Today’s topic is the age-old question: How to become a successful photographer?

Becoming a professional photographer is a dream to many, but a reality to a select few. Those who paid their dues and learned to embrace the grind are the ones who ultimately make it in this field.

While a career in photography can be highly fulfilling, the barrier of entry is so low due to how affordable photo equipment has become. Therefore, it is all the more important that you pick up and master the skills that will distinguish you from the average hobbyist.

With that said, here are some things I wish I knew back when I first started my journey.

As a beginner, one of the first photography rules that you learn is to avoid shooting directly into the sun. Most of the time, either your background will be completely blown out or your subject will appear as a silhouette. However, backlit portraits when properly executed can be captivatingly beautiful in so many ways.

In this article, we will show you how to replicate the signature style of many engagement and wedding photographers today.

How many types of portrait photography are you familiar with?

The word “portrait” makes us think of a person—whether in a painting, drawing, or photograph. While not every person that you meet will come with an entirely different and unique background, they each have distinct experiences and their own story to tell.

As photographers, we have the necessary tools and skill set to help bring these stories to life. In this article, we’ll discuss the three main types that you need to learn, and for each, the best techniques for creating compelling photos.