My Black Christian History: Before the Chains Sermons

Sermon Series Title: " My Black Christian History: Before the Chains"

 

Sermon 1: "My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith" (February 4)

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

Theme: Exploring the early foundations of faith in African history, drawing parallels with the biblical narrative of Abraham's journey of faith.

 

Sermon 2: "My Black Christian History: Wisdom of Ethiopia" (February 11)

Scripture: 1 Kings 10:1-10

Theme: Examining the historical and biblical significance of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon, emphasizing the wisdom and contributions of African civilizations.

 

Sermon 3: "My Black Christian History: Philip African Evangelism" (February 18)

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Theme: Delving into the story of the Ethiopian eunuch and highlighting the early spread of Christianity in Africa through disciples like him.

 

 

Sermon 4: "My Black Christian History: African Church Fathers" (February 25)

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-17

Theme: Exploring the lives and contributions of early African Church Fathers, such as Augustine of Hippo and Athanasius, in shaping Christian theology.

 

 

Title: "My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith" (February 4)

 

Introduction:

Good morning/afternoon/evening, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the rich tapestry of our Black Christian history, seeking inspiration from the roots of our faith. Our Scripture today is from Genesis 15:1-6, where we encounter the patriarch Abraham and draw parallels between his journey of faith and the early foundations of faith in African history.

 

Point 1: God's Promises in the Midst of Uncertainty

In Genesis 15:1-6, we find Abraham in a moment of uncertainty. Despite being promised descendants as numerous as the stars, Abraham and Sarah faced the stark reality of their barrenness. Similarly, the African continent has endured periods of uncertainty, yet God's promises were evident in the resilience of its people.

 

Illustration:

Let me introduce you to the words of Dr. James H. Cone, a prominent Black American theologian. In the face of the African American struggle for justice, Cone boldly proclaimed, "The gospel of Jesus is not a rational concept to be explained in a theory of salvation, but a story about God's presence in Jesus's solidarity with the oppressed." Despite the uncertainties and struggles, God's promises resonate through the prophetic voices of theologians like Dr. Cone.

 

Point 2: Embracing God's Call to Obedience

Abraham's faith wasn't merely passive; it required action. God's call was for him to leave his homeland and trust in the divine promises. Similarly, African Christians, both in the continent's history and the diaspora, responded to God's call with obedience, often in the face of adversity.

 

Illustration:

Consider the life of Sojourner Truth, an African American abolitionist and women's rights activist. Born into slavery, she embraced God's call for justice and freedom. In her famous speech, "Ain't I a Woman?" she boldly declared her worth and challenged societal norms. Through obedience to God's call, Sojourner Truth became a beacon of hope for those oppressed, reflecting Abraham's journey of faith.

 

Point 3: The Faithful God Who Keeps His Promises

In Genesis 15:6, we witness Abraham's faith being credited to him as righteousness. Our faith, too, is anchored in the promises of a faithful God. Just as God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, we find the fulfillment of God's promises throughout the history of Black Christians.

 

Illustration:

Let's reflect on the words of Dr. Howard Thurman, a theologian and civil rights leader. In the midst of racial struggles, Thurman wrote, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Dr. Thurman's life exemplifies a faith grounded in the assurance that God keeps His promises, empowering us to live purposefully.

 

Conclusion:

As we delve into our Black Christian history, may we find inspiration from Abraham's journey of faith, the prophetic voices of theologians like Dr. Cone, the obedience of Sojourner Truth, and the unwavering faith of Dr. Thurman. Let us celebrate the roots of our faith, remembering that our God is faithful, and His promises endure through every trial. Amen.

 

 

 

 

Title: "My Black Christian History: Wisdom of Ethiopia" (February 11)

 

Introduction:

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we delve into the Scriptures to explore a captivating encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-10. Our theme centers around the historical and biblical significance of this encounter, highlighting the wisdom and contributions of African civilizations.

 

Point 1: The Queen's Quest for Wisdom

In 1 Kings 10, we witness the Queen of Sheba's journey to King Solomon's court, driven by a quest for wisdom. Her pilgrimage from the rich lands of Ethiopia to Jerusalem reflects an acknowledgment of the extraordinary wisdom that emanated from Solomon.

