Practical Advice for Becoming a Photographer in 2025

If you're thinking about starting a photography career in 2025, it's natural to have concerns, especially with the growing presence of AI. Understanding the current landscape and how you fit into it matters more now than ever.

Coming to you from Justin Mott, this thoughtful video addresses whether photography is still viable and how you'd navigate its challenges today. Mott acknowledges the significant changes driven by technology and social media, making the market tighter and more competitive. Despite this shift, he emphasizes that there is still a clear space for dedicated professionals who approach photography as a disciplined business, not merely a hobby. He highlights the necessity of passion combined with daily practice—shooting consistently rather than casually—to build a portfolio that clearly expresses your unique style and vision. This disciplined approach was foundational in his own early career success.

Moreover, Mott stresses the importance of preserving the passion that originally drew you into photography, even as you take on less inspiring commercial projects. According to him, regularly engaging in projects that genuinely excite you is crucial, as neglecting your creative impulses can negatively affect your overall professional satisfaction and productivity. His own example of self-funded wildlife documentary work illustrates how nurturing your passion projects keeps your creative energy alive and prevents burnout. It’s about balancing the necessary commercial work with creative projects that satisfy you personally.

Building a strategic social media presence also emerges as a vital step in his approach. Mott strongly suggests creating an intentional social media ecosystem tailored specifically to your professional goals—whether that's landing assignments, promoting workshops, or networking for broader commercial opportunities. He provides a concrete example of how effective LinkedIn use directly secured him significant contracts, showcasing the platform’s overlooked potential. Developing an intentional online strategy, rather than casually posting, can make a measurable impact on your professional growth, positioning you advantageously in a crowded market.

Beyond social media, diversification becomes a key theme in Mott's advice. Relying on one income stream or client is risky. Instead, he recommends constantly exploring new avenues and maintaining flexibility to shift gears as opportunities arise. Reflecting on his experience, he notes how important diversifying has been, from editorial work with The New York Times to commercial projects with major hotel brands and even educational initiatives. Each opportunity fed into another, creating multiple stable revenue streams that protected him against market shifts. Being adaptable and flexible helps you manage unexpected changes without panic.

Mott also discusses the importance of thinking ahead strategically. Rather than getting comfortable after landing good projects, he urges adopting a long-term view, always prepared for industry shifts or losing major clients. This perspective encourages constant innovation and adaptability, making sure you’re never overly reliant on any single income or client base. His advice also includes a caution against ego-driven decisions—such as rejecting smaller jobs because you feel they're beneath you—as this can limit future opportunities. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mott, and be sure to stop by his site for more.