a photographer has been an incredible journey of growth, both creatively and professionally. From learning how to use a camera to discovering what it means to capture the moments that matter. Alongside refining my craft, I’ve learned the importance of building connections with clients and how through my creativity I can help bring their visions to life. Photography has not only deepened my understanding of visual communication but also taught me to see the world through a lens of positivity and how through my craft I can help capture the happy moments even in unexpected places.
There are three main things that I have learned from these past few years and I would like to share with you all that I've learned. Whether you are an aspiring photographer, enjoy creativity, or something entirely different, I hope that you are able to take away something from this article.
1. Shooting for Free??
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023 the average photographer made $40,760 (OOH). Now you might think that that's a lot or you might think that it's not very much at all. However, photography is a job that varies in income. There are photographers that don't make any money and there are photographers that are making millions. Learning how to get there is the hard part.
One of the most important things I've learned in photography is the importance of working for free, at least as you're starting out. Working for free does a couple things for you. You get a chance to build out a strong portfolio, get more experience in photography, and most importantly make connections that count. In order to do this you have to be passionate about what you are doing and you have to be willing to do it even when money isn't part of it. I wouldn't trade anything for the connections that I've made through shooting photos for free, they have led to more job opportunities than I could imagine and have allowed me to become friends with people in many different industries.
2. Connections, Connections, Connections
Nolan, Lane , Caleb Gordon: The Eden Experience, 2024, Photograph
Connections are by far the most important part of photography. Every relationship can open doors to new creative opportunities and growth and I'd hate for you to miss opportunities by missing out on connections. Whether it’s collaborating with other artists, understanding a client’s vision, or capturing moments that matter, strong connections are the foundation of a successful career. My experiences shooting for music artists, such as Lecrae, Caleb Gordon, and Hulvey have shown me the value of building trust and rapport, especially in these social circles. These connections not only lead to memorable projects but also deepen my ability to tell authentic stories with my camera.
Building rapport is much easier said than done, but I have found that hard work and dedication make it count. With photography specifically, turn around time is key. I try, if possible, to get my pictures edited and sent back to the client no later than 2 days after the shoot. One experience that I will never forget was shooting for Siervofest, a christian music festival held in Houston last summer. I drove to Houston the morning of the festival and planned to drive back home to San Antonio after the festival had ended that night. After the festival ended I packed up my equipment and began the drive home. I was eager to edit the pictures and get them back to the artists so I decided to stop at Buc-ees and set a 1 hour timer on my phone. I edited all of the images, packaged them into folders for each artist, and was able to send them out before midnight.
3. You Gotta Love It
Why did I tell you that story, you may ask. Well, If theres anything more important than connections in photography it is the passion that drives your success. Why would I decide to sit in a Buc-ees at 11 at night to edit photos? You might think because of deadlines and trying to be excellent at my craft, but no. I just genuinely love it. I was so excited to see what the photos looked like and get a chance to see and hear what others thought of them, etc.
C.S. Lewis was quoted saying "To interest is the first duty of art; no other excellences will ever begin to compensate for failure in this." To be successful you must first be interested. I love what I do, which is honestly what allows me to do so well. Loving what I do allows me to do things like shooting an event for free, or sitting in a parking lot to edit, or even to make the connections that I make. Loving what you do is far more important than doing it well.
Nolan, Lane, The Culture Initiative, 2023, Photograph
As a photographer, capturing moments is what excites me. I love the idea that one day I can look back on all of these experiences and people that I've connected with and get the chance to relive moments from the past. I want to be able to do that for others while also sharing my creative abilities with the world. My advice to you is this, love what you do, love the connections you make, and if you love it, money won't play a factor in doing it. I do, because I love.
