5 Pro Photographers Share Their Secrets to Success

Photography Tips

Growing up as a photographer there’s really no dearth of advice from peers, friends, families, clients, passers-by and anybody else who thinks he’s got an eye for photography. Photography being a visual art, anybody who is anybody thinks he’s got a great piece of advice to share. But, the only piece of advice that really makes any difference is the one that comes straight from other professional photographers:

Professional photographers are the people who have made it in a tough industry and against all odds. These are the people who are in the best position to pass on their experience and life wisdom to others vying to reach the same level of professional competence.

So what do these photographers have to say?

Photo by Lucas Gilman

“I tell anybody that’s starting out to follow their dreams, find something that they love to do, because at the end of the day being a professional photographer is a lot of time, a lot of effort. But if there’s something that you really love photographing that’s gonna get you through and take you to that spot where you can make that a profession.” – Lucas Gilman, adventure photographer

Photo by Ray Demski

“When the weather gets rough or when things are really hard, that’s often the best moment to make a shot, because that’s when the athletes are fully focused and pushing their hardest. That’s when nobody else is taking a picture.” – Ray Demski, adventure sports photographer

Photo by Corey Rich

Corey Rich puts the secret to becoming a successful photographer on three ingredients:

1. You need some raw talent; without it you would find it impossible to make great images.
2. You need passion—something that will push you to really work hard, sacrificing some of the good things in life.
3. You need to be a good person—a great human being that others enjoy being around.

Photo by Miss Aniela

“You being able to reach your potential, and to grow and to learn is one of the most important things. You should be careful of how much time you spend teaching, talking about and explaining what you do, because more time you spend doing that, the less time you have to grow and expand yourself out of those comfort zones you are busy describing.” — Miss Aniela, fine arts & fashion photographer

Photo by Marcel Lämmerhirt

“Just do it with your heart, do it with your emotions. I am really loving to be with my athletes out in the landscapes seeing, you know, what’s all around and capture the right moment. And as I said, do it out of your heart, with your emotions and the viewers will see that.” — Marcel Lämmerhirt, action sports photographer