 

Illustration:

Consider the words of Langston Hughes, a renowned Black American poet, who once wrote, "Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." In Hughes' poetry, we find a deep yearning for wisdom and understanding, akin to the Queen's journey to seek the wisdom of Solomon.

 

Point 2: Experiencing the Overflow of God's Wisdom

As the Queen of Sheba arrives at Solomon's court, she witnesses the grandeur and wisdom bestowed upon him by God. Solomon's wisdom not only astounds her but also demonstrates the overflowing abundance of divine wisdom available to those who seek it.

 

Illustration:

Let's draw inspiration from the words of Lorraine Hansberry, a trailblazing Black American playwright. In her renowned play, "A Raisin in the Sun," Hansberry explores the complexities of dreams and wisdom in the context of an African American family. Through the characters, we see the transformative power of God's wisdom, guiding them through life's challenges.

 

Point 3: The Wisdom of Cultural Exchange

The encounter between the Queen of Sheba and Solomon is more than an exchange of gifts and wisdom; it signifies a cultural exchange that enriches both the African and Israelite civilizations. This intersection of cultures highlights the beauty of diversity and the value of learning from one another.

 

Illustration:

Reflect on the words of Maya Angelou, a celebrated Black American poet, and author, who once wrote, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color." Angelou's wisdom echoes the importance of embracing diverse cultures and learning from one another, just as the Queen of Sheba and Solomon did.

 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, as we explore the wisdom of Ethiopia through the Queen of Sheba, let us be inspired by the words of Langston Hughes, Lorraine Hansberry, and Maya Angelou. May we seek God's wisdom earnestly, recognizing that it transcends cultural boundaries and enriches our lives. As we embrace the wisdom from our Black Christian history, may we be open to the beauty found in diverse expressions of faith and understanding. Amen.

 

 

Title: "My Black Christian History: Paul's African Disciples" (February 18)

 

Introduction:

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, our hearts are stirred as we turn to the Book of Acts, chapter 8, verses 26-40. In this passage, we find the fascinating story of the Ethiopian eunuch – a disciple of Paul, highlighting the early spread of Christianity in Africa. Let us delve into the pages of history to uncover the richness of our Black Christian heritage.

 

Point 1: The Divine Appointment on the Desert Road

In Acts 8:26-40, we encounter the Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official in the court of the Queen of Ethiopia, journeying on a desert road. Philip, obedient to the Spirit's guidance, joins him and discovers the eunuch reading from the book of Isaiah but struggling to understand its meaning.

 

Illustration:

Consider the powerful words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Black American preacher and civil rights leader. In his sermons, he often spoke of the divine appointment for justice, saying, "The time is always right to do what is right." Similarly, Philip's divine appointment on the desert road reminds us that God's timing is always perfect.

 

Point 2: An Inclusive Gospel and Baptism

Philip seizes the opportunity to explain the Gospel to the Ethiopian eunuch, connecting the prophetic words of Isaiah to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The eunuch, deeply moved, expresses his desire to be baptized, symbolizing the inclusivity of God's grace.

 

Illustration:

Reflect on the life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. In her pursuit of justice and equality, Chisholm proclaimed, "You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering, and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." The Ethiopian eunuch, through his baptism, implemented the idea of an inclusive Gospel that embraces all who seek Christ.

 

Point 3: Spreading the Gospel in Africa

The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is a pivotal moment in the early spread of Christianity in Africa. As he returns to his homeland, he carries the message of Christ, becoming one of the first African disciples to contribute to the growth of the Christian faith on the continent.

 

Illustration:

Consider the legacy of Nelson Mandela, a prominent Black South African politician and anti-apartheid revolutionary. Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Similarly, the Ethiopian eunuch, armed with the knowledge of Christ, became a powerful agent of change, spreading the Gospel throughout Africa.

 

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the story of Paul's African disciples, let us be inspired by the divine appointments, inclusive Gospel, and the spread of Christianity in Africa. May we, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and Nelson Mandela, recognize our divine appointments and be agents of change in sharing the transformative message of Christ. Let the legacy of Paul's African disciples remind us of the vibrant history of Black Christianity. Amen.

