You’ve got an eye for composition, an instinct for lighting, and a talent for capturing the perfect moment. But how do you turn your skill and passion for photography into a career that pays the bills (and then some)?
Many Beginnings
Fine art photographer Charles Santora started taking pictures as a hobby, but eventually left his corporate job to pursue a full-time career selling his artwork. Beth Rose Goin (who specializes in portraiture and art photography) was once the entire photography club at her high school. Nature photographer Christopher Morgan took a film photography class his freshman year of college.
There are countless ways to begin your journey as a photographer—and almost as many career paths you can follow. Let’s take a look at some options.
Fine Art
Charles, Beth Rose, and Christopher all produce fine art photography, which is different from commercial photography. The lines between the two can be blurry, but some would agree that what makes a photograph fine art is the intention behind the photo: the photographer aims to express an emotion, mood, or vision in a personal way. Fine art photographers have the final say over the look and feel of an image they create, while commercial photographers have less control, answering to their client’s vision and timeline.
Make It Snappy
One of the fastest-growing markets for professional photographers right now is social media photography. Brands and businesses are racing to connect with their base (and potential customers) through a strong social media presence. This has created a growing market for shots that are polished and appealing, while still managing to look candid and unposed.
Find Your Niche
Commercial and industrial photography as a whole is a wide umbrella that covers a range of niches. You might specialize in photographing real estate, sporting events, fashion, wildlife, or travel. Food photographers and stylists bring cookbooks to life. Science photography is also a high-demand field people often overlook when planning their career.
Capturing the Moment
Another potential career path is event and portrait photography. Some photographers specialize in destination weddings, corporate headshots, pet portraiture, or even boudoir photoshoots (which have skyrocketed in popularity over the last decade).
A Different Kind of Stock Portfolio
Another popular way to monetize your photography is by selling your photographs to stock photography companies like iStock. Experts suggest uploading frequently and shooting a wide range of options to maximize your earning potential. Making passive income from stock images is trickier than many people realize—there’s a lot more to it than just uploading your favorite shots. But those who learn the market needs and produce sellable images can build a nice supplemental income this way.
In the News
Photojournalism is another career path to keep in mind. Some photojournalists are self-taught, while others complete university degrees in photojournalism. Other professionals suggest pursuing education in a particular subfield (say, government, economics, foreign languages, or others) and adding journalism training later.
Marketing is a Must
No matter which photography field you choose, the more well-known your work is, the more opportunities you will have. For Chris Davis, a commercial photographer in the advertising field, photo shoots are only a fraction of his work. “If my work days were represented by a pie, the time I spend behind the camera would only be a sliver,” says Chris. The majority of his efforts go toward getting his name and work into the marketplace via social media, blog posts, and email campaigns.
For more marketing advice, check out these articles:
Top 10 Tips for Selling More Art: This article is geared toward artists, but the principles can be applied to photography.
Writing an Artist Biography vs. Statement: These suggestions can give your photography business added credibility — and give you clarity in defining your goals.
Advocacy for Artists: Giving Back in 2021: See the many ways Frame Destination is committed to supporting artists and photographers.
Pricing Your Work
One thing to consider when assigning value to your work is the overhead you incur. That could include the time it takes in post-processing, driving to locations, and the overall cost of your photo gear. Hobby photographers may not take all of this into account if they have a day job, but professional photographers should factor these things into their pricing.
Keep Growing
Regardless of the path you take in building your career, aggressively improving your skills and portfolio is a must for all photographers. Knowing your strengths, investing in your own growth, and learning to recognize and capitalize on trends are all skills that will pay dividends when it comes to building your career.
Last Updated July 27, 2021
You’ve got an eye for composition, an instinct for lighting, and a talent for capturing the perfect moment. But how do you turn your skill and passion for photography into a career that pays the bills (and then some)? Many Beginnings Fine art photographer Charles Santora started taking pictures as a hobby, but eventually left […]
As a photographer, Detroit native Wil Moore draws from his background in the fine arts as he captures the dynamic humanity of his subjects.
Inspired by Experience
From his childhood in Detroit to his time in the armed forces, Wil Moore has collected a range of experiences that inform his work as a fine art and portrait photographer. From his father, Wil Moore Sr., came the inspiration to create. From his service, the opportunity to travel and see a side of life not many people witness. And from his education, an eye for detail and a passion for the arts.
A Lighting Connoisseur
Wil’s photography is dynamic and energetic, balancing light and shadow and capturing the essence of his subjects. You can see that in the work featured above: his portrait of Arnetta Johnson, a professional jazz trumpeter who’s performed with Beyoncé at the Super Bowl.
