Digital cameras have made it easy for anybody to capture memorable shots from behind the lenses. However, becoming a professional photographer requires more than just being able to click selfies and sunsets. It takes years of practice and, of course, the right mentor or photography courses to give you photography tips. The best photographers often find a genre they’re comfortable in, such as portrait photography or landscape photography. Many carve a niche with black and white photography, which can be stark and soulful.

If you want to take up photography as a career, remember it’s competitive out there and not just because almost practically everyone has a digital camera. You can start with a simple camera and then invest in an expensive DSLR and professional photography gear as you go along and get more confident of your skills.

How do you know you have it in you to be a good photographer?  Ask yourself these questions—first, do you get trigger-happy when you have to shoot a subject or you take a couple, well thought out shots? You know the right answer to that one! Second, you don’t care about the camera you use; it’s just about the perfect shot for you? If that’s a yes, then, at least, photography is definitely a true passion for you. The right photography course will only hone your skills. Are you concerned with lighting and aware of the effect it has on that landscape or portrait you’re trying to capture? Portrait photography, for one, can be tricky as it requires you to capture the very essence of a person. Finally, do black and white photographs make you stop in your tracks and haunt you? Maybe you could apply to an arthouse photography magazine!

Now that we know you have what it takes, what’s next? There’s a lot more to being a photographer, than clicking great pictures. You have to learn about film processing, editing and cropping your photographs and, basically, developing the final ready to print image. A photography course can help you do all this and also arm you with new photography tips and techniques. Consider joining a photography club to develop contacts within the community and stock up several useful photography tips.

There’s also no substitute for field experience. If there’s a photographer whose work you admire, don’t hesitate to stalk him or her to allow you to assist. Being an assistant photographer allows you to learn essential photography skills while still being the wings. Working with a mentor is also an opportunity to get important feedback on your work.

So, go ahead, take the plunge! And, as you become a professional photographer, remember to focus on building a strong portfolio, which will ensure you get more work in future.