Hi Everyone

Today I am going to talk about how professional photographers specialise in one particular area of work.  As a professional conference photographer Edinburgh Glasgow and throughout Scotland, I believe this is my specialist area but how do we come to realise the best genre of photography to suit our skills within the profession.  I had a grounding in newspaper photography, which is a great method for all photographers to find their way.  I did everything from sports photography, to PR, photographing politicians and gala days and general event photography in Edinburgh and East Lothian.  this all round training helped me find both what I enjoyed and what I was good at, because I think you tend to enjoy doing something if you know you have the skills to excel at it, that's not to say you can't improve, as we can always upgrade our skills and the day I stop learning will be the day I stop breathing. 

Most professional photographers try everything and this is also the case with myself.  Some photographers like working in a controlled environment in a studio with control over the lighting.  I prefer to work with what I have with minimal lighting and this is something again that I learned in newspaper photography, as you often have to work quick with less gear and one flash, you also can't control the light.  I discovered I liked working with people but prefer to let them do their own thing, while I concentrate onto photography and try to capture the moment, as any professional event photographer in Edinburgh would do.  So once you decide to specialise, you should decide on a strategy.  As a conference and wedding photographer Edinburgh Scotland, I can fully concentrate on event photography Scotland and this is reflected in my strategy.  So when you have decided what you want to do, here are a few pointers to get you moving note right direction:

1. Buy the gear you need for the genre you are working in, you can't afford to buy every type of camera and lens for the occasion.  Conference photographers in Edinburgh, for instance will go for a fast all round lens, for low light situations indoors and at least zoom up to 200mm.  There is no need for a sports lens up to 600mm, however you may want to use a Macro lens and wide angle on some occasions.

2. Network with other photographers in your genre, this is particularly true for wedding photographers, who tend to be involved in a range of networks with people working in the wedding industry.

3. Aim you advertising and SEO key wording strategy on the genre you wish to attract clients for.  in the case of conference photographers in Edinburgh, they should contacting event managers and communications departments.

4. See how other people capture your genre and aim to go one better and to provide something totally unique.  my USP is my infrared photography and low angled images.

5. Practice and keep training and learning.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Until next time.

Kind Regards

Colin

www.colinwrightphotography.co.uk