In this post I am going to offer what I feel are the 10 most important points to becoming a successful photographer.

I decided to break the list into two blog posts. This is Part 1, which will cover the points from number 10 up to number 6. Part 2 will follow soon in another post starting with point number 5 then working up to point number 1. So here we go:

10 – Focus On Your Style: As a photographer you should always be yourself when it comes to taking pictures. We as photographers have our own style and a way of seeing the world through the lens. You should never give that up to try and be like someone else. Your own style is what makes you unique. It is best to work on developing your own creativity rather than working towards trying to be like someone else. Take inspiration from your mentors, learn techniques from others, but be true to yourself and be your own style of lensman.

9 – Don’t Freak Out: When you get onto a shoot with clients, etc it is best to try and maintain your composure. Stay relaxed and just focus on what you know how to do best. Don’t let the people and other elements around you get you nervous and throw you off of your game. You are there as the photographer because you know what you are doing. That is why you were hired for the job. So just relax, stay in control, focused, get your creative juices flowing, and everything will turn out great!

8 – Bring Out The Best In People: When taking pictures of people it is always best to aim to bring out the best in them. Personally I try to avoid taking pictures of people suffering or in compromising situations, unless it is for journalism purposes. People like to see pictures of other happy people. Do yourself and your subjects a favor and always try and make them shine in your photos.

7 – Get Ready To Talk Cheese: As a photographer it is your responsibility to try to evoke emotions when you are taking photographs of people. You have to be prepared to talk with your subjects to put them at ease in front of the camera and to help them to feel comfortable around you as well. Perhaps you have to make jokes sometimes, make them smile, or talk to them about their personal interests in order to get their mind off the camera and to help them to relax. So it is best to be prepared to communicate. Just staying quietly behind the lens isn’t going to cut it sometimes. So be prepared to communicate with your subjects.

6 – Do Your Homework: Always be prepared for a shoot. Never wing it. Do some research on what you will be shooting if you are not already familiar with the subject matter. Bone up on the techniques needed for the subject you are planning to shoot. If the lighting situation will be tricky then think about that in advance and try to decide how you will work with it on the day of the shoot. Make sure you have the right equipment that will be needed for the shoot, lighting, lenses, etc. If you need to rent additional equipment then make sure to make arrangements for that well enough in advance too.

So this covers 5 of the top steps. Click here to read the part 2 of this post with the top 5 steps. You can also subscribe to this blog anytime from a desktop or laptop computer by clicking on the Follow tab in the lower right-hand corner of your browser.