Taking photos can be a lot of fun! Because it is so much fun, many people dream of making the transition from hobby photographer to professional photographer.

It can be done, but that doesn’t mean it will happen fast or it will come easy. However, if you’re dedicated, and you follow the five tips on this list, you can make your professional photography dreams come true.

The Right Gear

If you’re serious about photography, you probably have some nice gear, but you’ll likely have to take things up a notch if you want to be a professional.

A few ideas include:

• Multiple rechargeable batteries so you never miss a shot
• A tripod to capture steady, even shots
• A camera strap that is comfortable to wear, even after hours of shooting
• Multiple lenses so you are prepared for a variety of shots and situation
• External flashes and lighting accessories
• Finding the best camera backpack that holds all your accessories

Not only do the right accessories equip you to take professional shots, it also demonstrates to those around you that you are a true professional. A high-quality camera strap and backpack, for example, will foster confidence in your ability much better than a wimpy strap and discount bag.

The Right Editing Software

Taking pictures is about much more than the act of taking pictures. Professional photographers spend a lot of time at the computer tinkering around with the images they have taken. Professional photographers make sure they get the most out of their images by having the right editing software at their disposal.

There are a lot of software options out there, but the most popular options are from Adobe. They offer a lot of budget-friendly downloads that are perfect for beginning professionals, and because their programs are so popular, it’s easy to ask for help when you need it.

Create a Website

If you want to go pro, you have to make sure people know that your services are available. One of the best ways to do that is to create a website.

Unfortunately, creating a website means a lot more than just uploading a bunch of your images. Although your website will look striking plastered with all of your best shots, it means no one will be able to search for and find your site on the web.

In order for Google to identify your website and display it on the search results page when users are searching the web is to use search engine optimization techniques. That means you can expect to spend just as much time creating actual content for your site as you do taking and uploading pictures.

Consider Going Back to School

If you want an edge over other hobby photographers trying to make it to the big leagues, consider going back to school. However, this may not be the best option for everyone.

There are pros and cons to getting any degree, including a photography degree. Many programs require about 90 hours of credits, which amounts to 2 years of full-time enrollment. That can be a huge time and monetary commitment. However, it can pay off if you want to work in a technical or professional industry.

On the other hand, if your professional dreams include more artistic endeavors, like selling your images at craft fairs, blogging about your travels, or even portrait photography, you may be able to skip the degree.

Don’t discount community classes! Although you won’t walk away with a certification, taking any kind of photography classes can help you hone your skills.

Take More Pictures

Practice makes perfect. That means spending a lot more time taking pictures.

If you want to make the transition from amateur to pro, taking high-quality shots has to come naturally. The only way for that to be the case is if you commit to taking more pictures, more often.

Keep your camera handy, and take pictures of all kinds of subjects. It will help you learn every detail of your camera, it will help you practice taking shots, and it will also give you a chance to become more comfortable with your photography software.

It was once said that if you do what you love, you won’t have to work a day in your life. If photography is what you love, you will have to put in plenty of hard work by following these tips to become a professional, but once you do, you’ll wake up each morning excited to be doing something you love.