11 things to do before becoming a full time photographer

The journey to becoming a full-time photographer looks different for everyone, but the goal is the same: turning a passion for photography into a sustainable career. If you’ve ever wondered how to become a full time photographer, the answer often lies in preparation, persistence, and learning from those who’ve already made the leap.

Some professionals start freelancing right out of college, while others spend years building skills in related roles before transitioning into photography full time. For example, Scott Suchman went straight into freelance work after graduation, while Victoria Wall Harris spent seven years as a digital tech before branching out on her own. William DeShazer built his career as a photojournalist before going independent, and Joseph Weaver spent nearly two decades in the restaurant industry before becoming a food photographer for top publications.

To give you practical advice on becoming a full time photographer, we spoke with seven established professionals about the lessons they’ve learned and the steps that helped them succeed. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Begin your journey by assisting established photographers

One of the most valuable steps in becoming a full time photographer is assisting established professionals. Nearly all of the photographers we interviewed highlighted this as the single most important tip for anyone starting out.

“I would not trade this experience for the world, and honestly I wish I’d done it a bit longer,” says Brooklyn-based beauty and concept photographer Julia Comita.

“I’m a commercial photographer, so I understand this may not apply to everyone, but for me, what made this experience so essential was getting a first-hand look at what goes into production and what happens on set.

“I had the opportunity to ask questions about billing, estimates, and general workflow/business maintenance to the many photographers I used to work for. Everyone has a slightly different approach to things, so I was able to take all of that knowledge and combine it.”

2. Build a consistent social media presence

In today’s market, a strong social media presence is essential for photographers who want to grow their business or transition into full time photography. Social platforms not only showcase your portfolio but also make you discoverable to potential clients.

“Social media is how a lot of clients find creatives these days, so your online presence is super important,” Julia says. “One common business mistake I notice is when photographers don’t take advantage of social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and so on)—these platforms are some of the most quintessential business tools for a photographer that I can think of, and now so is TikTok. You don’t need to be perfect on social media; that is not what I’m advocating for. But you need to show up, and you need to show up consistently and with one voice.”

3. Diversify your skills to support your photography career

For photographers working toward a full time career, diversifying your skill set can make you far more marketable. Offering clients more than just photography—such as video, design, or consulting—can help you build multiple income streams and create stability during slower periods.

“It’s important to evolve with the times and have multiple skills,” Julia adds. “Unfortunately, being a photographer alone is usually not enough. If you can offer something else as part of your business (graphic design, video, creative consultancy, digital assets, etc.), then you give clients a reason to spend more money with you.

“The photographic piece usually only pays for the length of the actual job—one day or several days—and then ends there. You need multiple income streams to compensate for the slow times or when you’re not physically shooting.”

4. Create a financial safety net

One of the biggest challenges in becoming a full time photographer is managing the financial uncertainty of freelance work. Having savings set aside can reduce stress and give you the freedom to make smarter career decisions.

“Perhaps it’s not very fun, but I’d say the most important thing I did before I jumped into full-time photography was to save a safety net to allow for expenses for the first several months (or as long as you can, really!),” shares Rebecca Peloquin, a Los Angeles-based food photographer with more than fifteen years of experience. “When I started, I had not only my bills covered but also enough to cover my marketing—which is a very real cost that will vary person to person.

“Even though I had been working as a photographer for many years, I knew cutting off the steady income of a side job or part-time work can put a lot of stress on your decision-making process as you embark on your career. Having a bit of a safety net means you can make sure you are making good career choices and taking on the best projects while still having enough in the reserves to not worry about the day-to-day expenses.”

5. Make a solid business plan

Before taking the leap into full time photography, it’s essential to have a clear plan in place. Outlining your services, how you’ll find clients, and managing your finances realistically will provide the foundation for a sustainable photography career.

“I think the most common mistake people make is jumping into full-time freelancing without a very solid plan,” Rebecca continues. “It’s okay to figure things out a bit as you go, and pivoting or evolving will be organic and crucial throughout your career. But at the start, knowing exactly what you are offering to clients, how you will find those clients, how much money you (realistically) will be able to make, and how much money you actually need to be okay is vital.

“We all learn as we go, with some mistakes along the way, but you can avoid some of the newbie pitfalls by reading everything you can, taking courses and watching webinars and tutorials, and joining networking groups. This will help you out so much with the stuff that can feel complicated, like setting rates or navigating client problems and contracts (never shoot without one!).”

6. Learn the business side of becoming a full time photographer

Alongside assisting established professionals, another top piece of advice from full time photographers is to invest in business education. Understanding the financial and legal side of photography will give you the tools to run your career like a business, not just an art form.