See More of Wil’s Work
From portraits to commercial photography, Wil’s website is a great place for a deep dive into his work. Keep up to date with his Facebook page or his Instagram feed. And check out Wil’s YouTube channel, Somewhere in America Wil Moore, for tutorials on topics like lighting, speed editing, and creating a cinematic look.
Scroll down to read my Q&A with Wil, where he shares how his struggle with depression affects his work, “gear” he finds indispensable, and the real reason he first picked up a camera.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Wil Moore …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I got started as a photographer 12 years ago when I was an art major. I would always need someone to photograph my work but they were unreliable. So I bought some camera gear and started loving the process.
2. How important is it for a photographer to "connect" with their subject?
I believe it’s very important to have a connection with your subject. It's almost like dating. You want to get know the person, not the representative, lol. I ultimately think it's not our job to put the subject at ease. I think they just present themselves and then it clicks naturally.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Simplicity can speak volumes in an image.
4. In what ways does your work reflect your personality?
I'm a real fanatic over lighting. Natural or artificial. I lived a lot of years battling depression, so where I can accentuate light, that’s the positive side of my personality.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Woah!!!! Yes, I do. I usually get frustrated at first and then wait till inspiration finds me. So I always keep a camera or cell phone at the ready.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
As an artist, all of them. But as a photographer in particular, it would be my wife, who is my biggest supporter. And dusk. That time of day for some reason brings out the best in what I do.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I'm running a YouTube channel called Somewhere in America Wil Moore. I'm also starting a co-op of photographers and artists alike, in which I've declared 2021 my year to share my knowledge of photography. I just finished my first music video for a friend of mine who's a music producer in upstate New York. The video features many of my images as well as footage that I shot.
8. What "fad" gadget do you most regret purchasing?
I really can’t answer this because I'm so frugal I'll rent it first. If it stays in my bag or if I use it once, I won’t buy it. I've never had a lot of money to waste on gear or gadgets.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated August 01, 2021
As a photographer, Detroit native Wil Moore draws from his background in the fine arts as he captures the dynamic humanity of his subjects. Inspired by Experience From his childhood in Detroit to his time in the armed forces, Wil Moore has collected a range of experiences that inform his work as a fine art […]
Old photos tell the story of years gone by. They freeze cherished moments in time, featuring a cast of characters who may no longer be around. For many people, old photo albums are the most treasured item they possess. Unfortunately, time is a cruel mistress. Old photo albums are susceptible to damage and degradation, risking the loss of these memories forever. Here's what you can do to organize old photo albums and ensure your cherished memories stand the test of time.
Sort Out the Keepers
It may seem controversial, but not all of your photos in your photo albums are worth keeping. Doubles, low-quality images, and moments that have no sentimental value are just taking up space. Start your photo album preservation product by sorting out which photos to keep and which to discard.
When choosing which photos to keep, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you know everyone in this photo, and does their presence in your life have meaning?
- Are there multiple copies or similar shots of this photo
- Can you name the time or place this photo was taken?
- What emotions does this photo bring forth?
- How is the quality of this photo?
Choosing which photos to keep will be subjective. If you have a bunch of high-quality photos from high school with people you no longer consider friends, you might decide to discard them. Alternatively, if you have a blurry photo of your grandfather who passed away, it might mean the world to you.
Consider setting a pile of photos aside to offer to friends and family members who might have an emotional connection to the people or events featured.
Digitize the Top Photos
The biggest challenge with preserving aging photos is their fragile nature. Once you've sorted out the photos you want to keep from your albums, digitize and store them on the cloud.
This exercise has numerous benefits. First and foremost, you'll always have a copy of those treasured images, and they won't be susceptible to sun damage or tearing. Digitizing the images also takes up less space in your home and makes them easier to share. Finally, digital photos are more versatile for creating memories and heirloom projects as gifts and keepsakes.
Create a Grouping Strategy
Now that you've digitally stored your images, it's time to put away the original copies. Create a grouping strategy to sort and label your images. One of the most common ways to break down photos into groups is by time. From there, you could divide them into specific events or featured people.
Taking the time to organize your images with structure will help you pull photos as needed without making a mess.
Use Photo-Safe Storing Methods
One of the pitfalls of old photo albums is that they don't use photo-safe materials. Those sticky pages and clingy plastic sheets can actually contribute to degradation over time.
Remove your old photos from the albums and use photo-safe materials to store them. All paper and packaging should be acid-free such as these protective clear bags which are museum quality, acid-free and lignin-free or these archival photo storage boxes that are great for photos, prints, documents, artwork and collectables (like comic books and magazines). You can order other materials online or from a local crafting shop.
