Professional photographers only work part of the day, and when they do, they do so in beautiful locations photographing beautiful people for world-famous publications, right?
Not exactly...
Though some photographers are lucky enough to have jobs that involve travel and working with big clients, most of us make our living working for our friends and neighbors, right in our own towns and cities.
And while we show off our best work, that doesn't mean that there aren't some pretty terrible images along the way for the pros, either.
These are just a couple of myths about being a professional photographer. Let's explore these and other myths in a little more detail.
Professional Photography Myth #1: This is Glamorous Work
You might see photographers on Instagram or YouTube living the life on the road, partnering with corporations like Nike or LG, and generally having a grand old time with their cameras.
But as noted above, most of us definitely do not enjoy that kind of lifestyle.
In fact, being a professional photographer can be quite the grind. It's a ton of work, and most pros do it all on their own.
That means very long days, most of which is taken up doing non-photography things like chasing down late payments from clients, balancing the books, and paying bills.
And even when you're taking photos with or for clients, it still might not be all that glamorous.
Just ask a newborn photographer after the baby they're photographing has a blown out diaper...
I don't point these things out to discourage you from pursuing a career as a photographer. Quite the opposite - this is an awesome job and one that will bring you all kinds of satisfaction.
But if you think it'll be all sunshine and professional models, you're in for a surprise!
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Professional Photography Myth #2: Pros Only Take Good Photos
The notion that professional photographers take great photos each and every time they press the shutter button is one of the biggest photography myths out there.
Just like any other professional occupation, photographers have their good days and their bad.
Sometimes, it feels like you simply can't miss, with photo after photo turning out to be a great shot.
Other days, though, you wonder how you became a professional in the first place and feel like you're defrauding your clients out of their money.
Just because someone calls themselves a professional photographer doesn't mean they'll have success every time. Even Ansel Adams had some clunkers along the way!
Professional Photography Myth #3: Photography Watermarks are Unprofessional
A couple of years ago, I might have actually agreed with the idea that watermarks are unprofessional.
At the very least, I would have strongly agreed that watermarking images reduced the visual appeal of said images.
But that's all changed for me now that I've found Photologo...
Photologo creates bespoke photography logos that not only allow you to identify your work as your own, but also add an elegant feature to your images that you'll actually be proud of.
That's because Photologo's professional artists are responsible for handcrafting each photography logo.
That means that my Photologo is 100 percent my own and unlike any other photography watermark out there. How cool is that?
The uniqueness of each Photologo is thanks to the fact that it's real, live humans making them. There's no algorithm or computer software behind it - just the creative spirit of some really talented people.
In addition to creating a photographer logo that adds to the visual appeal of your photos, these things are also the ideal marketing tool.
Think about it - a photography signature allows you to sign your work, just like artists have for hundreds of years.
Beyond that, you can utilize your Photologo as part of a larger marketing scheme, with your signature on your website, portfolio, blog, and so forth.
In that regard, this isn't just a way to protect your work online. Instead, it's an integral component of a solid marketing plan to get you more clients.
Getting your very own Photologo is easy, too.
Just go to their website, make a few stylistic selections, and their professional artists will get to work on your logo, delivering it in as little as two days.
You even get a free revision, that way you're sure to get the perfect photography watermark for your brand.
Make your photography logo ideas a reality by teaming up with Photologo.
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Professional Photography Myth #4: Professional Photographers Do It All
Of all the myths on this list, this is probably the one that derails the most photographers from being successful.
Though it might seem like a good idea to cast as wide a net as possible and offer as many different photography services as you can, all that does is spread you too thin and leave you unable to demonstrate your expertise in a given area.
It's a real jack of all trades, master of none situation...
Instead, professional photographers are better served specializing and finding a niche that helps them differentiate themselves from other photographers.
Professional Photography Myth #5: Pros Only Use Expensive Gear
I don't know a photographer that wouldn't want to have a Canon EOS R or a Nikon Z7 in their bag. But the fact of the matter is that those cameras are really expensive, and for many pros, they're also unnecessary.
Being a great photographer isn't about having the newest gear. Instead, it's about understanding how to use your gear to take a great photo.
To illustrate my point, I have a friend that photographs landscapes with an entry-level Canon EOS T2i that was $600 brand new about six years ago. You can't buy a cheaper camera, yet he's able to take some truly breathtaking images.
Similarly, some of my favorite photos that I've taken weren't with my $3,300 Nikon D850, but with my old iPhone 6.
If you're just starting out as a photographer, resist the urge to blow all your money on new gear. The notion that it will make you a better photographer is a myth!
Learn More:
- 21 Things You've Got All Wrong About Being a Professional Photographer
- Fact vs. Fiction: A Day in the Life of a Self-Employed Photographer