Life Behind the Camera: A Day in the Life of a Photographer

tiltedframephotography
Jan 26
3 min read

Updated: Feb 5

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a photographer for a living, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I receive. Many people think photography is simply about showing up with a camera and taking pictures. However, there’s so much more happening behind the scenes.

I’m Greg, a Colorado-based photographer and small business owner. In this post, I’ll share what life behind the camera really looks like. Plus, I’ll provide tips on how you can start learning photography now, even if you’re just beginning.

Photographer and Business Owner, Greg Benskin

What Does a Photographer Actually Do?

Photography is a blend of creativity, people skills, and problem-solving. Depending on the day, I might be photographing:

Couples and engagement sessions
Elopements in the mountains
Weddings and celebrations
Family and portrait sessions

But taking photos is only one part of the job. Behind the camera, I’m also engaged in various tasks, such as:

Planning sessions and timelines
Helping clients feel comfortable and confident
Editing photos on the computer
Organizing files and backing everything up
Answering emails and scheduling
Updating my website and social media
Managing the business side (contracts, invoices, marketing)

A photographer isn’t just an artist; they’re also a small business owner.

Happy newly married couple holding each other on a fall-colored bridge.

What a “Typical Day” Can Look Like

No two days are exactly the same, but here’s what a real photography day might include:

Before the Session

Checking the weather and lighting
Charging camera batteries
Packing lenses and gear
Planning the location and shot ideas
Communicating with the client

During the Session

Giving direction and posing help
Watching for good light and natural moments
Capturing a mix of wide shots and close-ups
Making sure people feel relaxed and confident

After the Session

Uploading photos and backing them up
Sorting and selecting the best images
Editing for color, lighting, and consistency
Delivering a final gallery to the client

A lot of the work happens after the photos are taken. That’s where the magic comes together.

Photographer holding camera during event

Skills That Help You Succeed in Photography

You don’t have to be “born creative” to be a photographer. Skills can be learned and improved with practice. Here are some essential skills that can help you succeed:

Creativity: This is vital for capturing unique moments.
Communication: Being able to connect with clients is crucial.
Technical Knowledge: Understanding your equipment is key.
Editing Skills: Post-processing can elevate your work.
Organization: Keeping track of files and schedules is important.

Storage, batteries, camera, and other equipment

Tools Photographers Use (It’s Not Just the Camera)

A camera is important, but it’s only part of the toolkit. Here are some tools I use regularly:

A camera body and multiple lenses
Memory cards and external backups
Editing software
Lighting tools (sometimes)
A calendar and scheduling system
A website to showcase work and book clients

One of the biggest lessons in photography is learning how to be prepared. Once a moment is gone, you can’t always recreate it.

Fun Facts About Photography (That Most People Don’t Realize)

Here are a few behind-the-scenes facts about photography:

A 1-hour session can create hundreds of photos.
A wedding day can easily result in 3,000+ photos.
Editing a wedding can take 20–30 hours.
The hardest part of photography often isn’t the camera; it’s making people feel comfortable and confident.

The camera captures the moment, but the photographer creates the experience.

Photographer taking photos during wedding ceremony

How to Start Photography (Even If You’re a Beginner)

If you’re interested in photography, the best time to start is now. Here are a few simple ways to begin:

1. Start with What You Have

You don’t need a fancy camera. You can learn a lot with a phone. Practice with:

Portraits of friends and family
Pets
Nature
Sunsets and landscapes

2. Learn Light First

Light is everything in photography. Try taking the same photo in different conditions:

Inside vs. outside
Morning vs. sunset
Shade vs. direct sunlight

You’ll instantly see the difference.

Couple looking at mountain view together

What I Love Most About Photography

Photography allows me to do something meaningful: capture real moments for people to cherish for years. Whether it’s a wedding, a couple session, or a family session, it’s always about more than just a picture. It’s about preserving a feeling, a connection, and a memory.

And the coolest part? This career started the same way most things do: with curiosity, practice, and taking the first step.