Social Strategy – 5 Ways For Introverts To Survive The Intensity Of Networking Events

It’s an age-old struggle: the introvert at the networking event. Luckily, the cards are falling in your favor as there are many tried and tested techniques people have been using for years to network efficiently. While you will probably still feel far from your comfort zone at such events, this can actually be worked to your advantage. Here are five modern methods for getting through a networking event as an introvert.

1. Use Leave-Behinds

Connecting with new contacts doesn’t stop at the networking event. Handing out high-quality corporate gifts is a great way to make a positive impression that lasts as your contacts have something to remember you by. Choose your memento wisely and keep it classy; don’t go for a box of sweets when the event is for the dental health industry, and be sure to choose something small and lightweight. You don’t want your fellow guests to have to struggle around with something heavy or bulky out of politeness. Though, they’d certainly remember you for it!

2. Arrive Early

Being early can seem daunting, but the period before the event starts is actually one of the best times to meet people at any networking function. Everybody is usually a little awkward at the beginning of these things; people are trying to find their places and will look for someone to engage with to help them feel settled. You can easily start a conversation by helping someone find their place. Alternatively, you can be patient and wait for one of the talkers to come to you. This is the time for ice-breaker questions like, “Have you been to one of these before?” and “How did you hear about this?”

3. Join A Group Activity or Communal Setting

An unbelievably easy way to be involved in the group and swap a few names without having to rack your brain for conversation starters is to hang out in an area that’s designed for communal activity. This could be by joining in on a game or going to the area where the food and drinks are being served.

4. Bring A Partner If You Can

Whether it’s a business associate, friend, employee, or your spouse, if you have the opportunity to bring somebody along who you feel comfortable with, you should consider it. The only thing worth noting is that you should be sure your “plus one” is a little bit more open and can help you with introductions or simply be a positive presence. Since you want help in meeting more people, you probably won’t have much luck if you invite somebody who is painfully shy or not interested in socializing.

5. Be True To Yourself

It’s the same advice we give to children who are going into an unfamiliar class for the first time, and you can be sure that it applies to us all in adulthood. Remember the reasons you have for attending these events; are you looking for collaborators? Potential business affiliations? Or tips on working in your industry? Chances are, most other attendees will have similar questions and experiences to you. Nobody is looking for an entertainer, and you do not need to put on a character to connect. Be yourself, remain professional, and be honest in your introductions.

Keep these five tips in mind, and you’ll not only survive your next networking event but thrive. Don’t forget your business cards and a bag or generously sized pockets so you can politely accept business cards from others.

 

Creating a Photography Studio at Home

September 4, 2019

The art of photography has really evolved over the last few years and imagery has become a huge focus in both our personal and professional lives. Having the best Instagram page has become more than just a hobby, and social media has driven individuals to really up their game. This has resulted in an increased demand for professional photographers that can create eye-catching imagery, with the hope that they will go viral.

Becoming a freelance photographer is a viable idea for a business and becoming a freelancer in a creative field is an attractive career path for many. Creating a photography studio at home and investing in some equipment will help you hone in your skills and build an impressive portfolio to send to potential clients. Depending on your subject matter, you may not require that much space, but lighting and backdrops will be important. When you’ve allocated the area you want to dedicate to this new line of work, you’ll need to start converting it into your perfect studio space.

Camera Equipment

A photographer isn’t going to get very far without their camera, so this is probably the best place to start when it comes to spending money, and don’t forget to think of your chosen subject matter when choosing your tools. Will you be focusing your skills on portrait photography or perhaps lean towards product photography and flat lay imagery. Will you invest in a DSLR camera with multiple lenses or test out your skills with more traditional film. A tripod is great for capturing the sharpest images and can also be useful if you want to branch out into videos as well.

