How to be a Successful Photographer in Lagos

The arrival of digital cameras and camera phones has generated a tremendous upheaval in the photography business. To become a Successful Photographer in Lagos, one must stand out.

Photography was traditionally considered a highly technical subject that needed specific training and experience. This is still true, but there is a misperception that photography is simple today, and everyone can do it.

To become a professional photographer, you still have to know how to get the most out of your camera and shoot in manual mode. You still have to grasp the science of light and know lighting strategies. And you now need computer skills and an understanding of applications like Lightroom or Photoshop.

Photography is still a highly technical subject with a steep skill curve. The difference is that it’s simpler to shoot certain sorts of photos, for specific audiences.

For example, if you have a significant Instagram following, you may photograph businesses using your iPhone. You may shoot family or children’s photographs solely outside in natural light. You may photograph people’s pets.

Due to the Internet and social media, there are clear chances that didn’t exist before, and a method for prospective clients to discover you.

This also implies there is greater competition in the photography sector. To make sure your images stand out, we’ve put together some fast advice on how to make it as a professional photographer.

• Pricing and the Value of Photography
• Business First, Photography Second
• How to Network
• Conclusion

1. Pricing and the Value of Photography

With so many photographers with wildly diverse skill levels, the value of photography has grown to vary substantially as well.

There is always going to be a photographer that costs N500,000.00 to shoot a wedding or N150,000.00 for a portrait session. If this is not you, you don’t have to worry about these photographers.

People who hire a photographer to capture the most significant day in their life for N50,000.00 won’t or cannot hire you for N500,000.00. They are not your target market. So when someone shoots for a ridiculously cheap price, they don’t truly take anything away from you, even if it can seem like it.

Charge what it’s worth

If you want to be a successful photographer, I would advise you against charging too little, especially in the beginning. It’s too hard to increase your charges dramatically after you have built up a customer base.

You can’t earn a livelihood if you’re charging cheap pricing. You’ll have to labor so hard to generate money that you’ll finally burn out and hang up your shingle. A photography company is an extremely pricey business to manage. It might take a long simply to start to break even.

That being said, I can’t tell you what to charge. Every market is distinct and everyone has a different cost of living. The main thing is to know your numbers. Know precisely what your cost of conducting business is, and the whole amount of your personal costs before you start charging customers.

I think you can still earn a livelihood as a photographer in 2022. But like with any company, it takes time to establish, and you’ll have to do other things to bring in revenue when money is tight.

There is one significant thing that you can do to boost your chances of success and establish yourself sooner.

But first, let’s speak about mentality.

Also Read: Starting a Photography Business in Nigeria in 8 Simple Steps

2. Business First, Photography Second

You become a photographer because you’re a creative person and want to be behind the camera. It’s not for the marketing, invoicing, and endless tedious tasks of operating a company.

But here is what you have to remember: your photography company is a business. This should always be prominent in your thoughts. I wish to pursue photography for a job, rather than as a pastime, you will need to remember that you’re a business person first, and a photographer second. This is the only way you’ll earn any money and live.

If you don’t have this thinking already, then you need a transformation in your viewpoint.

There are things you need to do to be successful in business, no matter what sort of firm you operate. The core of any business is connection. Networking and connection development are where you need to place your attention. Most of your energy has to be focused on this.

And when I say networking, I mean in person. If you’re spending all your time on social media, then you’re doing it incorrectly. You need to come out from behind the computer and go meet people.

I’m not saying social media isn’t essential, because it is. It’s not a smart idea to be a photographer without an Instagram presence. But unless you already have a big following, most of your efforts are better left for personal networking.

3. How To Network

There are a variety of methods to network.

You may attend trade events and related Meet-Up groups, small business association meetings, or even join your local professional photography organization. You may learn a lot about the profession and other photographers can really be a terrific source of recommendation.

The most crucial thing you need to be doing is addressing the individuals that represent your target market or have access to your target market directly. It will take some research on your side to figure out who these folks are. Quite frequently it will simply require a phone call.

For example, if you’re a commercial photographer, you may phone marketing and advertising companies. Once you figure out who it is that you need to meet with, you may send them an introduction email with a PDF of your recent work.

Ask for a few minutes of their time to query about what their photography requirements are and their method of choosing photographers.

If you’re calling an agency, ask if you can set a meeting to show them your print portfolio. They may be too busy for this, but you can drop it off. Just make sure you identify yourself when you bring it by, so they can attach a face to a name.

Always go in with the idea that you’re attempting to find out what your prospective client’s requirements are and how you can assist. They will enjoy it and you’ll feel less like a used car salesperson.

Follow up always

Once they have given you their time, make sure to follow up with a modest present, like a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine. The next time they need a photographer, you may very well be the first one that comes to mind.

Your efforts may not pay off immediately away. It might take many months to get results, but by being persistent with your networking, you will generate momentum and build up your company

The key to remember is that you need to be doing this all the time. Networks need to be maintained, or they won’t be there for you when you need them.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a blogger or a new photographer, there is a market out there for you. The idea is to recognize it and then go for it. You can’t depend on your website traffic or stay around on social media, expecting to get noticed.

The secret to being a professional photographer is the appropriate mentality, paired with regular and consistent activity.

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