How to Learn Photography

From practice to professional photographer 

On the outside, being a photographer looks easy. But in reality, it’s so much more than picking up a camera, watching a few YouTube videos, and hoping for the best. Building real skills and a sustainable business takes more than technical know-how. Learning photography is a journey. One of the best ways to speed up your growth is by getting hands on experience.

In this blog, well break down a simple step by step process for learning photography - including how to work as an assistant or associate photographer.

Step One: Learn the basics

Start learning the fundamentals of photography: aperture, shutter speed, ISO and how they all work together. Experiment in different lighting conditions until you can confidently adjust your settings on the fly. Learn how to edit with software like Lightroom or Photoshop to keep your style consistent. As you grow, explore more gear and learn what tools work best for you.

Step Two: Practice on real people

Friends, family, or anyone willing to model are your best first subjects. Practice posing, capturing candid moments, and communicating throughout the session. Photography is just as much about people skills as it is about technical, camera skill.

Step Three: Assist an Experienced Photographer 

An assistant photographer helps on session or wedding day by doing jobs like carrying gear, setting up lights, organizing groups or individual portrait shots. An associate photographer shoots on behalf of a lead photographer or videographer.

Step Four: Work as an Associate Photographer 

An associate photographer shoots on behalf of a lead photographer or videographer. Unlike an assistant, you’re fully responsible for documenting entire sessions or wedding days. Associates often cover sessions like events, weddings or one on one client sessions. Often times a main photographer or videographer will book an Associate photographer if they’re double booked or trying to expand their business.

Working as an associate teaches you: 

• How to work with clients and pose confidently.  

• How to deliver RAW files quickly and securely. 

• How contracts and invoices work in the industry. 

• How professional teams collaborate for a seamless client experience. 

How snapsails Simplifies Associates Photography Workflows

For photographers and videographers ready to take associate work seriously, snapsails makes it easy.

Contracts and invoices: Associates can receive contracts and payments inside the platform. 

Media sharing: Upload RAW files, edited photos, or videos directly into the project. 

Communication: Stay connected with the lead photographer or videographer inside the project eliminating scattered texts and dm’s.

Professional Workflow: Everything tied to the project so your work stays organized and secure. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow as an associate, snapsails makes collaboration seamless and organized.

FAQs

Do I need to work as an associate before starting my own photography business?
No! It’s one of the fastest way to gain experience, build a portfolio, and learn professional workflows.

Whats the difference between an assistant and an associate photographer?
An assistant offers support during the session or event like moving the bridal dress or carrying gear. An associate photographer photographs full sessions on behalf of the lead photographer or videographer. They are expected to delivery a full RAW gallery to the lead to edit and further deliver to the client.

How does snapsails handle payouts for associates?
Payouts can be tracked and processed directly within the project keeping payments secure and organized. 

The Bottom Line

Learning photography takes practice, patience, and experience. While camera and editing skills are highly important, working alongside experienced photographers as an assistant or associate helps you grow faster and prepare for your own clients and building your business.

Snapsails makes associate work simple, organized, and professional, from communication, to contracts, payouts, and media sharing. 

Try Snapsails for free and experience a better, simpler way to work as an associate photographer or videographer.