“Nobody told me this would be a good idea when I was just starting out, and that is the one thing I would go back and do over,” says Scott Suchman, a Washington, DC-based editorial food photographer. “Take classes on finance, tax law, marketing, investments… the whole thing. Being a full-time photographer is not just about the art and imagery; it’s about the business of art and imagery.”

7. Curate your online portfolio to attract clients

Your website is often the first place potential clients will see your work, so it’s important to make a strong impression. A well-curated portfolio helps beginner photographers stand out and signals professionalism to those considering hiring you.

“Make sure your site is well edited,” advises Victoria Wall Harris, a Los Angeles-based photographer and director. “I highly recommend hiring a site editor or just having a trusted friend or mentor in the industry take a close look at your edit. We can get really attached to shoots or detached to some work that is good to show, and someone else will have an unbiased opinion on your work.”

Think of your site as your storefront—only include the photos you’d want your dream client to see.

8. Understand your worth as a photographer

Knowing your value is one of the hardest but most important parts of becoming a full time photographer. Setting fair rates and standing by them not only helps you earn a sustainable living but also teaches clients to respect your work.

“Being confident in yourself and standing by your pricing, while very difficult initially, is incredibly important,” reflects Joseph Weaver, a San Francisco-based photographer. “Everyone has stories about clients who offer to pay you with exposure, and when you don’t have a strong client list, that might sound appealing.

“I remember thinking, ‘I’ll work for free this time to build a relationship, and then next time they will pay me.’ But accepting offers like this makes it very easy for clients to devalue your work, and I never actually was paid for future work by any of those clients. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t work for free or do personal work; just do it on your terms and for more than just the exposure.”

For beginner photographers, understanding your worth early on helps prevent burnout and builds the foundation for a sustainable career.

9. Reach out and ask questions

For beginner photographers, one of the most common mistakes is underbidding on projects. Not only does this undervalue your own skills, but it also drives rates down for other photographers in the industry. The best way to avoid this pitfall is to ask questions and learn from others’ experience.

“I think emerging photographers have a tendency to underbid,” says Rodger Hostetler, a West Coast-based commercial product photographer. “This sells their skills short as well as other photographers.”

His advice is simple but powerful: build a network. “Ask, ask, ask,” he suggests. “Ask colleagues. Ask agents. Ask anyone who might know what a good rate for a project would be. And if you don’t get the project, ask who did and how close to their bid yours was. The worst thing that can happen is they won’t tell you. You really have nothing to lose.”

By reaching out and asking questions, beginner photographers can better understand pricing, avoid underbidding, and gain confidence in the business side of becoming a full time photographer.

10. Learn to collaborate

Photography may feel like a solo pursuit, but for anyone aiming to become a full time photographer, learning to collaborate is essential. Working with others—whether clients, stylists, or fellow creatives—can elevate your projects and lead to stronger results.

“Don’t be afraid of collaboration,” urges William DeShazer, a Nashville-based photographer. “As a former newspaper photojournalist, I used to see myself as an island. I didn’t see the value in getting other people’s opinions unless they were also a working photojournalist. That can be a huge detriment to your work, career, and growth. Collaboration is the key to a successful commercial shoot. Other people’s input at that stage will only help develop a better end result and thus a happy client.”

By embracing collaboration, beginner photographers can not only improve the quality of their work but also build relationships that support a sustainable career.

11. Hold off on purchasing big-budget gear

One of the biggest misconceptions beginner photographers have about becoming full time is that they need the most expensive equipment to succeed. In reality, skill, creativity, and understanding your tools matter far more than owning the latest gear.

“It’s a mistake to think that you need to invest in the latest and greatest technology first in order to run your business,” says William. “Remember that a camera is just a tool. A lot of companies looking for content are just hiring you to make work for social campaigns, and you don’t need a 50-megapixel camera for that type of content. Any old camera will work, as long as you know what you’re trying to accomplish. Hold off on the big budget items.”

You can always upgrade as your career develops—growing your gear gradually as you grow your business.

Conclusion: Preparing for a full time photography career

Becoming a full time photographer is exciting but requires careful planning and persistence. From assisting established pros to building a strong online presence, saving a financial cushion, and valuing your work, each step helps lay the foundation for a sustainable career. Follow these tips, stay curious, and keep learning—the journey may be challenging, but the reward of turning your passion into a profession is well worth it.

About the contributor

Feature Shoot showcases the work of emerging and established photographers worldwide, highlighting those transforming the medium through compelling, cutting-edge projects, with contributions from writers from all over the world.