It's also worth practicing safe handling practices as you go through this process. Keep liquids and food away from your images, and always wash your hands to remove any oils and residue. When handling old photos, consider wearing white photo-handling gloves to limit the transfer of any natural oils from your skin. These oils can discolor or break down your old pictures over time.
Store the Originals Safely
Once you've removed the albums and put a filing structure in place, it's time to sort the originals safely. In addition to using photo-safe labels and packaging, you'll also want to protect the originals from the elements. Store your originals in an airtight tote to save them from sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
A rugged tote is a must if you'll be storing your originals in an attic or basement. Rodents and pests are attracted to bundles of paper and clutter and may try to chew into a cardboard box to nest.
Create Keepsakes to Share and Display
Once you have digital copies and safe originals, you can start to put together keepsakes and projects to share and display. Print your favorite copies to frame on your wall with custom frames or create photo books to share with family members.
With this simple process, you can preserve your images and create a beautiful tribute to those wonderful memories.
Last Updated August 7, 2021
Old photos tell the story of years gone by. They freeze cherished moments in time, featuring a cast of characters who may no longer be around. For many people, old photo albums are the most treasured item they possess. Unfortunately, time is a cruel mistress. Old photo albums are susceptible to damage and degradation, risking […]
Has your work ever been rejected by a gallery or show? If so, you’re in extremely good company. From Monet to Manet, many famous artists throughout history have dealt with criticism, exclusion, and poverty. Let’s take a closer look at rejection and how to deal with it.
What’s Not to Like?
It’s hard for me to imagine anyone not appreciating Claude Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise,” a piece that’s often studied in art history classes. But when the painting first came on the scene in 1872, critics lambasted it for appearing unfinished. In fact, Monet and his family were destitute until his paintings started selling in the 1880s.
Then there’s Monet’s contemporary and friend Edouard Manet, who turned his frustration over rejection into artistic rebellion. In “The Luncheon on the Grass,” Manet inserts nudity into an everyday scene, which was cultural blasphemy at the time. Eventually the painting became one of modern art’s most famous works.
Paul Cezanne, Vincent Van Gogh, El Greco, Johannes Vermeer, and other celebrated artists also dealt with less-than-enthusiastic responses to their work.
Modern-Day Reasons
No matter the era, artists tend to take rejection personally. We are persons, after all! But the reason for rejection can be quite practical.
For example, artwork may be declined by a gallery director or jurist simply because it doesn’t fall within the spectrum of what they’re seeking for a particular show. If a gallery is known to focus totally on strict realism, then your abstracted realist portrait, no matter how amazing it is, might not be the best fit.
Therefore, conducting scrupulous research about the gallery or the jurist before submitting your work may help cut down on rejections. If it's a juried show, then viewing the personal art of the jurist(s) can reveal hints about the caliber with which submissions are being judged.
Remember, you can always request specific feedback as to why your piece wasn't accepted. Yes, it can be daunting to intentionally invite a “critique.” I know several fantastic artists who won't put their work out there because they fear being criticized. But what if we looked at feedback — positive and negative — as an opportunity for artistic growth?
Rejection as Creative Fuel
The magazine Psychology Today has an article on handling rejection that highlights Annabelle Gurwitch, an actress who apparently was harshly derided by Woody Allen while she was auditioning for a play. (We’re talking mean comments like, “Don’t ever do that again, even in another play.”) Annabelle started gathering stories from others who had been humiliated, using the tales as fodder for a one-woman show that became a collection of essays and a documentary, both called “Fired!”
As you might know, Frame Destination spotlights artists and photographers in our monthly collection of blog posts called Artie’s Eight. Some of these creative individuals shared various ways that they cope with rejection.
Receive the advice. “Your work is beautiful, but we can easily find beautiful work — give us something narrative, something special.” Fine art photographer Bobby Baker could have taken offense at this critique from a coveted art society. But the Massachusetts photographer says the “invaluable advice” helped him rethink what he was creating, and wound up making a big difference in his success.
Get mad, then get determined. When a professor discouraged Christopher Morgan from pursuing nature photography, the young art student wasn’t happy. “This infuriated me because while taking these photographs [of sunsets], I felt a sense of inner peace,” recalls Christopher, who lives in North Carolina. He now says the experience “made me want to work harder and improve my skills.”
Let it roll off your back. Indiana-based visual artist Stacy M. Torres chooses to simply ignore other people’s opinions of her work. “In the beginning, I was bothered by people who didn't understand how I create, or why I paint short arms on my female landscapes ... or that the left eye is always slightly higher and at an angle than the right,” says Stacy. But now she says, “I’ve learned that what people think of me or my art is none of my business.”
