Jumpstart Your Photography Career With These Gems

If you are on social media in any form of fashion, then you know that stunning visuals are often what draw people in. Whether it’s for a product, dishes at a restaurant, or to tell a compelling story— getting “the shot” can truly take you to the next level.

Are you an aspiring photographer? Looking to take your hobby to a full-blown career? The Block caught up with some of the best Charlotte-based photographers in the game, to learn exactly what it takes to get started as a professional “shooter.”

Joshua Galloway- @thecreativegent_

Galloway’s photo skills continue to wow audiences all over. Recently, he took to the streets of Charlotte to snap powerful, yet stunning visuals of Black Lives Matter protests across the city. He got his start in photography a decade ago, and describes himself as a lifestyle photographer and visual storyteller.

Joshua’s tips for aspiring photographers:

The best equipment you have is your eyes and your heart. Trust those more than equipment, especially when starting out.

Spend time to learn your equipment and process before you monetize.

Photography is a 5K not a sprint, so allow yourself to fall in love with the process.

Invest in your craft. It’s not a cheap career at all.

Alvin C. Jacobs Jr. – @acjphoto

Jacobs got his start in 2009. As an image activist who focuses on social justice, he has been front and center during some of our nation’s most televised protests and movements. Recently, Jacobs made the journey to Minneapolis, Minnesota to show the “real” story of what was unfolding after George Floyd’s murder.

Jacobs offers the following three tips:

Develop your technique, and then your style.

Shoot for the shot, not the edit.

Control the light.

Jonathan Cooper- @iamcoopernicus_

Although he feels like he never officially started his photography career, Cooper says it wasn’t until 2015 that he began taking his craft serious. As a food, beverage, and lifestyle photographer, he is responsible for making some of your favorite restaurant’s dishes look drool worthy. He is also behind the editorial photos of some of the your favorite Black chefs across the country.

3 tips from Cooper:

Knowing your worth and power is important as a visual story teller and individual.

Follow your heart, and go with your gut.

Understand the importance of balance in all things, from personal to visual.

Cory Wilkins- @dailyspecialclt

While he’s considered the “newcomer” among this experienced list of photographers, Wilkins still holds his own when it comes to visually appealing shots. He started off shooting photos from his phone in 2018, and invested in his first camera less than a year later. Wilkins is a food photographer and blogger, and focuses on highlighting Black-owned and lesser-known restaurants in his photos.

Wilkins’ top 3 tips:

Start with what you have. These days most people have cell phones with great cameras. A common misconception is you need a ton of high end gear to get good photos. Instead of immediately spending thousands on the latest cameras and gear, focus on learning lighting, composition, and how to actually use what you have to its capabilities.

Spend some time learning to do basic edits at the very least. Sometimes shooting conditions aren’t always ideal, so knowing how to edit photos to bring your vision to life will come in handy. My favorite tools are the Snapseed app for quick edits on mobile, and Lightroom if I am editing on my laptop.

You just have to do it. By that I mean you have to accept the fact that you’re likely going to take terrible photos at first. Don’t get discouraged. Each time you shoot, apply the lessons learned from the last shoot and before long you’ll start to develop a style you love. Also reach out to other local photographers and practice together.

As you begin to map out your plan to jump start and ultimately monetize your photography career, remember this free game given by some of the best. Good luck fam! We’re rooting for everybody Black.

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