Lighting

If your home studio has bad lighting you’ll find it difficult to take a good picture, so take the time to create a professional set up here. Natural light will certainly get you started but won’t always create a professional look, opt for high-powered lamps that can be fitted with modifiers. You’ll need your key light that will be the most prominent in the room, followed by your fill light, which will reduce shadows and decrease the contrast in your picture. You may also want a backlight if you’re subject matter needs some lighting from behind. Your studio space may not have the necessary electrical points to facilitate all this equipment so you may need to search for “handyman services near me” and employ a professional electrician to rewire the room.

Backdrops

Dedicate a wall or corner of your room to place a backdrop for photographic purposes and invest in a professional backdrop to make your imagery really stand out. The most popular choice amongst professionals is a seamless white backdrop, for both model and product photography, as it helps with the editing process later. If you’re on a tight budget you don’t have to invest a lot of money here, a makeshift one will do while you’re getting started, a white cloth could be hung from the ceiling, and large white or textured paper can be placed on a surface for flat lay photography.

Desk Space and Shelving

Desk space will be essential for editing your photos and shelving will be needed to store all of your equipment. Now that photography is embedded into the digital age, a computer with a high-quality screen can be placed here. Not forgetting any props that you’ll start collecting to add any additional elements to your shots, you’ll end up with more equipment than you realize and desk space and shelving will prevent your studio from becoming cluttered. Opt for a large surface area, so you have room to spread out, Ikea offer plenty of desk combinations with drawer space underneath that can be slotted together to create a large corner space and comfortable office chairs to purchase too. You’ll want to create a space you love to sit at as a lot of your creative work will be done here.

Photographic software

There is a lot of photographic software to choose from on the market currently which is great if you don’t have a lot of money to spend, there are even a lot of free applications available that will perform basic editing tasks for you these days. However, if you’re looking to become a real professional in this line of work, your editing software can be a real game-changer and give you an advantage above your competitors. Adobe is a great company to opt for, and they offer monthly subscriptions on a lot of their packages. Photoshop and Lightroom are a must in the photography world, but you could also invest in After Effects if you want to migrate into video as well.

It may sound like there is a lot needed to get you started, but the process of creating a studio will be much simpler than you think. Purchase the basic equipment required to start off with, and before you know it, you’ll have a fully functioning studio at home.

 

How to Stay Healthy on Your Trip to Hawaii

The scrimping and saving is complete, your clothes shopping is done, and you’re almost finished packing. You’re dreaming of sandy beaches, mai tais, and luaus as the sun sets. You have Hawaii on the brain, and it’s almost time to go. While it may be tempting to think about overindulging while on the Big Island (or any of the others), remember that it can bring with it an upset stomach, nausea, or just downright not feeling well. Because you want to enjoy every moment of your trip, you’ll need to find a vacation and wellness balance, but how do you go about that without missing out, or fully throwing away a habitually healthy way of life in the process?

Stay active while sightseeing

The beauty of Hawaii is everywhere, from the minute you touch down on the tarmac or make port on the cruise ship. But if you really want to immerse yourself in it, you’ll want to make sure to pack a pair of hiking boots or tennis shoes. Hawaii is best experienced through adventure, making it a great vacation for those who love working out, or who just need extra incentive to work out. Look for tours that include an activity to get your blood pumping, such as biking down a volcano or hikes through waterfalls (yes, that’s a real thing).

If active volcanos and the wildlife in the forests don’t do it for you, a full-body experience like ziplining or pro surfing lessons might. In general, ziplining will get you up to 35 to 50 miles per hour. While whipping through the canopy of the forest, you’ll have the wind in your face and the weightlessness that comes with the feeling of falling. Make sure to keep your legs and arms in tight so you don’t hurt yourself while passing a tree. Surfing lessons will challenge you to your core, literally. Keeping your core engaged is integral to being able to succeed in surfing. You’ll learn to swim out, stand up, and navigate a wave. By the end of the day, you’ll have had a full-body workout as well as an adventure that you’ll never forget.

Nutrition is key

The best and most important thing you can do for your body is to give it the highest quality food for energy. Loading up on alcohol on a beach day sounds like a party, but the hangover it could bring will mean extra time spent in your room, and not on your epic island adventure. Temper your drinking with plenty of water, or sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Between the sun and the alcohol, you have ample ways to get dehydrated.

