How to become a professional photographer - 4 things to keep in mind [PART 1: The Camera]

The Business of Photography
Written By Javier Rueda
young man taking a photo

As a professional photographer with years of experience across various projects in photography and video, I’ve learned a lot from trial and error. I love technology and gadgets, but not every idea I pursued turned out to be practical—or affordable.

If I were starting from scratch today, here’s what I’d focus on. These insights come from my personal journey and are the foundation of Frame Off Mind—a space I’ve created for sharing experiences that might inspire or guide others. While this isn’t a definitive guide, I hope that at the very least, you’ll find value in it.

With all that said, let’s dive into the four essentials for launching your career as a professional photographer: cameras, lenses, accessories, and your portfolio.

The Camera

Many people believe they need the best gear to succeed as a photographer, but that’s simply not true. Your camera is your primary tool, so it should feel like an extension of yourself. These days, almost any camera can capture stunning photos—anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t being truthful. So, the decision goes beyond technical specs—budget aside, of course.

My advice? Choose a camera that feels comfortable and enjoyable to use. It could be one you find attractive or simply fits well in your hands—what matters is knowing it inside out. Many professionals stick with older models because they’re familiar and confident with them, even when newer models are available.

Your photography style may also influence your choice. For example, if you’re a travel photographer, factors like weight or weather resistance might be critical.

As for technical details, one thing to always keep in mind is the camera sensor. This component captures light and converts it into your photo or video. When considering sensors, focus on two key aspects: size and resolution.

Let’s break down the three most common sensor sizes.

    • Size: Matches 35mm film (36x24mm).

    • Pros: Superior low-light performance, shallow depth of field (great bokeh).

    • Cons: Larger, heavier, and pricier.

    • Best For: Landscapes, portraits, and low-light photography.

    • Size: Smaller than Full Frame (~22x15mm).

    • Pros: Compact, affordable, with a crop factor (1.5x/1.6x) ideal for sports and wildlife.

    • Cons: Slightly reduced image quality and low-light performance, less pronounced bokeh.

    • Best For: Travel, street, and nature photography.

    • Size: Smallest of the three (~17x13mm).

    • Pros: Extremely portable, lightweight, and budget-friendly lenses.

    • Cons: Lower image quality and low-light capability compared to larger sensors.

    • Best For: Travel, video, and situations requiring portability and deep focus.

Camera sensor size comparison

Summary:

Full Frame: Top image quality and bokeh; bulkier and pricier.

APS-C: Balanced quality, portability, and price.

Micro 4/3: Best for portability and versatility, with trade-offs in low-light performance

Having covered all this, let’s meet Mike and Eve, two photographers choosing a new camera today. Here are my recommendations for each one of them (one camera per-sensor size and as of January 2025):

Mike

Mike creates content for brands, shoots social media material, and covers events like weddings. He needs a lightweight, versatile camera he can carry for long hours.

Budget: Up to €1,500

Budget: Up to €3,000


Eve

Eve specializes in architecture and real estate photography, with work often featured in print. She relies on a tripod, prioritizing precision and image quality.

Budget: Up to €1,500

Budget: Up to €3,000

“Choose a camera that feels comfortable and intuitive to use—it’s not just about technical specs. Once you’ve found the right one, we can move to selecting the right lens!”

 Now that you have the camera, let’s choose some lenses!

Javier Rueda
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How to become a professional photographer - 4 things to keep in mind [PART 2: The lens kit]