Photography is a great pastime. Each day, more and more people are taking up photography as a hobby. Even before the advent of the digital camera, photography has lured many into its grasp. But have you ever considered making a career out of it as a professional photographer? Before you write off the idea as too farfetched, let's look at some of the benefits taking up professional photography as a career.
Why Should Anyone Notice My Work?
To date, you might only have a few pictures on flickr, photobucket or some other site. Your friends and family appreciate your photos but have you ever wanted more critical acclaim from afar? A career in professional photography can give you this -- your work has always been good enough -- only now with the correct promotion and marketing you will get the respect that you deserve.
Variety Is The Spice Of Life
A career in professional photography can offer variety like only so few other jobs can. One minute you might be taking pictures, pitchside of Manchester United, another you could be covering war torn Darfur. Or, you might prefer the more sedate life of taking stock photography of objects such as fruit or people in varying poses. With the same camera and an assortment of lenses, professional photography can enrich your life with such variety.
The World Is Your Oyster
If you choose, professional photography can take you all over the world to do various shoots on location, or even throughout your own home country. Get yourself a reputation and you could find yourself on the road more often that not, if that is what you want. Take the example of celebrated motor racing photographer, Paul-Henri Cahier. His outstanding work takes him all over the world, getting paid for his hobby!
Remember that, whilst professional photography can offer all the above and more, you must do proper planning to ensure a consistent stream of enjoyable and varied work -- a career such as the above cannot be taken lightly, especially in the beginning. If you are determined and plan ahead properly, you can enjoy a successful and long career.