Keep in mind that sugar can result in crashes during the day. So instead of constantly seeking out junk food under the guise of, “I’m on vacation!” try Hawaii’s local vegetation or a poke bowl, which consists of raw or cooked fish, various seeds, soy sauce, sweet onions, and sesame oil. Substitute desserts for fruits, and forego coffee in favor of smoothies.

Punch up the nutritional value of your smoothies by bringing along vitamins, especially private label supplements that can be chosen by working with your doctor or certified wellness coach to get the best possible ingredients for your body. This way, even if you can’t always make the healthiest choice, you’ll have something to make up the difference. If your body is happy and healthy through your vacation, you’ll also have an easier time transitioning back to real life once your fantasy trip is sadly over, as well.

While it can seem daunting to make the best choices for yourself while you’re on vacation, the gorgeous string of islands called Hawaii makes it so that the healthiest options only enhance the experience.

 

5 Simple Ways to Find Better-Paying Freelance Writing Jobs

 

Being a freelance writer is fascinating. You’ll enjoy flexibility, increase your knowledge about a vast collection of topics, and have control over your time. While these and many more are the benefits of being a freelance writer, it is vital to note that the pay isn’t going to be lucrative at first especially if you don’t know where to find high paying freelance writing work. On a site like Writezillas.com, for example, you can get more than $1000 to write a dissertation. There are many other sites like this, but before that, you can start getting a steady flow of high paying gigs online.

How To Find High Paying Freelance Writing Jobs Online

1. Create A Professional Website

If you want clients to pay you like a professional, you need to create a website that presents you as a professional. These days, the first thing the clients examine when considering an individual for service is their website. Your website should be designed by a highly skilled web developer. The content on your website should be written in correct English with no typographical or grammatical errors. The website should have a blog that is updated regularly with informative content. It should not always be about direct pitching.

2. Request Referrals From Satisfied Clients

When you have a satisfied client, feel free to ask him or her for referrals. If you met the client on a gig platform, ask them to give you a five-star rating and written feedback. That will help to increase the trust other clients have in your work skills, allowing you to charge higher. If you didn’t meet the client on any gig platform, you could simply ask them to post a testimonial on your website. You don’t need to be afraid to request a referral, especially when your client is satisfied.

3. Contact Clients Directly

One way to reduce the competition is to reach out to clients directly. Contact businesses that may need your services and tell them how they would benefit from having a freelance writer on their team. When a company is convinced that your services will be beneficial, they will be willing to pay anything you ask. There are also many websites that need the services of freelance writers but may not put adverts on job boards.

4. Write Free Guest Posts

This option may sound counterproductive, but it is one of the best ways to build your reputation and establish yourself in your niche. When your content is spectacular, individuals and groups that need writing services will contact you. To increase your chances of making more money by guest blogging for free, aim for high authority sites that get thousands of users daily. Remember that the higher the quality of your guest post, the higher the chances of being contacted by a client.

5. Build Your Network With Other Writers

The fact that you’re a freelance writer doesn’t mean you need to be a lone wolf. You can build your network with other writers rather than always see them as competitors. There are many social media groups for freelance writers you can visit to build your network. Join as many as you can, and be willing to exchange ideas with them. They can give you tips on how to get high paying gigs. Make sure that you’re not always at the receiving end of information. Be willing to contribute meaningfully in every group.

Conclusion

Being a freelance writer is profitable, but keep in mind that you’re not going to start getting high paying jobs overnight. You need to devote time and effort to create a name for yourself in the industry. Also, make sure that you are always ready to learn and improve your skills. It may not happen tomorrow, next week, or next month. However, you will eventually become a writer who never has to look for clients.

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Why People Travel to the Seven Wonders of the World

If you’re curious about why so many people are interested in visiting each of the modern 7 wonders of the world as well as the remains of the historical counterparts, simply continue reading to discover what makes both lists of world-famous attractions so special and how you to can visit these places with companies like JustFly.

