Should i specialize my photography

But, should you specialize in one area of photography or not? Will you be happier and find more opportunities if you generalize? If you specialize in portrait photography, for instance, which area do you concentrate on? Newborns, families, maternity? Or does it matter? Of course, choosing an area to specialize will allow you to target your education as well as channel your efforts.

But, if you specialize will you miss out on opportunities outside of your chosen field? These are all good questions that should be considered when becoming a photographer, and a topic we hope to explain. A generalist tends to have a broad range of skills and experience across a wide range of disciplines. On the other hand, specialists invest their time and efforts in becoming the go-to person in a certain niche.

As a generalist, a photographer also has more competition from other photographers, all competing for the same assignments, contracts, and positions. Many people believe that casting a wider net as a generalist will attract more clients. But, as a specialist, you become more attractive to many clients who are looking for a specific skill or ability.

Plus, the more specific your skill-set, the less you must sell yourself as an expert in that particular area.

Specialization creates differentiation, branding, and brings a unique value to a project. On the other hand, specializing is typically less flexible, and has the potential to be less adaptable to cultural shifts, new techniques, and job opportunities outside your specialty. So, what do you do? Consider this scenario. A client is looking for a photographer who can shoot a series of action photos using natural light.

The client must choose between a photographer who has all kinds of photos on his or her website showing a variety of techniques and styles, or a photographer who has hundreds of photos of athletes and high-speed vehicles adorning their portfolio.

Which photographer would the client choose? Short answer; the specialist always wins. There are several reasons to specialize. Clients also appreciate the sheer amount of time and energy it takes to specialize and become an expert in one area.

After all, common sense tells us that the more you put in the more you get out. Specialists also have a unique value proposition. Often I call on my understanding of luminosity masks to help with a human or animal situation and have used techniques such as frequency separation in a landscape image. Diversity has been key to a regular flow of assignments. My photography work is never the same, and I love that. Occasionally, this diversity can have a negative impact on my social media networking—not every person who is passionate about landscapes wants to see an image from a wedding.

It can be more challenging than for those photographers who specialize; however, in terms of my development, the doors are wide open. For me the photographic journey is a mystery. It unfolds and develops in new and unexpected directions all the time and I am open to them all. Saved me a lot of money. When I generalized I worked a lot on many different type of projects, like product and catalog work, location portraits for editorial and copy work for artists.

Worked regularly for good money. When I eventually specialized in automotive work the jobs were bigger and fees usually had another zero but were not as often, now that market is hurting for a few years, so I sort of wish I kept generalizing! I think you can definitely specialize in a few areas, just don't become "too" generalist, or at least don't specifically market yourself on your online portfolio in those other categories even if you can do them.

My two main things are landscape and portrait photography. Now if I was somebody that was like an event photographer, portrait photographer, architecture photographer, food photographer, sports photographer But I understand those who have to do this in some areas just to get work coming in. I'd say pick two Home Topics Business. Should Photographers Specialize or Generalize?

Posted In:. When You Should Quit Photography. The Future of Photography as a Business. Premium Photography Tutorials Check out the Fstoppers Store for in-depth tutorials from some of the best instructors in the business. Log in or register to post comments. Blake Aghili - March 23, Specialize.. Frank Kinser - March 23, In all fields of work, I know people that have to specialize to stay focused, and I know people that are more comfortable with multi-tasking.

Deleted Account - March 23, Specialize if you want to make money. Bjarne Solvik - March 23, On a level I suppose yes. The fun thing about being able to be the boss of your own business is being able to run it the way that speaks to you!

Have more questions? Follow me on Instagram to chat or contact me! I love being able to give back when I can. I am the biggest beiliever that if you fail to plan then you plan to fail. This is SO true with wedding planning. The littlest things, such as not having a wedding timeline, can turn your dream wedding into something Set up a quick no pressure 10 minute phone call with me so I can help you be sure you are headed in the right direction in your wedding planning process.

I can set you up with resources such as a free wedding timeline example or be available to answer any questions you may have!