Keep a Healthy Perspective
An effective critique should be about judging both the faults and the merits of something. This sort of critique can be extremely valuable for your development as an artist, especially if you want to show and sell your art. The problem is, folks sometimes forget to mention the merits!
One suggestion for making critiques more palatable comes straight from my parents: "Consider the source.” If your source is a knowledgeable expert in your field, then carefully consider and learn from his or her comments.
But if the source is not an art expert, sift through what is useful and what is not. Try to separate the delivery (especially if it’s snarky) from the content. Since part of our struggle can stem from taking ourselves too seriously, maybe have a laugh over the rejection, à la Annabelle the actress. Then distract yourself from any unhelpful input by doing something you love, like creating more art.
If you have an example of how rejection has shaped you as an artist, please feel free to share it with us here. We’d love to hear your story!
Last Updated June 15, 2021
Has your work ever been rejected by a gallery or show? If so, you’re in extremely good company. From Monet to Manet, many famous artists throughout history have dealt with criticism, exclusion, and poverty. Let’s take a closer look at rejection and how to deal with it. What’s Not to Like? It’s hard for me […]
Elena Maza Borkland was 13 years old when she fled Cuba with her two sisters in a political exodus known as “Operation Pedro Pan.” Although she settled near Washington, D.C., her grandfather’s tropical fruit trees back in Cuba would later inspire a passion for sketching and painting flowers and plants.
A Penchant for Details
Elena didn’t study art until after college. And it wasn’t until she had worked for an architect and an electrical engineer that she embraced plein air painting. It’s easy to trace a line from the disciplines of architecture and engineering to the delicate intricacy of Elena’s work. The minutiae matter to her.
A Passion for Beauty
From angel trumpets to flame azaleas, Elena depicts not just the natural beauty she finds while exploring, but the blooms she grows in her own garden. The watercolor work we feature here is titled “American Wisteria.” This native American genus of Wisteria was named “2021 Plant of the Year” by the Virginia Native Plant Society, and the society asked Elena for a rush illustration using a photo reference. But we shouldn’t be surprised if she’s now growing a real-life specimen in her garden.
See More of Elena’s Work
You can enjoy Elena’s collections of botanical and landscape paintings via her online portfolio. Follow the seasonal progression of her personal garden and works of art through a blog she calls Maza Studio. Elena also exhibits at Cottage Curator in Sperryville, Virginia. And if you’d like to read about her life, check out her biography, Embracing America: A Cuban Exile Comes of Age. Below, my Q&A gives you a peek into her official “motto,” her latest medium, and the mystery tool that helps keep the edges of her artwork clean.
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Elena Maza Borkland …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I was born in Havana, Cuba, and have drawn and painted since early childhood, inspired by the nature that surrounded me. I came to the U.S. in 1961 at age 13 in the company of two sisters, all of us minors. We were fleeing from Castro's regime through what later became known as “Operation Pedro Pan.” My sisters and I lived with foster families in Albuquerque, New Mexico, until my parents were able to leave and reclaim us. We were reunited in Arlington, Virginia, and lived in the Washington, D.C., area. My parents encouraged me to study art in college, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make a living as an artist. I didn't want to be a burden to them, so I majored in architecture. (My father was an architect.) My heart was not in it, and I dropped out before earning a degree. I started working in an architect's office, doing art in my spare time as an antidote to the constraints of my job. After a few years I got a temp job in an electrical engineer's office. During my 15 years there, I learned about electrical design and business in general. I also started taking classes at art centers and meeting other artists until I felt confident enough to enter juried shows. Taking a sabbatical from work, I attended classes at the Corcoran School of Art. I also joined a women's art group, learning about the art business from more experienced members. My first solo show was at a gallery in Georgetown, and I continued developing my resume, participating in group shows. As the volunteer exhibitions chair for the women's group, I learned how to write proposals and develop connections. In 1999, I attended my first art residency in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and have since completed seven other residencies. I've always loved plants and gardening, and in 2011 I took a botanical art course at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland, a lovely botanical garden where I've painted plein air watercolors. Brookside was offering a certificate program at the time, and I signed up for a four-year program, earning my certificate in 2015. Since then I have joined the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA). I serve as Treasurer and Exhibitions Chair for their local chapter, the Botanical Artist Society of the National Capital Region (BASNCR).
2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?