Why People Travel to the Seven Wonders of the World:

1. To marvel at some of the greatest structures which were built by mankind

One of the key reasons why so many individuals plan to visit some of the 7wonders of our world is to marvel at some of the great ancient structures which were built by mankind and which are still standing to this day. It’s incredible to think that there are still remnants of major man-made buildings which are still standing thousands of years after they were originally built.

As an example, while you may not be able to visit the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria or the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, you can still visit the famous Pyramids of Giza and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.

Some of the modern locations, which also highlight the ingenuity of mankind include Macchu Picchu, which is an ancient city which is located in the mountains of Peru and the impressive Great Wall, which is located in China.The latter of which is 21.2 million meters long.

2. To learn about cultures which have had a great influence over the world

You may have noticed that most of the country’s which boast one of the ancient or modern wonders, once had a huge influential on the world and helped shape modern day society. As an example, the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria was located in Egypt and the ancient Egyptian empire was highly influential during the height of its power.

As another example, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis are located in Ephesus in Turkey, which was once a powerful civilization which was often at war with another classical powerhouse Greece.

Even if you take a quick look at the country’s which boast modernwonders such as China, which is home to the Great Wall, you’ll see that each country also had a profound impact on the world.

3. To achieve a challenging goal that few individuals actually complete

Other individuals who hope to visit all seven locations, may do so in order to feel a sense of personal pride and achievement and to achieve a goal that the majority of individuals, will never tick off their bucket list. Such individuals tend to have a keen thirst for adventure and are excited about the idea of visiting exotic locales around the world to view some of the most awe-inspiring sites that have ever been built.

As an added challenge regardless of whether you’re more interested in visiting the 7 ancient sites or the 7 modern sites, you may get to travel to destinations which you might not otherwise travel to. As an example, some individuals wouldn’t travel to Turkey or Egypt, without trying to visit the 7 ancient sites.

4. To visit multiple continents on an epic worldwide journey

One reason to travel to all 7 modern attractions is to embark on a worldwide trip which will take you to multiple continents. As an example, the Coliseum is located in Europe, while the impressive Taj Mahal is located in Agra in India. Which is part of Asia. North America is also represented as Chichen Itza is one of the new wonders and is located in Mexico.

So if you’re keen to embark on a long worldwide tour, it’s well worth using the seven ancient or new wonders as a great starting point, to start planning your dream trip around the world.

5. To bond with loved ones

Lastly, some individuals plan to tick off all seven sites in order to bond with their partner, spouse, family or friends. As when you travel to multiple continents around the world with your loved ones, you’ll share incredible memories that will last a lifetime and which will be much more precious than any material item which you could buy.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of why so many individuals set themselves a goal of visiting the seven awe-inspiring sites. All of which are well worth visiting on an epic world wide adventure.

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How to Plan Your Trip Abroad without All of the Hassle

There are a few reasons why some people refuse to plan trips abroad, with one of the biggest being the amount of stress that goes into planning the trip. Without a doubt, having to plan a journey at short notice is often a recipe for disaster. However, it does not have to be a miserable time during the planning process. As a matter of fact, it does not ever have to be a frustrating or stressful experience.

Planning a trip abroad is not something to be taken lightly, which is why precautions are required no matter the country you visit. Here are tips that can help you plan your trip abroad without all of the hassle often associated with international travel.

The amount of stress you experience depends on how early you book a flight

While there is nothing wrong with booking a trip a month or two ahead, it makes everything needlessly complicated. With the amount of stress that comes with such an endeavour, it is no wonder that many people tend to associate fear and anxiety with trips abroad. Instead, it would be best to book a flight as early as you possibly can. While it does not need to be said how much it benefits you to prepare as soon as you can, it is vital to keep in mind that you will be giving yourself as much time as you need to make preparations.

