How to Get Noticed as a Photographer

Last updated on September 12th, 2024 at 04:24 pm

So, your dream is to be a famous photographer …?

Breaking into the world of professional photography can be daunting, but every famous photographer started somewhere, right?

Take Annie Leibovitz, for example—now one of the most iconic photographers of our time. She began her career with small, humble assignments at Rolling Stone. She built her reputation and career over time by developing her signature style and capturing striking, intimate moments.

Leibovitz’s story perfectly shows how dedication, creativity, and the right strategies can help you stand out in a competitive field.

Here are 10 tips inspired by Annie and other successful photographers on how to get noticed:

1. Develop a Unique Style
Just as Leibovitz became known for her intimate and iconic celebrity portraits, you should aim to create a style that makes your work recognizable. Consistency in your visual identity will set you apart.

2. Master Social Media
Today’s photographers can harness platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Pinterest to reach global audiences. Share your work regularly and engage with followers to build a following. Leibovitz may not have had Instagram, but her early work for small publications like Rolling Stone built her exposure—now, social media plays a similar role.

3. Build a Strong Portfolio Website
Your website is your digital portfolio. Annie Leibovitz’s breakthrough moments were printed in magazines, but in today’s world, a well-curated online portfolio can serve the same purpose—showcasing your very best work to potential clients.

4. Network Within the Industry
Attending workshops, photography exhibits, and networking events opens doors. Leibovitz’s connections with editors and creative directors helped her land opportunities with Vanity Fair and Vogue. Building relationships is still a vital part of a photographer’s growth today.

5. Offer Free or Discounted Shoots (at First)
Leibovitz worked on smaller assignments early in her career, building her portfolio and credibility. Offering free or discounted shoots can help you do the same, giving you more experience and a portfolio that attracts bigger clients.

6. Get Published
Getting your work into magazines or websites can provide career-defining exposure, just as Leibovitz’s early work with Rolling Stone brought her into the spotlight. Submitting to small, local publications, blogs, and contests can similarly elevate your visibility. Often, community magazines need photographers, and it’s a great way to get your work noticed.

7. Participate in Photo Contests
Competitions can boost your career by bringing recognition. Like Leibovitz’s breakthrough cover with John Lennon, winning or placing in competitions can make your work known to a larger audience, leading to more opportunities.

Here is a list of 9 great contests:

• Sony World Photography Awards (Open Competition)
One of the largest and most prestigious photography competitions, the Sony World Photography Awards has an Open Competition specifically for amateur photographers. It covers various categories, such as Portraiture, Landscape, and Architecture, allowing you to showcase your work on a global platform.
Why it’s great: Winning or being shortlisted can provide significant exposure; winners are often featured in exhibitions and publications.

• International Photography Awards (IPA)
The IPA has a Non-Professional/Amateur category, offering amateur photographers the chance to compete in different genres, from fine art to advertising. Winners gain global recognition and often have their work displayed in international exhibitions.
Why it’s great: A win here can boost your credibility, and winners are invited to the annual Lucie Awards gala.

• National Geographic Photo Contest
Known for stunning photography, the National Geographic Photo Contest is a dream for many. While it’s open to photographers of all levels, amateurs can gain major exposure if their work is selected. The contest typically features categories like Nature, Cities, and People.
Why it’s great: National Geographic’s platform offers massive exposure, and the contest has a reputation for discovering exceptional new talent.

• The Nikon Photo Contest
Nikon runs an annual contest open to photographers worldwide, including a category for amateurs. It covers a wide variety of photography styles, including single photos, photo series, and videos.
Why it’s great: Winners receive cash prizes and are featured on Nikon’s global platforms, with opportunities to showcase work in international exhibitions.

• Photographer’s Forum Annual Photo Contest
This contest, specifically designed for emerging photographers, offers student and amateur photographers categories. The winners are featured in Photographer’s Forum Magazine, a publication widely read by photography enthusiasts and professionals.
Why it’s great: It’s a perfect entry point for amateurs to get noticed, especially if you’re still building your portfolio.

• LensCulture Emerging Talent Awards
LensCulture is a well-known photography community and platform. Their Emerging Talent Awards specifically highlight up-and-coming photographers from around the world, giving amateur photographers a chance to shine. Winning work is featured on the LensCulture platform and often included in exhibitions.
Why it’s great: LensCulture has an established reputation in photography, and their contests often lead to significant exposure.

• The International Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards
If you’re passionate about landscape photography, this contest is a fantastic way to gain recognition. It’s open to both amateurs and professionals, and the top images are published in an annual book, providing further visibility.
Why it’s great: Landscape photography enthusiasts can gain exposure in an international arena, and the publication offers a way for your work to be seen by top professionals.

• Monochrome Photography Awards
For those specializing in black-and-white photography, the Monochrome Awards allow amateurs to compete in categories like portrait, wildlife, architecture, and street photography.
Why it’s great: Winners get featured in the Monochrome Awards Annual Book, which can boost your profile among black-and-white photography aficionados.

• Agora Images Photo Contest
Agora Images is an app-based platform that runs regular themed photography contests open to photographers of all levels. Entries are voted on by the community, giving amateurs a chance to gain recognition quickly.
Why it’s great: The platform allows you to enter many contests with themes ranging from portrait to travel photography, offering many opportunities to get noticed.

8. Focus on Storytelling
Leibovitz became renowned for her ability to tell a story through a single image. Whether it’s fashion, landscape, or event photography, storytelling makes your work memorable and shareable—an essential part of getting noticed.

9. Collaborate with Other Creatives
Working with models, designers, or other photographers allows you to create unique, dynamic work. Leibovitz often collaborated with artists and celebrities, which gave her photos even more depth and cultural relevance.

10. Invest in Continued Education
Even established photographers like Leibovitz continue to refine their craft. Stay up to date with the latest techniques, technology, and trends through workshops and courses to maintain a competitive edge.

Leibovitz’s rise from small assignments to photographing world leaders and celebrities shows that photographers can make their mark with the right mix of creativity, persistence, and business savvy. I hope these tips will encourage you to keep practicing your craft and help you navigate your path to success.

Just don’t let your talent go unnoticed!

Remy Gervais

Remy Gervais is an EMyth Coach,  Trainer, and Development Manager who spends her free time living her photography dream in the San Francisco Bay area.