Photography is a passion that many of us wish we could turn into a career. The good news is that while it’s certainly hard work to pursue photography jobs, it’s not impossible. To get a snapshot (sorry, we couldn’t resist!) of the opportunities that are out there we spoke to full-time news photographer Wullie Marr and part-time wedding photographer Dave Taylor.
Photography is one of those jobs that people dream of; tell us about your route into it…
WM: I received my first SLR-type camera when I was 11 years old, then darkroom equipment the following year. Having a father and grandfather who were both interested in photography helped with the learning process, as did reading everything I could lay my hands on and being an information sponge. By the time I was leaving school, I was proficient at photography, as well as developing and printing. I went to work as a photographic assistant for a studio/commercial photographer.
The job and me weren’t suited but I kept photography up as my main hobby, until a few years ago when I started doing it as a part-time business. I have been full-time since the start of 2013, and recently accepted a permanent post with an Edinburgh-based news agency.
DT: My grandfather was a keen photographer when I was younger and he got me into it, although it wasn’t really until my first son was born I really got serious. I love taking photos and recording those special moments. People enjoyed my work, so it seemed like a natural step to pursue it as a career. I’m currently part-time; I have a “normal” job 4 days a week. I don’t like to put pressure on myself with timescales of when I will be a photographer full-time. As my business grows, I will reach a point where doing both isn’t feasible. I’m fortunate with weddings that you know your workload a good 6 months to a year in advance, so it won’t be something that happens overnight.
How important is it to be able to invest in the most high-tech and up to date equipment? Is this the biggest challenge facing people trying to break into photography?
WM: Investment is a major factor in today’s market. Although, the range of similar items at different specs means that investment can be tailored to the main type of work a photographer will undertake. News photographers, given that they will be working in every type of weather/lighting combination at any point, require the very top end equipment, whereas someone working in a more controlled environment can produce what they require with a more mid-range set up.
DT: It’s easy to become a “gear junkie” and as with all electronic equipment, updates and new models come along pretty frequently. It’s true that a good camera doesn’t make you a good photographer, but at the same time, if you’re shooting a wedding, you need the right equipment to be able to produce quality images in low light conditions, and you need backup equipment as well to cover every eventuality. It can be very expensive, but it’s hugely rewarding as well.
How and when do you draw the line between doing free work ‘for the exposure’ and putting a value on yourself and your work?
WM: Once techniques have been mastered and you can turn up on a job and have it set up to a brief in a few minutes, and consistently reproduce styles, you should be charging a suitable fee. You have to remember to price according to experience, without undercutting everyone and forcing the market down.
DT: That’s a bit of a hot topic across photographic forums and chat rooms. Seasoned pros and those who already make a living will tell you to do nothing for free and, to an extent, that’s correct. The trouble is, having a good camera and ability in itself won’t make people hire you, you need a portfolio, you need to network and meet people. I started off doing some work for free, to get experience, but there is a thin line between getting that experience and being taken advantage of. There are a few agencies that you can work with, where you only get paid if your images sell, but at least you’re not giving stuff away free. 
What advice would you give to anybody trying to make their way into the industry?
WM: Practise, listen and learn. Do not think you know all there is to know, as all photographers continue to learn, no matter how long they have been doing it. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment, it’s how you find things out.
DT: I would encourage anyone with a passion for photography to give it a go, but it’s hard work, with long unsociable hours, a lot of them spent sitting in front of the Mac editing. It’s not the kind of job you could do without a passion for it but get out there, take photos of everything, talk to people – most fellow photographers are helpful and don’t get too hung up on equipment. If you want to get into wedding photography, contact a local photographer and see if they need an assistant, it’s a great way to learn. It’s also a very competitive market, but if you really want it, go for it!
Did you have any working opportunities from the Commonwealth Games?
WM: Yep, I was initially asked to cover the games by an agency, but taking the full-time post meant I slotted into a PR job for the Games which included photographing past, present and future sports stars. Over the course, photographed names like Roger Black, Dame Mary Peters, Sir Chris Hoy, Eilidh Child, Welsh silver medallist in the para discus, and team captain, Aled Davies as well as a lot more.
DT: I didn’t have any direct opportunities arising from the Games, although I was shooting a wedding in the City Centre during it, and the fact that the city was buzzing with all the fans there added to the atmosphere of the day, and created a few nice photo opps. We hope that Wullie and Dave’s experiences have helped to inspire and remind you that it is possible to turn your passions into creative jobs, no matter if it’s photography, writing or stagecraft.