It’s hard to believe. I’ve been in business now for over 18 years! It’s crazy to me how much this industry has changed in that time. The professional photography industry has undergone a transformative evolution, largely fueled by advancements in technology. The shift from film to digital photography marked a pivotal moment, revolutionizing the way photographers capture, edit, and deliver images. The accessibility of high-quality digital cameras and the rise of powerful editing software democratized the field, allowing aspiring photographers to enter the industry with lower barriers to entry.
So how do I keep my self relevant and up to date in this industry? I embrace multiple strategies to stay current.
- Continuing Education: I continually invests in ongoing education and training to enhance my technical skills and knowledge. I attend seminars and classes to learn new techniques from experts in the field. I am more of a one on one learner and have approached industry leaders throughout the years to sit together and learn from them in private workshops. This year I traveled to Ames Iowa to work Dan McClanahan to learn some new techniques and technologies to improve on. It is invaluable to me to learn from the best in the industry. I find that these industry leaders are very open and giving of their knowledge and are very willing to help. My belief is that we are all better together and that working together only makes our industry stronger.
- Online Resources: I take advantage of online resources such as webinars to expand my knowledge in specific areas.
- Networking: I am a part of several photography organizations from the national down to the local level, including Professional Photographers of America, American Advertising Federation, Professional Photographer of Ohio and more recently the professional Photographers Society of Ohio.
- Follow Industry Leaders: I follow influential photographers, photography publications, advertising associations, and industry leaders on social media platforms and subscribes to their newsletters or blogs to stay informed about emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in photography.
- Experimentation: I challenge myself to experiment with new techniques, equipment, and genres of photography.
- Attend Events and Exhibitions: I attend photography exhibitions, trade shows, and industry events to discover new talent, gain inspiration, and stay updated on the latest developments in the photography world. Debbie, my studio manager and I, attended Imaging USA 2024 in Louisville in January to network and learn. I am proud to say I completed the requirements to receive my Masters of Photography degree with PPA this year.
- Competition, Feedback and Critique: I enter yearly photography competitions within the photographic community as well as advertising groups and actively seek feedback and critique from peers, mentors, and clients to gain insights into my strengths and areas for improvement.
- Stay Updated on Gear: My tools are expensive and constantly changing. Keeping up to date of advancements in photography equipment, software, and accessories is easier when you attend industry events with associated trade shows. Mini classes or sessions allow me to ask questions and see demos, as well.
- Personal Projects: I dedicate time to personal projects that allow me to explore my interests, experiment with new techniques, and express my artistic vision without the constraints of client expectations.
- Adapt to Changes: The photography industry is constantly evolving, so it’s a good thing one of my superpowers is being adaptable and open to change.
It’s not an easy industry to say the least. I truly enjoy growing, learning and evolving, Maybe that’s why Ive stuck with it for so long 🙂
