3 Tips For How to be a Successful Professional Photographer
![In today's video I wanted to share with you 3 key strategies for building a successful photography business. While I am coming at this from the perspective of a commercial photographer, I think the advice will ring true regardless of your genre.](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2022/01/success_thumbnail564.jpg)
In today’s video I wanted to share with you 3 key strategies for building a successful photography business. While I am coming at this from the perspective of a commercial photographer, I think the advice will ring true regardless of your genre.
How I overcame major challenges and setbacks to become a successful commercial photographer
![When I was 14 year's old I wanted to be a lawyer or a naval officer and then I borrowed my mom's camera and went to summer camp. Having that point-and-shoot in my hands gave me a reason to walk up to new people and make friends, something I couldn't do at my school because the die was cast for this poor and overweight kid. I quickly realized photography was for me and I set out to make it my career, overcoming some big hurdles along the way as I transitioned from photojournalism to become a commercial photographer.](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2021/09/lifestory1200-720x405.jpg)
When I was 14 year’s old I wanted to be a lawyer or a naval officer and then I borrowed my mom’s camera and went to summer camp. Having that point-and-shoot in my hands gave me a reason to walk up to new people and make friends, something I couldn’t do at my school because the die was cast for this poor and overweight kid. I quickly realized photography was for me and I set out to make it my career, overcoming some big hurdles along the way as I transitioned from photojournalism to become a commercial photographer.
Member Exclusive: Speaking at and attending WPPI 2021 in Las Vegas
![WPPI 2021: Speaking and attending this year's convention in Las Vegas](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2021/08/thumbnail1200-720x404.jpg)
In this VLOG I take you along with me to this year’s convention in Las Vegas, including taking you behind-the-scenes and introducing you to some of my dear friends.
Member Exclusive: Moving Studios – Tour my vacant photography studio and learn how I plan to set it up!
![Moving Studios](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2021/07/thumb1200-720x405.jpg)
For most of my career I have had a live/work space, but after buying a house I was forced to look for a stand alone photo studio.
How to start making money as a photographer
![Today's video gives an over view on how photographers can start building their business and making money with their camera.](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2021/05/makemoneythumbnail_1200-720x406.jpg)
Today’s video gives an over view on how photographers can start building their business and making money with their camera.