Teaching Sunday April 30th WCUMC Iconography What Did you Bring to Churc...

Wesley Chapel UMC 

ArtFields Appreciation Sunday

Iconography                              Monday, May 1, 2023

 

 

Scripture Lesson:

 

1 CORINTHIANS 14:26

KJ21

How is it then, brethren? When ye come together every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

AMP

What then is the right course, believers? When you meet together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation (disclosure of special knowledge), a tongue, or an interpretation. Let everything be constructive and edifying and done for the good of all the church.

 

MSG

So here’s what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three’s the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you’re saying. Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself. And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart. Take your turn, no one person taking over. Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other. If you choose to speak, you’re also responsible for how and when you speak. When we worship the right way, God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches—no exceptions.

 

Rev Hooker Lent Service 2023 Lake City UMC Ive Come by here to Say Bless...

“I’ve Come by here to Say Blessed are the Poor!”

Luke 6:20a NKJV

Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and said: “Blessed are you poor,

 

Growing up very much in the church tradition when a traditional down-home preacher gets to one of the high points in their message, they can be heard to say something Like I just Came by here today to say.

 

And today this Holy Wednesday as Jesus is making his way to the cross, I imagine he might have said look Yawl Blessed are the Poor. 

 

Can one imagine Jesus or any of the biblical prophets ever speaking about the poor without compassion and love, anger and outrage, much less complaining that they are not as poor as we thought? 

 

Yet many of America’s Church Leaders and officials have done this without shame or remorse. Many Political Leaders, Pay Day Lenders, and Yes too-big-to fell Bank Cheats have developed ways of making it seem right to rob the Poor for the sake of the rich.

I mean, just recently, we past legislation for Millions of people across this country who are being impacted by the end of the pandemic waivers for Medicaid and the end of the extra SNAP benefits, which for some seniors will mean going from $283 per month down to $23 per month overnight.

 

Today, this time, of course, we can't take apart all the beatitudes and reflect upon them individually. Each is so important, though: hunger and thirst for justice; be peacemakers -- those who go out to reconcile, to draw back and give up violence; be sincere of heart. 

 

All of these. But today, let's look at what is the foundation for all of them and for the whole value system of Jesus? 

 

I think it's found in the very first one. As Matthew puts it, "Blessed are the poor 

 

Rather than acknowledge the many reasons for poverty that are out of poor people’s control, people tend to blame the poor victims for their plight. 

Here again, their practice is counter to the politics of Jesus. I mean how can you blame a poor person for their poverty when here in Florence County 33% of the citizens can’t read above a fifth-grade reading level. 10% can’t read at all. 

 

No matter how downtrodden or degraded a person was, Jesus never condemned the person; he reached out to heal the circumstance or lift the person out of it.

 

Nor did Jesus ever blame victims for their own abuse and exploitation. 

 

Instead, he blamed their victimizers, as in his Mark 5 indictment of “Legion”—signifying the Roman military occupiers of Israel—as the cause of the young man’s self-destructive impulses rather than any misdeed on the part of the young man himself. 

 

This way,  Jesus echoed the biblical prophets, who consistently blamed the powerful for the people's poverty and exhorted their societies to compel those of wealth and power to deal with injustice. 

 

Indeed, in the Sermon on the Mount, rather than blaming poor people for their poverty, Jesus pronounced them “blessed,” not only to counter the devaluation of their worth by the wealthy elites but also to remind the downtrodden and the needy that their poverty was not of their own doing. Neither was it their natural lot in life.

 

In Luke's Gospel, it just says, "Blessed are the poor," and sometimes people think, "Well, Matthew modified that. Poor in spirit -- that takes a little bit of the edge off of it." But it really doesn't. It simply helps us to realize that when Jesus is talking about "Blessed are the poor," he's talking more about an attitude, a way of knowing one's need for God, which is a disposition of the heart and not simply economic inequality.

 

I like Blessed Are the Poor and could probably stop right there, But I’ll go on. 

