To be a successful portrait photographer, it takes more than raw talent and new equipment. You have to analyze the competition, establish your market and offer a unique in-demand product. The competition is probably now all coming out of the dark ages and dabbling with digital technology. It must be remembered that advanced digital technology lets photographers offer a really unique photograph. These photographs are perfectly geared toward an intended market whilst allowing the photographer to maintain his control over his work.
Once the digital challenge has been accepted anything is possible for your growing portrait business. But once accepted you will have to stay on top of the curve to stay on top professionally and to do that you will need to analyze the changes in the industry.
There is no doubt that going digital changes the way that you do business. Digital technology will allow you to create images that you never dreamed of. Digital imaging makes in-house retouching possible therefore giving photographers more creative freedom than traditional film photography.
To move over to using digital technology will require an investment but going digital will allow for improving your images and your production process. In the long run the cost of not investing will be more substantial.
There are so many advantages for moving over to digital photography. One indisputable advantage is that the digital image offers instant gratification. Photographers can see their images straight away, which allow total control over their work at every stage. From capture to the final image.
With digital imaging photographers no longer capture the portrait session in twelve or twenty-four exposures and then send them to a processing lab. They can now perfect the images to the fullest extent of their imagination. They can control cropping, make color corrections, correct common problems like low light situations, bad angles, blemishes and any other perceived imperfections.
Once the decision has been made to take the plunge into the world of digital photography you need to educate yourself. You will find that there are many resources available to you. When you are first starting out you will find there are national organizations, publications and seminars, all of which can be invaluable.
The next thing to consider in this new venture is what equipment will be needed. It is always helpful when starting out to ask to see other digital photographers equipment. That way you can compare the results achieved with different equipment.
Three of the most important factors in selecting camera equipment are features, specifications and pricing. You will find that the most commonly bought cameras have common characteristics. They offer features that make capturing images easier, accept your existing lenses to minimize the initial investment and yield sharp, high quality images.
If the decision has been made to begin using digital technology then a plan must be put in place to make this transition as smoothly as possible. Time must be split between education and work. That way nothing will get ignored and your business will continue to run smoothly and without hitches.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Photography
