Big Sister Tips for Your First Years in Photography

What I’ve Learned in the Field (and Want You to Know Too

So you’ve decided that you want to start doing photography, you have a camera, you have social media pages but you aren’t booking any clients. I’ve been there. It really discouraged me and made me question if I could be successful as a photographer. If you take one thing away from this post let it be this: Social Media is misleading and sets unrealistic expectations. It is unfair for you to compare yourself to other people who have been in the field for 6+ years. Their business has had time to organically grow. Here are some steps that can get you to where you want to be.

Step 1: Build Your Network
When I first started, I didn’t realize how much of photography is actually about who you know. Yes, talent matters, but opportunities often come through connections. Reach out to other photographers, second-shoot at weddings, go to local vendor events, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to planners, florists, and venues. These relationships can turn into referrals down the road. Networking doesn’t have to feel pushy, it’s about building genuine friendships and being part of the community.

Step 2: Build Your Portfolio
This looks different for everyone. For some it may mean mentoring under an established photographer, working for your school paper or yearbook, offering free sessions to friends and family. Everyone’s journey looks a little bit differently. For me I did a combination of all of these. I started my journey with a camera working on my high school yearbook staff. I learned the basics of using a camera and had plenty of opportunities to learn how to use it. From there I did free sessions for friends and acquaintance so that I could get accustomed to posing. editing, keeping everything organized. For me it was a low pressure way to see if this is truly something I could be good and and could see myself doing. Then I became really serious and wanted to learn more about weddings and see if that was a niche I wanted to pursue. I shadowed a few different photographers and eventually ended up working with one of them frequently. I saved all of the photos I took at the weddings and began practicing editing them and putting them in galleries. All of these experiences helped round me into a well versed photographer ready to take on my own sessions.

Step 3: Use Your Portfolio
Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of pretty photos, it’s your biggest marketing tool. Share it everywhere: social media, your website, vendor submissions, and even print materials. Repurpose one shoot into multiple posts. Show behind-the-scenes, sneak peeks, full galleries, and client testimonials. Your portfolio shows potential clients what it feels like to work with you, not just what the final product looks like. The more consistently you share, the more trust and visibility you build.

Step 4: Prioritize Client Experience
Great photos will get you noticed, but great experiences will get you referrals. Be organized, communicate clearly, and make your clients feel comfortable and cared for. From booking to gallery delivery, aim to make the process smooth and memorable. Happy clients become repeat clients and they tell their friends.

Step 5: Keep Learning
Don’t stop at “good enough.” Photography is constantly evolving. Invest in workshops, online courses, and practice shoots. Learn how to work in all types of lighting, improve your editing workflow, and stay inspired. Growth keeps you from burning out and makes your work stand out.