I have spent years wondering how, with no formal training, I would ever become a professional photographer. I have read books and magazines from cover to cover, studying photographers, their photographs, their processes and the stories behind them....surely, with so many professional photographers out there, making a living from taking pictures, not all of them have got degrees and certificates. The issue concerned me, could I, with nothing more than a passion for photography make it as a professional photographer, and turn my hobby into a lucrative business? Could I compete with the college graduates, with their impressive qualifications, and equally impressive portfolios.......I hope so!
I started by asking every photographer I talked to, exactly what qualified them as photographers? The answer was very simple...they took photographs. In fact, only a few of the professional photographers I know, that is the ones making a good living from photography, have got a degree in photography. The others have simply got to where they are by taking photographs. This majority however, are older, most of them in their forties, and had started photographic careers long before their were photography degrees, but if it could be done then, why can't it be done now?
So, with that in mind an opportunity has arisen where I have the chance to pack up my camera kit and head off on a bit of an adventure. My partner, Charlotte, and I are taking time away from our normal routine and are going travelling. I want to experience the world but, for me, the main objective of the trip is to develop my skills as a photographer, build a portfolio and take my amateur interest to a professional level.
