How To Stand Out In The Photography World

Every day, more and more photographers keep popping up on Instagram. How can you stand out from the crowd?

Don't Be Scared To Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

The back story with most photographers is that they were inspired by a picture they found. They saw the picture and thought, "I want to take pictures like these, too." The funny thing is, that same photographer probably started out trying to take those same style of photos, and then found their own style along the way that is completely different.

For example, I was inspired by beautiful landscape photos, and as I continued on, I realized that I also love Portrait Photography. These are two completely different types of photography, but as I kept on trying out those different types, I found my own photographic style. The style in which you take your pics and have them on your portfolio show the growth in the photographer.

Stay True to What You Like

Photography shouldn't be about recognition. Photography is an art, and each artist captures something that gives them an emotion, or an inspiration. If you see something that just takes your breathe away, capture it. If you have a vision that only you can bring to life, showcase it.

Not everyone has the same eye, what may inspire you might not bring that same emotion to someone else. Remember that very important point, because the competition is rough out there, and there will be many things that other photographers will be better at; however, every other photographer doesn't have what you do: Your Vision.

Don't be discouraged by remarks made by others, and don't let it stop you from accomplishing your goals. If one person isn't impressed by your work, there will be five more people that are!

Keep at it, you can only get better with practice.

Build Up Your Portfolio

We live in a day and age where social media can practically make or break a photographer. It can be scary posting your pictures online for everyone to see; for starters, you never know if the feedback will be positive, and in a way you're vulnerable because you're putting yourself out there.

One thing is positive, though, your Instagram is your new Portfolio. Everyone can see it, comment, like, forward, and screenshot. That's why you have to make your portfolio stand out. There's only a few tips I can give you here, because I can't tell you what to post, that's entirely your vision. But what I can tell you if you would like to make Photography your profession is:

Add different styles of photos, don't post the same thing over and over again. When people view your page, they pretty much want to see what you can do. You can't just post only landscape photos, you need to show that you can photograph what your client may need: Maternity, Engagement, Wedding, Newborn, etc...
Ask people you know to run practice photo sessions with them, yeah they may be for free, but you need that practice, and you also need to show people that you aren't taking pictures of the same person. You show experience because you're gaining experience. I also recommend this very much, because it allows you to practice working with different people. So you know exactly what to do if a client isn't comfortable posing, or if they just have no idea what they should do. Always be vocal to get that perfect shot!
Be active online. Start following other photographers, post your photos consistently, like and comment on pictures, interact with your followers. When you're active on social media, you are less likely to lose followers, and you can also keep up with certain trends that can help you gain followers.

Have Fun!

Don't take everything too seriously. If you get bad feedback, learn from it! If your edits aren't "amazing", then work on it!

Photography is meant to spark joy, not cause stress. Remember, not every picture will be perfect! Sometimes you'll have the perfect shot, but the facial expression isn't exactly right. It's okay, it happens! Don't get stressed over one picture, when you have three others that are good.

Remember, you cant stand out from other photographers when you have no pictures!

Don't be so hard on yourself when you examine your pictures, because then you can't see the potential they have. And don't stop taking pictures because one shoot didn't come out perfect.

Keep at it! Practice makes you greater, and more confident. And never forget to enjoy yourself when doing what you love.