So What Is A Niche?

A Niche -according to Urban Dictionary - is a position or activity that particularly suits somebody's talents and personality or that somebody can make his or her own. Your photography niche is the aspect of photography that specialize in, usually because you’ve developed a high level of skill surrounding it and you excel at it. If you’re not looking to go professional, you probably don’t need a niche. But even at that, sooner or later you’ll eventually gravitate to what you enjoy shooting (hopefully after trying lots of niches), and then you’ll eventually find your niche. Probably. If on the other hand, you want to go professional, then having a niche is a definite must. Here's why.

Why Should I Choose A Niche?

A lot of people assume that when it comes to photography, photographers are usually experts in all forms of photography. They aren't. Like the saying goes, "Jack of all trades, master of none". All great photographers all have a particular niche they specialize in. Focusing on all niches (generality) at the same time will most likely leave your work superficial. It will hold you back more often than not. In photography (and in business generally), your niche is your brand; the way you are recognized. Finding a niche will effectively take your photography an extra mile because focusing on one discipline eliminates the background noise, enabling you differentiate yourself and your work from the crowd.

How Do I Find My Niche?

There are over a hundred photography niches out there. Picking out one to specialize in may look like a daunting task. It really isn't. Try out a lot of niches with particular focus on what you love; event photography, sports photography, stock photography, portrait photography etc. Understanding the various niches will aid you pick out an area you love. BUT the fact that you enjoy doing something doesn't mean you're good at it. Determine what niche you excel at and commit to becoming great at it. Follow your talent and not your passion. Build on your talent. Practice will take you from good to great and ultimately, you will able to shape your photography career and specialty to focus in the aspects you enjoy most. Your niche doesn't have to be one type of photography, it could be several types because your niche in photography will most likely grow, shrink and evolve as a photographer. And most importantly, stay true to yourself. If recognition is your focus, find loopholes and move to fill them as fast as possible, dissecting your way through the crowd. If your market is saturated, you can choose to be different and go for style of photography where there is demand that isn't being serviced and go for it. And when you do finally settle for a niche, educate yourself on the niche, practice a lot and find a creative community for the occasional burst of inspiration from time to time and also to stay in touch with current trends in your niche.
[Culled from TheToksPhotography Blog]