Choosing the right photography specialization is more complex than picking something enjoyable or familiar. Getting it right can be the difference between making money and losing enthusiasm quickly.
Coming to you from Keith Cooper, this thoughtful video addresses the realities of choosing a profitable photography specialization, looking specifically at common pitfalls to avoid. Cooper emphasizes four straightforward yet often overlooked criteria to help you figure out what type of photography suits your professional ambitions. The first involves assessing whether your chosen field can realistically earn you money. He openly discusses his initial attraction to landscape photography, revealing why he ultimately chose not to pursue it as a career despite his appreciation for the genre. His candid reflections underline an essential business truth: passion alone doesn’t always equate to profit.
Cooper then stresses the importance of recognizing your own skills, noting that you can learn any photographic skill—provided you’re willing to invest the effort. Interestingly, he mentions that while he doesn’t personally learn well from courses or video tutorials, he enjoys teaching others. This insight leads to a useful point: knowing how you prefer to learn can significantly affect how quickly you progress professionally. Another aspect he brings up is the issue of equipment. Cooper advises caution here, suggesting that the temptation to buy new gear often disguises itself as a business necessity. He uses his own experience with architectural photography as an example, explaining why he’s chosen to stick with an older DSLR over a new mirrorless camera, despite their appeal. His rationale illustrates the value of carefully considering whether new equipment genuinely improves your ability to deliver profitable work.
A particularly valuable part of the video covers deciding whether you actually have interest in the subject matter you’re shooting. Cooper highlights the difference between having the skill to produce good images and genuinely caring about the subject, pointing out that enthusiasm often defines your longevity in the field. He candidly shares his lack of interest in weddings or photographing children, emphasizing how quickly disinterest can negatively affect both your motivation and the quality of your work. Additionally, Cooper mentions his transition from general product photography to specialized areas like macro photography and industrial work. This strategic shift illustrates the benefit of developing niches where you possess genuine enthusiasm, technical skill, and less competition.
To further illustrate his point, Cooper shares a specific experience where turning down work protected him from a potentially difficult situation. The detailed example he gives about negotiating image licensing with a client demonstrates the value of trusting your instincts when warning signs appear. Cooper highlights how he recognized multiple red flags and chose to walk away, despite initial attraction to the job. This story serves as a practical lesson in balancing enthusiasm with the realities of client management and protecting your business interests. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Cooper.
