| Commercial photography is a dynamic and creative | | | | of David Bailey these days. However, if you have a |
| profession which covers many areas. However, to be | | | | good head for business, and are prepared to work |
| successful you need drive, enthusiasm and | | | | hard, you will make a good living, albeit a somewhat |
| investment of both time and money. It helps if you | | | | exhausting one! |
| specialise in a certain area, for example advertising or | | | | Training in commercial photography |
| wedding photography, and have a varied portfolio to | | | | Whether you are a photography student or skilled |
| show prospective clients. Many commercial | | | | hobbyist, it is essential you discover what areas you |
| photographers also hold professional qualifications. | | | | excel in, because this is where you will be selling |
| Commercial photography has been simplified | | | | yourself. It's pointless setting yourself up as a |
| enormously by the arrival of digital technology. Reels | | | | wedding photographer (a highly competitive arena) if |
| of film and tricky photo processing are things of the | | | | you prefer taking close-ups of still life. For you, the |
| past, and although digital SLR (single lens reflex) | | | | editorial or advertising route would be better. |
| cameras are still the preferred tool of professionals, | | | | Commercial photography is very different to artistic |
| they're not essential for those just starting out. Good | | | | photography, because you are having to take |
| results can be obtained from high-quality compact | | | | pictures based on other people's concepts, rather |
| and bridge cameras (which cross the divide between | | | | than your own. It's often a good idea to take a few |
| SLR and "point and shoot" models), making | | | | short courses in different aspects of the industry. |
| professional results viable for the most amateur of | | | | Commercial photography courses include editorial |
| commercial photographers. Cameras like the | | | | photography, photojournalism, fine art, portraiture, |
| Panasonic Lumix and Nikon Coolpix have the looks | | | | fashion and architecture. You don't have to be an |
| and results clients are after, yet are highly affordable | | | | experienced photographer to enrol - there are basic |
| - and easy to use. | | | | courses to teach the basics of movement, colour, |
| Selling to commercial buyers | | | | light and montage, and advanced diploma modules |
| If you enjoy amateur photography, and know how | | | | during which you'll create an entire advertising |
| to use a computer, then you can become a | | | | campaign, complete with artistic layout and logos. |
| commercial photographer. Agencies and art buyers | | | | Commercial photography courses can also include |
| have been hit by the recession too, and are | | | | principles of business start-up, self-marketing |
| constantly on the look-out for online images that | | | | techniques, basic law and commercial portfolio |
| they can use. Recently, an entire Mercedes-Benz | | | | consultation - well worth the investment. |
| brochure was furnished with images found on Flickr - | | | | Alternatively, you can simply start off with a simple |
| though this was an exceptional case. | | | | camera, offering your services to family and friends, |
| Getting into commercial photography has never been | | | | put together a portfolio and then offer your talents |
| easier, though you should realise it's not a "get rich | | | | as a freelancer to local photography firms. There are |
| quick" option. It's a highly competitive business, with | | | | many routes into the commercial photography |
| clients constantly expecting more for less. Few | | | | business, and they needn't be expensive. |
| commercial photographers reach the heady heights | | | | |