How to become a photographer

[Absha]

Morning!

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a photographer but for one reason or another it’s never happened.

Now’s the time for me to take that leap and do something for myself.

Are any other mums on here professional photographers?
Where do I start?
I’m very much a learn as I go person - I’ve attended a few local photography classes but I don’t have my own camera yet.

Can any one suggest a decent starter camera and editing software?
Also any other equipment recommendations?

I’ll be photographing people, families and babies outside as I don’t have a studio.

Any help pointing me in the right direction to start my dream career would be amazing x

OP do you know the basics? How shutter speed affects the image for example? Do you know about depth of field and the best aperture to use for different types of photography? If not then I’d recommend either doing a photography course or reading a lot of photography books. If you are only going to use natural light you really need to know how to get the best out of it. Using automatic settings is not good.

we all had to start somewhere 😅

As for gear look on MPB for something well used, and once you’re in an ecosystem (eg Sony, Canon whatever) you can build a nice collection of lenses (get the best you can afford) and upgrade your camera bodies as you go. I don’t buy anything new, but I have an adapter so older DSLR and even SLR glass can be used with newer full frame systems. It’s all very expensive!

Not negative, realistic. Theres a difference between having it as a side hustle and trying to make a living out of it. It is extremely difficult.