Top tips for professional photographers


One of the great things about photography is that there’s always something new to learn. We thought we’d look at a few handy tips for professionals as there is far more to know than simply having a great eye for a shot. It’s a very competitive industry, so you need to be talented in other different skills. We hope you find them of use in your career and that they make your life that bit easier.

Master your photography equipment

Your camera is your tool. And like any tool you need to master it. With camera technology ever improving, it’s best to know exactly what yours can do and how to make the very most of it. Take the time to understand how it works and explore all its features. The same goes for the rest of your equipment from lighting to image editing software. After all, if a remote flash suddenly stops working for some reason, you will need to know how to rectify the problem quickly. You can’t afford to sit there flipping through a manual with the client watching you!

Look after your photography equipment

We understand that your equipment needs to be in great condition, which is why it’s always worth investing in professional carry bags not just for your camera, but everything else you need to take with you. For example, don’t just throw your laptop into a satchel. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your equipment, looking for minor faults that can go unnoticed and become bigger ones.

Invest in photography insurance

We don’t need to tell you that photography equipment isn’t cheap. Which is why it needs to be insured against every eventuality. At photoGuard, we offer specialised insurance for professional photographers that protects your camera and all your equipment including laptops and drones. Just as importantly, we also provide Public Liability Insurance which protects you from legal claims of injury or property damage made by third parties. This might even be essential as some clients or venues may require you to have it.

Build connections

Sometimes it’s not just what you know, it’s who you know. Having good business connections can make you front of mind when a job comes up that suits your skill set. It can also get you recommended for potential new work. A great way to reach out to clients is through social media by showcasing your talents across a range of different platforms. Another way to build connections is by networking. Attend events your clients go to, as well as relevant industry gatherings. Last and by no means least, it pays to have an up-to-date website. It’s your shop front, so consider if you could make it more impressive.

Back up everything

Digital photos are the norm. The only problem is that data can be lost, or images can become corrupted. To protect yourself against either nightmare scenario, we recommend you have a back-up strategy. One favourite is the 3-2-1 rule. This involves keeping three copies of all photos using two different types of media. For example, you might back up onto your work device, an external hard drive and a cloud service.

Scout locations first

If you’re working in a new location, it’s crucial to check it out for a number of reasons. These include aesthetic ones such as finding the ideal backdrop, assessing the lighting and the impact different weather conditions will have on the shoot. Then, there are the practical issues such as accessibility, parking challenges, ease of access for equipment, and if permits or permission are required.

We hope you’ve found our top tips of interest and that they’ll help you develop your career as a professional photographer (sorry for the bad pun!). As we mentioned, having the right insurance is essential. If you’d like to discuss your existing policy or chat about a new one, our expert team is here to help.

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