Taking your photography seriously is essential if you want to turn it into a fulfilling career. For many, photography starts as a hobby, but with dedication and the right approach, it can evolve into a professional pursuit. This helpful video tutorial offers a lot of useful advice for your journey.
Coming to you from Evan Ranft, this insightful video offers valuable, straightforward advice for aspiring photographers. Ranft shares his journey and the lessons he learned over the years, emphasizing the importance of not getting too attached to specific camera brands. Professionals focus on the results and choose the best tools for the job, regardless of the brand.
He also discusses a common pitfall: overestimating your skills early on. With the accessibility of high-quality cameras, many people think they have mastered photography when they have barely scratched the surface. True mastery involves a deep understanding of composition, lighting, and editing. Ranft highlights the importance of being present and attentive to details, which is essential for creating compelling and professional-grade photos.
Another key point Ranft makes is the significance of composition in distinguishing good photos from great ones. He explains that composition is a skill that takes time to develop and that having a good eye for photography is about creating readable and engaging images. This skill separates amateur snapshots from professional work and requires practice and patience to perfect. Ranft's advice extends to the misconception that traveling will automatically improve your photos. He argues that fundamental skills are what truly make a photo good, not the location. While travel can offer new and exciting subjects, without a solid foundation in photography techniques, your images may not stand out. Focusing on improving your skills at home can prepare you for more meaningful travel photography experiences in the future.
Social media is another topic he addresses, encouraging photographers to embrace it. He shares his early adoption of platforms like YouTube, which helped him showcase his work and build an audience. Viewing social media as a tool rather than a burden can open up opportunities to share your creativity and grow your career. Editing style is another reflection of your technical skills, Ranft notes. Early in his career, he used editing to fix mistakes, but as his skills improved, editing became a tool to enhance his vision. Consistent and thoughtful editing can elevate your photos and make your work stand out.
Ranft's candid advice also covers the reality that hard work alone doesn’t guarantee success. It's the quality and impact of your work that matter. He encourages you to focus on creating compelling and inspiring images rather than seeking validation through effort alone. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Ranft.
