When you are just breaking into the world of professional photography, constant rejection can lead to some real blue days. However, if you stick with your passion and keep shooting, one day your blues will turn into green.
Cold hard cash can be a real motivator to photographers seguing from amateur status to pro level. The key to collecting all that green is to remain focused on the end goal. If you are dreaming of making a living off of your photo skills, then you need to think before you take aim at a subject. This is especially true if you are planning to sell your pictures online. Stock photography websites don’t want random photos of worthless items. Take time to review the images that are already for sale and gain inspiration from them. That doesn’t mean running out and copying the subject or angle; rather, look at what’s missing from a certain genre, and then shoot the heck out of it, so that you can offer it to potential clients.
Another way to turn your passion into profit is to shoot quality over quantity. Often you won’t capture a frameworthy image on the first try. If you have to press the shutter button two-dozen additional times to get just the right shot, then so be it. Experiment with different angles, lighting and subjects. Most stock photography sites feature tens of thousands of images that are decently composed, but lack pizzazz. Try coming up with a unique hook that will draw viewers in, and then keep them coming back for more by constantly updating your portfolio.
Finally, don’t live in fear of rejection. You’ll never be able to make your photography dreams come true by wallowing in self pity. There are dozens of microstock agencies featured on the World Wide Web. If a few turn you down, try again at others. Consider getting feedback from the people who reject your work, then apply their advice to future shoots. Also, keep in mind that just because one company doesn’t fall head over heels in love with your work, it doesn’t mean another site won’t. Keep your head up and continue to follow your heart.
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