I believe the visual artist's role is to create images that inspire everyone to observe the beauty all around us. The artist can give a voice to those who don't feel they can articulate what they sense or intuit. "Good art gives heart" is my motto.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
An elderly professor asked me what I wanted to do with my art. I told him I was waiting to be financially secure enough to dedicate myself to doing art full-time. He asked my age, and when I told him I was 40, he responded rather sharply: "Well, don't wait anymore, or you'll find the opportunity has passed you by." That lit a fire under me! After talking to my husband about it, I quit my job. We struggled financially for a time, but leaving my job opened a door that eventually led to my first solo show in a prestigious gallery. Later I had to go back to my day job, but by that time I had learned how to juggle my art with my job.
4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?
As a child in Cuba, my grandfather had a yard full of tropical fruit trees. Being a tomboy, I loved to climb trees, and became fascinated with how the different flowers grew into ripening fruit. I developed a scientific curiosity about plants and nature which has stayed with me. Painting landscapes was a natural extension of my travels to the beautiful countryside where my parents took us on vacations, and I sketched the landscapes, flowers, and creatures we saw. As a mature artist, I still rely on the inspiration of being outdoors and painting in the field, whether it is plein air landscapes or plants.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
Yes, I'm going through one right now. I try to overcome these periods by doing “homework" — drawings that may not be particularly inspiring, but help me just to keep drawing. I often go out to my garden to do some chores or putter, and I may see something that gives me an idea for a piece. I also look through my files of photos to see if I can find a subject. If weather permits, I may go out for a hike.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
A magnifying glass, to look at the botanical details of my subjects as well as my paintings. Clean edges are a must with botanical art, so I often work looking through my magnifier.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
Generally I work with watercolor, but this year I'm starting to exploring a new medium — egg tempera. I tried this medium in a class many years ago, and seeing the work of some ASBA members who are now working with egg tempera, I'm curious to see if this medium will be suitable for me with botanical subjects.
8. What is your favorite paint color name?
Brilliant Blue Violet.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated July 1, 2021
Elena Maza Borkland was 13 years old when she fled Cuba with her two sisters in a political exodus known as “Operation Pedro Pan.” Although she settled near Washington, D.C., her grandfather’s tropical fruit trees back in Cuba would later inspire a passion for sketching and painting flowers and plants. A Penchant for Details Elena […]
In an earlier blog post, I unpacked Frame Destination's brand promise of advocating for artists. In this article, I want to focus on our advocacy toward a very specific and special group of artists — students!
A Purpose and a Promise
We recently distilled our brand purpose to six words: To inspire, honor, and showcase creativity.
This three-pronged brand purpose allows our brand promise of advocating for artists to flow in many directions: philanthropy, promoting artists’ work, offering innovative products, and sharing opportunities for growth. We combine all these methods to reach students.
Students: Future of the Art World
Although some artists are self-taught, a great many earn degrees in various subjects such as fine art, art history, architecture, film, photography, etc. Higher education is challenging and expensive, and we want to help! Here are four ways we do that.
Art Scholarships. Each year, we offer a $500 Frame Destination Scholarship to four deserving candidates — two per semester. The next deadline to apply is August 5th, 2022, at 11:59 EST. Applications are open to both undergrad and graduate students attending any accredited college, university, or atelier program within the U.S. For details about how to apply, visit our scholarship page.
Artist Spotlights. Frame Destination has received great feedback on our Artie’s Eight Q&A interviews with artists and photographers around the country. You don’t have to wait until you’re out of school earning a living with your trade. As a student, you have unique perspective that we can all learn from. Share your passion and your story with us. (Bonus for you: you’ll have something “published” you can look back on one day.) Click here to to be considered for an Artie’s Eight feature.
Student Discounts. Every bit of savings counts when you’re in school. Sign up for our Exclusive 10% Discount for university students and faculty. Once you register, the discount will be applied automatically, with no code to remember or minimum purchase requirements.
Pro Resources. Joely Rogers — Professional Artist, Illustrator, and Frame Destination Co-Owner — guides budding artists through the Frame Destination Newsletter. Here she offers insights on breaking into the art market, helpful webinars, continuing education art classes, and "calls for artists." Students can subscribe to the Newsletter in our website footer or visit our Blog for Professionals.
Students, I encourage you to make the most of your relatively short time in school. As you experiment with your skills and expand your vision, you’ll learn, grow and progress into the artist you’re meant to be.
We’re cheering you on from Frame Destination!
Last Updated January 5, 2022
In an earlier blog post, I unpacked Frame Destination’s brand promise of advocating for artists. In this article, I want to focus on our advocacy toward a very specific and special group of artists — students! A Purpose and a Promise We recently distilled our brand purpose to six words: To inspire, honor, and showcase […]