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8 Skills Photographers Need To Succeed

Posted on: 12-2-2014 Posted in: Photography

Last week we posted the “11 Habits of Successful Photographers” which are essential in any photographer’s knowledge base. Here are eight more topics to help hone your people skills since communications are often a weak point for photographers.

This specific skill set of photographers obviously differs depending on the individual. Some photographers are more artistic than others and some are more driven by “the heat of the moment”. PR people, for instance, are adept at schmoozing while accountants are gifted with numbers. Nevertheless, there are some general skills and traits that you’ll need in order to succeed in any type of photography category, such as:

1- People Skills

Never underestimate the importance of connecting and relating with models/people around you. Photographers who have the ability to forge solid professional relationships with models and clients tend to be the ones who get ahead. An easy smile and a reassuring manner can take you nearly as far in your field of expertise. This is not a popularity contest, but it is essential that models and clients feel comfortable with you.

2- Communication Skills

How clearly and concisely do you convey your ideas and vision? If your answer is “very clearly and concisely,” then you’ll probably have a fruitful career. This is the most fundamental of skills. There is no substitute for being articulate. At the heart of communication is the ability to write and speak well.

3- Integrity

Establishing yourself as someone who can be trusted and counted on will go a long way in determining your fate in any business. And if you make a mistake, be accountable for it—don’t try to shift the blame to someone else. In the long run, you’ll benefit. The industry is full of sharks enough, don’t become another one of them!

4- The Ability to Roll with the Punches

Especially nowadays, the one constant in the photography industry is change. Projects switch directions on a dime, and myriad personnel changes are a given. To succeed, then, you must keep an open mind and go with the flow. Good old saying: Here today, gone tomorrow!

5- Confidence

Confidence is contagious. If you’re confident about the decisions you make, the people who are impacted by them will be confident too. On the other hand, if you have a tendency to waffle, your team, models and clients will eventually lose faith in you. Stand firm in your beliefs and never undersell yourself.

6- Organizational Skills

The ability to stay on top of your deadlines and commitments comes from being well organized. Photographers notoriously seem to struggle with organization. Write a to-do list every day in which you prioritize your tasks. And above all, do not procrastinate. The only way you’ll be able to deliver consistently in a clutch is if you know how to maximize your time.

7- Leadership Skills

Being a leader starts with bringing out the best in your colleagues, models and your clients’ needs. Don’t ever hesitate to deflect credit to others. If you demonstrate a knack for empowering those around you, the finished product will be that much better. And you’ll personally benefit by quickly moving up the photography/business ladder.

8- Tech Skills

Regardless of the type of photography you do, it likely involves a computer. Therefore, it’s impossible to get ahead in today’s industry with substandard tech skills. If you’re having difficulty grasping the various editing programs related to your photography and videography, take a class. It will be well-worth the investment.
If you are still in limbo? … start from the top, and read again.