While I’ve done some paid work, including photojournalism in the early 80s, I decided early on that it was better for me to not pursue a career in photojournalism/photography. Keeping it as a mostly a hobby has served me well. I had a career in tech, and that has allowed me to shoot what I want with really nice gear :-) Making a living with photography is very challenging, but it can be done. Not trying to discourage, but just sharing my approach.
I like your work, and as others have mentioned, you have good eye, so here’s my thoughts for you:
Develop your technical skills. Really understand the fundamentals of photography and optics. Understand how digital imaging and sensors work. Get really good with Lightroom and Photoshop etc. I don’t know what the cool kids are using for web design these days, but whatever it is, get really good with it. Artistic competence is the price of admission and everyone you’re competing with should have that. If you also have technical skills, that gives you a competitive edge.
Organize and catalog your work. Be sure to have a good backup strategy for all your images.
Have a physical portfolio as well as digital. There’s something really special about holding a photograph in your hands versus seeing it on a screen.
Learn about good design, style, and other visual art skills, and how to apply them to your photo/video work. Go to museums, take a film appreciation class. Checkout photography books at the library.
Be an expert on automotive design, trends, history etc. Specialized subject matter expertise is another competitive advantage.
Taking accounting and business classes helped me a lot in my career as it made it a lot easier to talk to business owners/managers etc. “Accounting is the language of business” my accounting prof was fond of saying. And it was true! Also, if you end up working for yourself, business skills will help you be successful as a business owner/contractor.
I guess what I’m trying to say is the more well-rounded you are as a person, the more likely it is that you can have the creative career that you want.
+1 for only showing your very best work.
While I’ve done some paid work, including photojournalism in the early 80s, I decided early on that it was better for me to not pursue a career in photojournalism/photography. Keeping it as a mostly a hobby has served me well. I had a career in tech, and that has allowed me to shoot what I want with really nice gear :-) Making a living with photography is very challenging, but it can be done. Not trying to discourage, but just sharing my approach.
I like your work, and as others have mentioned, you have good eye, so here’s my thoughts for you:
Develop your technical skills. Really understand the fundamentals of photography and optics. Understand how digital imaging and sensors work. Get really good with Lightroom and Photoshop etc. I don’t know what the cool kids are using for web design these days, but whatever it is, get really good with it. Artistic competence is the price of admission and everyone you’re competing with should have that. If you also have technical skills, that gives you a competitive edge.
Organize and catalog your work. Be sure to have a good backup strategy for all your images.
Have a physical portfolio as well as digital. There’s something really special about holding a photograph in your hands versus seeing it on a screen.
Learn about good design, style, and other visual art skills, and how to apply them to your photo/video work. Go to museums, take a film appreciation class. Checkout photography books at the library.
Be an expert on automotive design, trends, history etc. Specialized subject matter expertise is another competitive advantage.
Taking accounting and business classes helped me a lot in my career as it made it a lot easier to talk to business owners/managers etc. “Accounting is the language of business” my accounting prof was fond of saying. And it was true! Also, if you end up working for yourself, business skills will help you be successful as a business owner/contractor.
I guess what I’m trying to say is the more well-rounded you are as a person, the more likely it is that you can have the creative career that you want.
Best of luck to you!