Contrary to popular belief, I didn't always have it together. When I first started out in the photography biz I had no idea what I was getting into, or what my social circles would look like. It took a lot of learning and even more trial and error to get where I am today. So this note is for all those starting out. It's for little 16 year old Whitney who has just bought her first DSLR.

1. Learn How to Use Your Camera

This may seem like a "duh" thing. But if you are shooting on Auto you aren't growing. Sure you can compose all you want, but unless you are able to communicate to your camera and be able to (successfully) tell it what to do, you won't be able to achieve the shots in your head. I like to call this the "spray and pray" method. Basically you take a lot of shots and hope that one of them turns out the way you envisioned. 

2. Stop Comparing

This is huge. You need to stop comparing yourself to other photographers. They got where they are because they practiced and learned and it probably took them awhile. And guess what, their pictures when they first started out are probably terrible. The only comparison you should be making is the photographer you were yesterday. Look at one of my first senior shoots compared to one of my recent ones. Not even close to the same ballpark. If you were to just look at these two pictures and judge them, you'd be missing out on the years between them. All the classes I took and techniques I learned. It pays off, but only if you keep progressing. 

© Whitney Beth Photography

3. Learn Everything You Can

And never stop. There is always something new to this craft. Don't go dormant. Keep finding ways to expand your knowledge - whatever that looks like for you. For me it was Googling, self teaching and going to school. When you stop learning, you stop growing and your work becomes stale and predictable. Keep expanding your knowledge and you will be able to progress. 

© Whitney Beth Photography

4. Community Over Competition 

Don't waste your time and energy thinking that every client that so and so photography gets is another client you won't have. That is no way to live. It's a lonely way of thinking. Make photo friends. I cannot tell you how happy I am to have my photo friends. If nothing else, they GET you AND the industry. It's so nice to call up a friend, ask a question, talk shop, vent about photo situations, etc. People need friends. Friends who know exactly what you are going through. One of the best parts about being a photographer in Utah is there is so many of us! That could be a major downer if you think of them as competition. Instead, it's a community. We all bring each other up, share locations, give advice etc. Not to sound basic, but my photo friends are my tribe. 

5. If You Are Going to Charge, Register Your Business. 

If you are in it just as a hobby - totally cool. It's just something you do for fun and for the love of the art. But the second someone pays you or you charge for the images you need to have a business license. One of the big problems in the photo industry is the abundance of photographers who are charging pennies for their work. And they can afford to do it because they don't have all the expenses that come with being legal. What this does is bring down the average cost of a photographer in the area - hurting those who are legit and pay taxes. A lot of this is done innocently - people who get a camera and decide they are going to do this line of work professionally just don't know. That's why it's important to have a community over competition mentality - so you can educate them and help them get legal. Plus there's also the scary side of the IRS finding out and and coming after you!

6. Take Pictures Daily

My photography really blossomed when I decided to start a new years resolution where I take a picture every day of the year. I'm on year eight right now, and the pictures that are at the start of this series are terrible compared to where I am at now. It's like anything you want to learn; practice, practice, practice! 

7. Learn How to Market

So what if you are the best photographer in the world if no one knows about you? Marketing is crucial to any business and if you're anything like me, not your strong suit. Invest in your business and in yourself by taking marketing courses. Or further your education of it by taking classes in school. It doesn't matter the method you use, so long as you implement it and actually do it! 

8. Develop Your Style

There are thousands of photographers in the world. They only thing that sets them apart is you! Develop your style and your artistic voice through your photography. This is something that takes time - even years. Your style defines you. When a client looks at your portfolio, they are not going to be surprised with the images you deliver to them. It's a constant signature on every photograph. Developing your style also means knowing what you are passionate about and like to shoot. I decided to specialize in family and senior photography. I found that I was happiest shooting these two categories. And when the opportunity to shoot something outside my norm arises, I'm more likely to say yes because I haven't been burnt out.

9. It's Ok if a Potential Client Decides Not to Book

In fact it's great! Let me explain; not everyone is your client. It can be really hard to not want to people please, but by having clients turn you down, you are opening the door for clients who are a perfect fit! Clients who value your work and your time. They become friends and it's less work and more "hanging out with a camera." So while it may sting to not have that extra flow of $$, just know that it's usually for the best and devote your energy to the next inquiry. 

10. Don't Forget Your "Why"

After being in the biz for awhile, it can be easy to get sucked into the numbers, get worn out from busy season, and start to putter. Don't forget WHY YOU WANTED TO BE A PHOTOGRAPHER in the first place. Was it the click of the shutter? Being able to freeze time? Memories? Only you know your why, don't let the business side of things suck the love out of you. Do shoots just for you, pro bono, just to create. Make a vision board. Do whatever the heck it takes for you to remember why you love being a photographer. 

So to all you baby photographers and 16 year old Whitney, cheers. It's tough to be in a business where your commodity is your art. It's like a little piece of your heart is on display every time you show a gallery. But this is the most wonderful job in the world. I get to provide a service to people that they will treasure forever. You got this.