How to Be a Great Studio Photographer

Develop your own signature style. Just like any good artist, developing your own lightning techniques or distinctive poses is a sure fire way to get people to remember you and your work. The goal is to make your work stand out by being distinctive so don't be afraid to take some chances!

Study the work of photographers you appreciate and try to emulate their techniques. Study the lighting, poses, backdrops and any props that they may use in their studio work and try and incorporate those elements into your own. While you do not want to copy their work, you want to take the basics of it and then add your own distinctive touch.

Maintain good business practices. Photography is a profession where you are often your own boss, performing work for clients on a contract or freelance basis. In order to garner regular and repeat business it's essential to establish and maintain a good reputation. This means being polite and professional when dealing with both clients and other business people. Time is money, so you must always be punctual for your shoots and deliver your print orders on time. You also need to create a standardized price list that you feel is fair and stick to it. Constantly changing prices is unprofessional and reduces the value of your work.

Update your equipment and stay abreast of changes in style in your profession. Studio equipment is expensive so it's not always easy or even possible to stay on top of every new piece that comes out. But knowing and understanding the various trends in photography demonstrates your commitment to being a true professional.