 

Ill: In the summer of 1966, Martin Luther King Jr. visited homes in the hamlet of Marks, Mississippi.( not far from where they had the Tornadoes a few weeks ago) 

Later he remembered and spoke on  the hundreds of children who lacked shoes. A mother told King that her children had no clothes for school. The Nobel laureate wept openly. “They didn’t even have any blankets to cover their children up on a cold night,” he recalled. “And I said to myself, God does not like this.” Then he vowed, “We are going to say in no uncertain terms that we aren’t going to accept it any longer. We’ve got to go to Washington in big numbers.”

 

Dr King went on to say about American What Jesus Said about Rome and Jerusalem. He said: 

America’s sickness was spiritual—and would be terminal, King insisted, unless we experienced a “radical revolution of values.” A shift to the left or the right could not save us; only a movement that changed the moral narrative could refocus our priorities on building a society that honored the dignity of every person. This country had to be born again—not only in budgets and policy decisions but born again in spirit. 

I know we have had a bunch of Preaching during this Lent season with a bunch of ideas and ideals, but I want to leave you with this It’s Time to be Born Again. 

 

I had spent some time working on this sermon and ending with explaining the theological differences in saying Happy verse Blessed but forgetting all that at the core. What I think Jesus was saying was you are happy when you are with the poor; in other words, your blessing is with the poor.

 

There’s this cooking show called High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America in the show Inspired by Dr. Jessica B. Harris's book of the same name, High on the Hog takes this idea to incredible heights, exploring food, culture, and American history in a way that is accessible, powerful, and often emotional. It begins like many food shows, by shopping for ingredients. This is what happens they show how slaves and poor persons took the straps from the table and made meals that were far superior to the main dishes.

Rodney Billups owner of Herman’s who’s  food  pulls out all the stops, adding pigs feet, oxtails, neck bones butter beans, boiled okra, collard greens to a bar in Nashville. 

Made this point about his perception of soul food,” Billups says, “is if it takes a little more time to cook and you put your love and energy into it, then that’s soul food.”

Let’s me clarify every year for thanksgiving  we have pulled pork we have a big family everyone come home you cook a whole hog or two few turkeys that’s what you do. That’s the main meal but while the main meal  was cooking all night long, though the midnight hours, one of my uncles would start a pot of Perlo Rice simply thawing back meat, some sausage some spices, In a pot to eat while we cooked the food. However over the years Ive come to realize this was the better part of the family tradition scooping down Into the rice pot and basically eating not the high meats but the poor scraps.

Happy Blessed are you when you learn to fest with the scarps, when you can eat with the poor because that’s where your true blessing are with real people with soul food with soul people. That’s what Jesus was teaching that’s what our ministry should be about also. 

Wesley Chapel 136 Anniversary Speaker Rev Dr. Harry Singleton Speaker II...

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church has a rich history. It was built in 1885 on a foundation of faith, hope, and love. A small band of Christians consisting of three men and three women would meet under a big wide branched oak tree that stood among some pines. Homemade benches were placed in a semi-circle and an altar made of pinewood was erected. This place was known for miles as “The Bush Top.” Worship services were held at the Bush Top for many months but they saw a need to construct a building due to not being able to worship during inclement weather. They built the first board structure. The Vision they had now became a reality. Wesley Chapel UMC was built! The Current Buildings of Wesley Chapel include our Sanctuary Rebuilt in 1925 our Educational Building Built in November 1972 and our Family Life Center Built on March 19, 2005.

Over the years, Wesley Chapel has embraced its Mission Statement: “To make Christ known through Biblical scripture and daily living (includes loving and caring), to be on one accord in faith and compassion, to serve the community in Christ’s name, to unite with other Christians in common endeavors, and to reach out to the world as Christ’s messengers of Hope.”

We are geographically positioned in the heart of the “Deep River” community of Lake City and have been identified or known truly as the “Open Door Church.” This location has allowed us to have opportunities to provide unique ministries for the members of our congregation and the community at large.

Brief Bio – Dr. Harry Singleton

Theologian and author, Dr. Harry Singleton has emerged as one of the most passionate and informed voices on race and religion in America. He exemplifies a true public intellectual who roots his work in both the academy and society.

For over twenty years, Singleton has made numerous television, radio, and podcast appearances to share his expertise on topics ranging from state and national politics to the social and religious legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to the role of religion in the twenty-first century.