Not every trip is going to be easy – but it does not have to be a stressful experience either. By planning several months ahead, you are giving yourself the best chance of minimising stress.

Booking early allows you to take advantage of airfare promotions

One of the best parts about planning ahead and booking a trip several months in advance is you get a number of options you would not have been able to benefit from otherwise. Some areas in the world can get quite expensive depending on the time of year, but you can circumvent the issue by booking a flight up to a year in advance. While the time you have to prepare depends on the situation, booking at the earliest possible opportunity gives you access to numerous great deals, and makes things such as ucompare.ie travel insurance much more manageable.

Take steps to make the trip safer and more enjoyable for yourself

For example, if you happen to suffer from any food allergies, it would be unwise not to stock up on the right medication before your trip. Perhaps the area you are visiting might be prone to health issues that you could be vulnerable to. Understanding the risks of your destination allows you to make contingency plans, such as receiving vaccines.

As an honourable mention, if you have hobbies that include video gaming, it would be a good idea to bring a portable gaming device to make the downtime between travel less tedious. Following the steps above ensures that you can plan your trip hassle-free.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-camera-old-retro-holds-549154/

 

Smart TV – 5 Notable Advantages

 

Not unlike how the bulky CRT television sets paved the way for the sleeker LCDs as well as LED variants, smart TVs have become the new trend in home entertainment today. After all, not only do they enable their users to access the internet through their built-in software but in doing so, limitations such as programme schedules and restrictions by television networks are rendered non-existent. And in this article, we will discuss the notable advantages that these types of TVs have over the alternatives and how they can vastly improve our entertainment experience.

  1. Internet connectivity

If there is one feature that defines a Smart TV, it is its ability to allow its users to go online. Whether you choose to connect to the internet either through Ethernet or Wi-Fi, the online connectivity that the platform offers provides a number of advantages that include, but aren’t necessarily limited to, video streaming from popular media providers, uploading content of your own and listening to music.

  1. Convenience in minimalism

Another advantage that smart televisions boast over other alternatives is the minimalistic approach in design. Since the technology that it offers its users is all built into the TV itself, the need for additional and external devices as well as peripherals becomes unnecessary. In this way, a smart TV is not only a cost-effective option, but it will also help keep your entertainment centre neat and organised too.

  1. Ease of use

With its wide range of features, you might think that navigating its interface can be a time-consuming and tedious task. But the fact of the matter is that nothing could be farther from the truth. From voice-assisted tools to mobile connectivity services, using a smart TV is easy for both tech-savvy individuals and laymen alike.

  1. Affordability

Despite the advanced technology that powers most smart TVs, these products aren’t as expensive as some might think. In fact, they’re relatively inexpensive and affordable to own. With a staggering number of available models offered at a wide range of prices, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find a smart TV that will enhance your viewing pleasure at a price that you’ll be more than happy to pay.

  1. Longevity

It’s an unavoidable reality for any electronic product to be replaced with newer variants, and televisions are no exception. But with constant development and updates in the software they use such as applications by fx digital, smart TVs offer users long-term entertainment when compared to their non-smart counterparts.

Even with the sheer popularity of mobile technology in the market today, televisions remain as relevant now as they ever have been in the past due in no small part to smart TVs. After all, they offer a lot of features and functionalities that significantly improve the user entertainment experience. And with plenty of available options, they are as easy to find as they are cheap to purchase. So, for those in the market for a new television set, you can do no better than a smart TV.

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Collaborative Coworking – How To Network Effectively In Shared Office Space

 

The idea of networking and putting yourself out there can often be a daunting thought for entrepreneurs and business owners. You might be worried about saying the wrong thing, not saying enough or not looking knowledgable or professional. However, it’s important to remember that networking is really all about talking and being social. If you are a social person in your personal life, networking in a business context will come to you very naturally. On the other hand, if you are more introverted, it might take a little more work but it doesn’t have to be a miserable experience.

