@paula.schu: Oh I posted part 2 before part 1 so here you go: 1. Come prepared. Expect the unexpected. Rain, low light, gear failure, longer hours, it happens. Know what you’ll need in tricky situations, and always bring backup. Preparation makes you reliable. 2. Find a niche. Focus on 1–2 areas you genuinely care about. People hire specialists, not generalists. Become known for something specific first, you can always expand later. 3. Sort out your finances before you dive in. I know it’s annoying, but it matters: being a photographer means running a business. That makes you the CEO. To avoid surprises, learn about taxes, insurance, and what you can deduct. And once you earn a bit more, get a GOOD tax advisor. It’ll save you money, stress, and time. 4. Start charging sooner and more. The music industry often underpays creatives. One reason? Too many people work for free. It’s okay to start out unpaid to build a portfolio but don’t stay there. Know your worth. Charging (even a little) shows professionalism, boosts your confidence, and earns respect. 5. Not every client is your client, and that’s okay. You won’t be the right fit for every job or person and that’s not a failure. Learn to say no to things that feel off. Protect your energy and focus on the jobs that align with your style, values, and long-term vision. You will also get rejected a few times. That doesn’t mean that your work is bad, but sometimes it’s not the right fit. One extra top that I’m still struggling with myself: Don’t compare your journey to others. Photography isn’t a race. You don’t know the resources, background, or lucky breaks of others. Focus on building your path. Progress > perfection. Did that help you? Let me know in the comments ✨ #musicphotographer #learnphotography #photographytips #tourphotographer #festival

Paula Schu

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Region: DE

Monday 06 October 2025 12:40:22 GMT