Cause-Related Photography Tips, Photographing Your Passion

Photography Tips

One of the most inspiring ways to capture great photos is to photograph what you love. When passion is what drives you as a photographer, you will not only enjoy the craft more, but the inherent dedication you have toward it will show in your work. In the hour-long informational presentation below, you can see how shooting your passion has helped renowned photographer Cristina Mittermeier find success and happiness in a very competitive industry:

10 Keys to Finding And Maintaining Success as a Photographer

1. Be passionate. Above all else, love what you do.
2. Become a writer. Your photographs should speak for themselves, but being able to write about your passion helps book editorial jobs and serves as a supplement to your work.
3. Research funders. Finding people who support your work and are capable of giving financial assistance when needed is priceless.
4. Be a good public speaker. The best way to sell your message is in person.
5. Learn multimedia. As the industry changes so do the requirements; learning audio and video can be crucial to making it in the business.
6. Network. Always go out of the way to stay well connected. You never know where your next assignment will come from!
7. Play nice. Treat everyone from your editors and followers to your subjects with respect and decency. There’s no room for prima donnas in photography.
8. Understand traditional media. Traditional media is a classic approach to communicating your message. Know how it works.
9. Master social media. Grow your fanbase with tools like Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.
10. Cultivate your donors. Be grateful to your donors; show your appreciation frequently.

 Getting A Project Off The Ground

• Start with an idea that can be translated visually. Thinking outside of the box is good, but make sure that your idea is tangible.
• Think about depth and diversity. Make sure all your photos are not the same; your set of images must show diversity and tell the whole story.
• Give yourself time. All great projects require patience; make a point to have it on your side.
• Access is everything. Gaining access to certain cultures and/or preserves is difficult at times, sometimes requiring a lot of jumping through hoops.
• Use words to amplify the content. Back up your photos with powerful words designed to sell your project to others.
• Allow your essay to become a voyage of discovery. Let your writing show your passion, too!
• Pay attention to detail and structure – Take a workshop on becoming an effective writer if you feel this a lacking area for you.
• Be personal in your essay. Show your personality, but respect your editor. If they say an image has to go, don’t be hurt–listen to their advice!

“If you’re going to be in the business of doing nature or environmental or social photography patience is the first thing you learn, rejection is the second.”

As Christina notes frequently throughout her presentation, being a cultural and conservation photographer isn’t always glamorous. She spends long hours away from her family, and some of the projects she takes on are pure labors of love with little to no financial benefit. This is where being driven by your passion is useful.