Networking, making new connections and communicating with those in your industry, is necessary to get ahead in business and something you need to take seriously to succeed in business. Collaborative coworking spaces are an amazing resource, not only for regular everyday office work but to broaden your network and make more connections. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when using these spaces, in terms of what is acceptable and what isn’t.

Continue reading to learn how you can network effectively in shared office spaces and make meaningful connections to help your business to be more successful.

Show Respect

Coworking communities are often made up of a diverse group of international people and everyone in the space will have different expectations in terms of how they show respect for themselves and others. To be able to communicate effectively with the other people in the space, it’s important to be aware of these subtle differences. It’s crucial that you treat others as you would want to be treated. This means being aware of personal boundaries, cultural differences, and respecting people’s workspace. No one is going to like someone who invades their space without being invited, so show people respect by keeping the proper distance at the right times.

When you are working in a shared space, you need to make sure you clean up after yourself and that you are respectful of your surroundings, as well as the people you share the space with. Respect breeds more respect and your fellow coworkers will take note of your efforts and be more likely to connect with you when you reach out to try and connect.

Use Online Tools

Premium coworking spaces will have a huge online presence that you can tap into and take advantage of when it comes to building your network. Some of the larger providers have upwards of 50,000 members registered to their online community or social network. These big numbers mean more that there are more networking opportunities within these communities that can benefit your business.

You can utilise these communities to get advice on all things business related, to share your own knowledge, and even create opportunities for joint projects. Access to a global network of like-minded people can open up doors for an up and coming entrepreneurs to expand their reach and grow their business.

Be Friendly and Offer Help When Needed

Networking in business does not have to be an overly-complicated task. Essentially, you just need to be kind to those around you and engage with the people around you in a positive way. Saying hello or offering a hand with a simple task is a great icebreaker for potential networking opportunities. People will see that you are easy to approach and helpful and it will go a long way in helping your social standing in the coworking space. Never underestimate the power of a smile and always be friendly and helpful when you have the opportunity to do so.

Reach Out, Connect And Collaborate

One of the major benefits of a premium coworking space

is to bring people together in the business community, allowing them to work side-by-side and connect in a meaningful way. Networking opportunities in coworking space are abundant but you need to have the confidence to reach out and connect with those that you share the space with. It’s important that you do whatever you can to survive and grow in the business world as competition in the market place is as fierce as ever. Connecting with the right people can help you to find collaborations that can lead to your business thriving in the near future.

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What Not to Miss During Your Wedding Vacation in Iceland

June 27, 2019

What could be more exciting than a destination wedding? Not only is it the most magical time of your life, but you’ll also make a vacation out of it. Though some only consider tropical islands and sunny beaches as their top picks for a destination wedding, there are plenty of reasons to consider a trip to Iceland. Full of culture and history, this European hotspot is rife with scenic views, stunning vistas, and excitement at every corner. So whether you’re meeting with a wedding planner or are simply looking to spice up the big day, here’s what needs to be on your travel itinerary. 

A stroll along the beach

While there’s no shortage of iconic landscapes dotting all around Iceland, there’s one in particular that makes for a particularly stunning wedding venue. Remember those tropical beaches everyone else goes to? How about you shake things up on your Iceland destination wedding and choose a black sand beach that will take your breath away, not to mention make for some absolutely gorgeous photos? 

Reynisfjara Beach is on the southern coast of Iceland. It’s a little less than a hop, skip, and a jump away from the picturesque town of Vik. On top of that, it’s an absolute dream. While one of the biggest draws is the inspiring black sand, it also plays host to three mysteriously engaging sea stacks just off the coast. Reynisfjara Beach is an excellent spot to take a few unforgettable wedding photos and would make for a breathtaking ceremony, as well. Though it’s a big draw for tourists, there are plenty of times throughout any given day to steal a few private moments.

Waterfalls and cliffs galore

If a beach is not quite your style, consider a few choice spots in front of some of the most appealing natural landmarks in all of Europe. From hidden waterfalls to lovely, rocky cliffs, Iceland has no shortage of picturesque backdrops for the big day. Look into some of the private waterfalls that dot the countryside. A majority of Iceland is privately owned land which means no tourist interference, photobombs, or awkward moments on your big day. Many of the locals are more than willing to host guests on their land for wedding days, and some actively invite it. 

