Starting out as a Photographer

Just last year, I decided to take the plunge and become a professional photographer. It’s been an exciting ride with plenty of ups and downs, but it’s been totally worth it.

When I first started, I didn’t have any clients or even a portfolio. So, I came up with a plan: head to local parks, walk around, and ask people if they’d like their portraits taken—for free. It was super nerve-wracking, but I knew I had to build up my portfolio and get some experience. To my surprise, 90% of the people I approached said yes. For the few who said no, I just smiled, thanked them, and moved on.

I also hit up my local university during convocation season, capturing the excitement of graduates and their families. This added some variety to my portfolio and got my name out there. Plus, I asked my family if they wanted free engagement, maternity, or family shoots. It was a great way to practice and show them how serious I was about photography.

With all these photos, I started posting on Instagram and my website. Slowly, people began to notice. Feeling a bit more confident, I decided to post an ad on Kijiji, offering my services for $50 per shoot. Soon enough, I landed my first paid gig, and things started to pick up from there.

Looking back, I realize that stepping out of my comfort zone was crucial. Approaching strangers in the park wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I made myself do it because I knew consistency and perseverance would pay off. Each “no” didn’t get me down; it just motivated me to keep going.

Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that sometimes you’ve got to do the uncomfortable stuff at the beginning. But if you keep going and stay consistent, things will work out. My journey as a photographer is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.