Behind the Camera: What It’s Really Like to Be a Photographer (and Run Your Own Business)

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 get.

A lot of people think photography is just showing up with a camera and taking pictures… but there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes.

I’m Greg, a Colorado-based photographer and small business owner, and this is what life behind the camera really looks like — plus how you can start learning photography now, even if you’re just beginning.

What Does a Photographer Actually Do?

Photography is part creativity, part people skills, and part 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 doing things like:

• 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

• running the business side (contracts, invoices, marketing)

  
  

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

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 — and that’s where the magic comes together.

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 the biggest skills that help:

Creativity

Seeing interesting angles, backgrounds, and light.

Communication

Helping people feel comfortable and giving clear direction.

Confidence

Taking leadership during a session (even when you’re nervous).

Problem-solving

Adjusting when it’s cloudy, windy, dark, or chaotic.

Patience

Especially when working with groups, kids, or fast-paced events.

Organization

Keeping track of photos, schedules, backups, and deadlines.

Tech skills

Learning editing software, cameras, and file management.

Photography is a mix of art and real-world skills.

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 + multiple lenses

• memory cards and external backups

• editing software

• lighting tools (sometimes)

• a calendar and scheduling system

• a website to show work and book clients

  
  

One of the biggest lessons in photography is learning how to be prepared — because 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:

• A 1-hour session can create hundreds of photos

• A wedding day can easily be 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.

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:

• portraits of friends and family

• pets

• nature

• sunsets and landscapes

  
  

2. Learn light first

Light is everything in photography.

Try taking the same photo:

• inside vs outside

• morning vs sunset

• shade vs direct sunlight

You’ll instantly see the difference.

3. Take a LOT of photos

The fastest way to improve is repetition.

Don’t wait until you feel “good enough.”Your skill grows through practice.

4. Study photos you love

Look at images and ask:

• What makes this photo feel special?

• Where is the light coming from?

• Is it a wide shot or a close-up?

• What emotion does it show?

5. Try editing

Editing is part of photography.

Even basic editing teaches you:

• brightness and contrast

• color tone

• consistency

• storytelling

What I Love Most About Photography

Photography lets me do something meaningful: capture real moments for people to look back on 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 start…

With curiosity, practice, and taking the first step.

Want to See More?

If you want to see more of my work, learn more about photography, or just follow along behind the scenes, you can find me here:

Website: www.tiltedframephotography.com

Facebook & Instagram: @tiltedframedesigns

Thanks for stopping by — and if you’re interested in photography, keep creating. You never know where it could lead.

Stay Inspired,

Your Photographer - Greg

Tilted Frame Photography & Design, LLC

www.tiltedframephotography.com