Want a seaside view that can’t be beat? Consider taking a visit to Dyrholaey Cliff. While there are plenty of ropes and other implements to protect the vast swath of tourists that visit on any given day, there are still plenty of spots around the sea cliffs where you can get some National Geographic-worthy photos.  

Foodies rejoice

If you’re into seeking out the hottest eateries and greatest culinary experiences, you’re going to feel right at home in Iceland. Sometimes, European food gets a strange reputation, but many of the top restaurants in the country are out to dispel that stereotype. From the local seafood favorite Messinn in Reykjavik to Apotek, the cuisine in Iceland isn’t to be understated. 

For the fine dining-inclined, there’s no better spot than the Grillmarket. Also in Reykjavik, this foodie hotspot is the talk of the town. From the succulent beef tataki to the incomparable charcoal-grilled ocean perch, the menu is full of exciting flavors and unique approaches to regional cuisine that truly leave an impact. 

If you’re at all interested in a destination wedding, you can’t go wrong with an excursion over to Iceland. Not only is the country home to some of the most visually-compelling locales on the planet, but the food scene is mouthwatering, to say the least. Though warm beaches and palm trees may seem like the norm, consider the unexpected and plan your destination wedding in the beautiful country of Iceland.

4 Tips for Aspiring Professional Photographers

If you want to be a photographer, starting can be overwhelming. You can do  some things that will put you in the right position to make a career out of this fun activity. A bunch of little things go into being a great professional photographer. Here is a guide to set yourself up for success

Do your research and purchase a quality photography starting kit 

The first thing you will need, obviously, is equipment to get the job done. There is a high cost of entry into photography, so make sure you are saving up and making an educated decision. You will want to save up to have the money to buy excellent starter equipment that you can use for years. This will be worth far more than just buying any normal camera. Look on some photographer forums and find the best camera that is in your price range. Make sure to reach out to other professional photographers, as well, to get their opinion. 

Canon and Nikon both have quality cameras that you can’t really go wrong with. The price might be high, but it will pay off once you have clients pouring in. 

Think ahead about the elements when shooting photos 

Being a photographer means having to deal with a lot of outside factors such as weather. If you are shooting engagement photos or family photos, make sure you are on top of the best time to shoot and the best day. Sunrise and sunset always have the best lighting, which is known among photographers. Plan out your shoots meticulously so that you don’t run into rain or bad lighting. 

If you are shooting in the elements, always come prepared. Bring an umbrella as well as a raincoat just in case. When shooting on a sunny day, you will definitely need some designer prescription sunglasses so that you can see clearly while not being blinded by the sun! 

Practice with friends and family, then start a client base 

Before signing with clients, you will need some trial runs. If you have a family member getting engaged, ask if you can do their engagement photos for free. Obviously, you won’t want to work for free after you practice. This is a way to benefit them and get in some practice. Doing a few practice shoots with friends will build your confidence and give you some photos for your portfolio. After this step, you’ll start deciding on a pricing structure and business model for your work. 

Have a portfolio website 

People aren’t just going to blindly hire you without a portfolio — that is the bottom line. You might be able to start out getting friends and family to hire you, but eventually you will need to collect your best photographs and create a website. It doesn’t have to be anything too time-consuming, but you will need to go through your photos and find the best ones. 

Store all the photos you take on a cloud photo storage platform. You never know when you will want to switch up your website or send sample photographs to clients. Storing your photos also gives you a backup in case clients lose their copies. The fun part is that storing photos helps you to see your progress over time as a photographer. 

A career as a professional photographer is a lot of hustle, but also a lot of fun. You get to meet people and capture their lives in a way that they can cherish forever. Kick-start this fulfilling career with these tips, and you will be sure to be happy with the results. 

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