How To Get Ahead Of 99% Of Photographers

———

For the top 1% of photographers, what makes THEM different? How do they stand out? Which paths and skills do they follow and how did they come to find them? In making this video, I reflected on the thousands of photographers I've seen, met, or talked to, and condense 3 traits that I feel contribute to how photographers become really world class at what they do, and if you start these traits too, you may just transform your photography.

———

Let's chat! Join my Discord

Join my free creative-focused newsletter

Get the music I use

Stock video footage (use my code for an extra 2 months free)

———

🌐 Find me at

🛍 Shop

📷 Gear

0:00 Intro
2:10 Trait 1
3:55 Trait 2
6:54 Trait 3
8:58 Putting it together

[peterhdge]

Pat you have the most value packed photography centric content on YouTube. Hands down. I appreciate you and what you’ve dedicated your heart and time to and look forward to learning something every time I watch one of your videos. You’re an amazing human, please keep going!

[jsanabria]

I love these types of videos. However, I'd love to see more examples of each trait. Most of the time I'm not sure if I'm actually picturing what I should or have a hard time visualizing something at all. Photography is a visual medium, please include more visual examples!

[miniatureface]

great video and great advice! i'd like to add that I think a lot of beginner photographers do have a clear subject, but lack interesting non-subject elements to balance out the photograph or add to the story. Personally, especially when I first started out, but still now, I took a lot of photos of just a subject and nothing else. Very little story to tell. A good photo needs more, such as location/context, framing, thoughtful background, foreground elements, thoughtful use of color, shapes, symmetry, complimentary secondary subjects, etc.

[MosaicArtizt]

This is great Pat, I love to hear your perspective. I’m wonder if you could speak about developing a portfolio and potentially submitting to a gallery or developing an exhibition as a photography artist.

[iaincphotography]

A good listen indeed and I hope that people who listen and watch on YouTube actually go to your website to view your work.

[LuckyPiano]

Great video as always Pat! Your content is always such high quality and I think you have a real strength in your communication style; it's always structured, clear to the point, yet doesn't lose out on bringing out your soul and passion for the topic. We're very lucky to have you!

On another note, I bought your LR editing masterclass and it's been phenomenal. Just a thought, maybe offer a discount code to your presets or a preset 'trial package' for those who bought the masterclass? I can imagine heaps of people who have gone through your LR masterclass would also be interested in your presets! But regardless, the message remains, I'm very grateful for all the work you've done for us. Thank you :)

[ahmedamin]

Wow this video has so much packed into it. So much to process and all meaningful.

[AdventuresofCarlienne]

so much great advice and tips in this video! thanks for sharing Pat.

[NeonShores]

Finding my visual language is what I'm struggling with most right now.

Half of me is drawn to minimalism; clean lines, symmetry, almost pastel like colors.

The other half is drawn to a warmer, vintage aesthetic, abstract and artful (think Saul Leiter)

When i try to find a common ground I feel like I'm aping Wes Anderson or something similar which is not my aim.

[JourneyDude]

i just came across your channel thank you! finally someone who is on point

[ArdcoreGaming]

You have earned yourself another subscriber. I love your content. Im actually in the process of starting up my photography business, and this video definitely helped.

[thrivephotography]

Nice video. Regarding your comments about business. One thing I found owning a studio and being a full time portrait photographer is that I actually have less time for actual photography than when I was an enthusiast. I would estimate that I spend maybe 20% of my time actually shooting and the rest of the time marketing, selling, networking, communication with clients and the 8 million things any business needs to do to prosper. Also I have found that while you do get better at your genre the more you do it it does not necessarily mean you are becoming a better photographer overall . I’m not being negative, I love having a professional studio ….. all I mean is, if you love photography purely for the craft, I honesty think you are better off being an amateur enthusiast. Some of the best photography I see is from photographers who do not get paid . 🙂

[kevinrushton]

Thank you Pat, you have provided a very clear perspective as well as a better understanding of what to focus on

[SnowBran]

Thank you for making this video and sharing your expertise. It helps me a lot! I appreciate you and always listening to you.

[milind-btvk]

This is something out of box,
Great help as started thinking differently.
Thanks a lot!

[AmericanPatriot]

All very excellent points I agree with…..thanks for emphasizing these particular three…..I can visualize making some changes when I do shoot now with this in mind…..

[thewanderdex]

Hi Pat! This is my first time to watch your video. And I like it. I’m a beginner in photography. I just recently bought a canon r8. If I buy your presets, is it lifetime to use it?

[boristahmasian]

Thank you for the video Pat. I learned about these lessons by trial and error! And it has taken a time. Had your video been around years ago, I could have saved a lot of time.

[keithandrew]

Hello Pat,
Just found your videos for the first time today.
On the subject of getting more time for photography. How does one get from after work and weekends, to getting photography to be your job?
I like portrait photography, and I can see a path to making that a paying hobby by offering services to friends and acquaintances. Then developing a style, and getting referrals from there.
However, my passion is Landscape photography and I can't think of how to start developing this into a paying job.
How have the photographer's you know managed the transition?
Keith

[Helme]

Last one ist most important. The best togs I know don't hang around on social media and also they don't make the most spectacular images. They have a tight business network and plenty of jobs to do. They are reliable and deliver solidly anytime anyplace. The market is highly saturated, true. But not with rocksolid photography businessmen. Many struggle on running a healthy brand.