Could my boyfriend be a pro photographer? Please, needing opinions!?

Question

My boyfriend LOVES photography, but I get the feeling that he isn't too confident about his abilities. Please look at his work and give me your opinions! Thank you so much.

http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v185/245/15/1296600087/n1296600087_30013193_2058.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v284/245/15/1296600087/n1296600087_30017675_6820.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v233/245/15/1296600087/n1296600087_30015277_6182.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v263/245/15/1296600087/n1296600087_30018678_7818.jpg

Answer 1

Anybody who can see straight *could* be a pro photographer.  It just depends on how much effort they put into getting themselves there.

For most successful pro photographers, it takes more than just natural talent.  It takes lots of education (formal or otherwise), lots of practice, lots of trial and error, lots of top-end equipment, people skills and the ability to work with clients and models (if applicable), and so on.  And these days, using the camera is only half the battle...a huge part of modern digital photography is learning the endless layers of Photoshop, Lightroom, and other software.

My advice to him is: do what every other photog does and take a couple years of photo school, or work privately with a professional who can show him the ropes...then get out there and shoot, shoot, shoot.  Try all kinds of stuff.  See what works, what doesn't.  Then build up a portfolio over a period of time, put it all on a website, and try to market his work somehow.

Only a hanful of truly gifted, natural geniuses can become great photographers overnight.  Everybody else has to put the time and sweat in.

Answer 2

The MOST important feature necessary to become a pro is drive and passion.  After that he will need a good solid education in photography and some classes in writing.  After he has finished school, then he needs to spend some time working as an assistant to a successful photographer to learn the business and hone his skills (and start building his over $50,000 camera system).  From there  he will know what area of photography he will pursue.  There is editorial, scientific, fashion, PR, entertainment, sports, glamour, medical, portrait, industrial, documentary and photojournalism just to name a few.  

While he is in school, he can join the NPPA and/or ASMP as a student and start networking.

Becoming a pro is NOT an overnight effort ... he may spend four years in school (or more), about five years working as an assistant or as a staffer before he will be ready to write a business and marketing plan, build a two year projected P&L spreadsheet and start out building his own business.

Answer 3

He can do whatever he sets his mind to. I like the first one a lot. Tell him to take classes on digital or film photography and he'll go places.

(:

Answer 4

he's not even close yet, but shows a lot of potential; you need passion and dedication. but beyond an education and experience it take a true photographer to have the eye to see beauty, and capture life. You shouldn't be taking 3000 photos with a digital camera because you can take a lot of photos and pick and choose what you want, see, compose and capture. Show us his black and white film shots - not digital snaps where anyone is bound to have a couple of nice photos out of hundreds or thousands of shots. if he's passionate he can be successful! passion is key, then the eye and the ability to see will determine whether he is a wedding photographer or if he will be a steve mccurry.  

Answer 5

He still has a lot to learn, but I definately see potential.

Answer 6

the images dont scream "pro"

if he goes and studies the craft, learns about business and marketing hes got as much chance as any of us   - - - i think hes being wise and realistic actually

a

Answer 7

If he puts more work into it....he obviously shows an interest.

I don't think he's at that level at this point....but hard work & dedication will get you anywhere