He has been the recipient of many humanitarian and community service awards and is widely known for his courageous activism over the past two decades. The National Council of Negro Women, The
National Association for The Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP), The Renaissance Foundation, the
International Honor Society of Theta Phi, and Who’s
Who Among American Teachers are among the several
organizations that have recognized Singleton for his
exemplary work as a scholar and activist.

Singleton’s principle stands for rights has not gone unnoticed by his colleagues as he was appointed as Faculty/Staff Representative to the Benedict College Board of Trustees where he served for eleven years. He also served on the University of South Carolina President’s Commission on University History, created to bring substantive change to university life in the wake of recent racial unrest in the nation.

Singleton’s organizational affiliations include the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in which he is a lifetime member. He also holds memberships in The American Academy of Religion (AAR), The Society for the Study of Black Religion (SSBR), The National Association for African American Studies (NAAAS), The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Singleton is the author of several articles published in national and international journals and is also the author of three books, Black Theology and Ideology, White Religion and Black Humanity, and Divine Revelation and Human Liberation. He has just completed work on a fourth book titled Forever in Thy Path: The God of Black Liberation to be released in January. Singleton currently teaches in the African American Studies program and Religious Studies department at the University of South Carolina.

Fourth of July Wesley Chapel 21 SD 480p

Bay 2021 Why I ART!

 I really Like Pictures, I like Art and I think Photography is the best type of Art in the modern era.  

Is photography art? This question has been debated since the creation of the first camera and is still sometimes contested to this day. The answer may seem obvious to those working within the photographic medium, but there is some dissent, even within the artistic community. 

Before we can answer is photography art? We need to make sure we have a rock-solid definition of “art.” Art means different things to different people, so for the purposes of total clarity, we’ll be going by the dictionary definition. 

For any other unclear terms, our ultimate guide to film terminology is a great resource for looking things up.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines art as: “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects.” The dictionary also defines a work of art as something that is “produced as an artistic effort or for decorative purposes.”

So, is photography art? Based on this definition, it seems pretty clear that photography is considered a visual art. The umbrella of art is far-reaching and can encompass any skillful creative endeavor. Despite the inherent artistic value in still photography, there are still plenty of individuals who would argue that photography is not an artistic pursuit. Let’s elucidate their point of view.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHEWypBpEF_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 you see a picture you see the world and the picture and the time the place and the events. Taking this into consideration, does photography count as art? If so, what type of art is photography? It is easy to debunk the stance that derides photography as an art form. 

The idea that photography cannot do any more than capture a moment of real life is quite reductive to the entirety of what makes photography art. 

You needn’t look far to find examples of aesthetic photographs that push the bounds of objective reality. It is easy to view the photographer as artist when taking all of the creative photography choices they make into consideration: subject, lighting techniques, camera framing, lens choice, symbolism, technical settings, post-processing, and many more decisions are what makes photography art.

What type of art is photography? In this case, surrealism

This same argument that opposes the classification of the photographer as artist because they capture reality also suggests that there is no artistic merit in capturing a moment in time that shows real life plainly. Believing this argument suggests that the work of street photographers is non-artistic.

What is photography in art? The answer may be subjective

In the debate over is photography a form of art, suggesting that capturing reality is not artistic devalues the important photographic work done by the likes of war journalists, which is not a favorable stance to hold when taking historical context into account. 

The case in favor of photography as art

It is plain to see that a carefully composed, exposed, focused, and captured image has inherent artistic value. Photography, as a medium, can shade reality with new context and meaning. Messages and symbolism can be conveyed through the presentation of a still image. 

The juxtaposition of visual elements can take on new value when frozen in time as a photograph. All of the near-infinite photographic variables and possibilities make it clear that photography is artistic

This TED Talk examines photography as a form of creative self-expression.

TED Talk by Flore Zoe

The manipulation of different camera types as tools, and of the visual subject as a canvas make for endless photographic potential. The first cameras in history maybe have been used more for the purposes of documentation rather than art, but it was not long before the artistic potential of the camera was first explored. Drawing, painting, and sculpting existed as art forms for thousands of years before the invention of the camera.

Whenever a new art form comes into existence, there is a hesitancy from the industry’s gatekeepers to recognize the new with the same reverence as the old.

Some detractors answer the question is photography a form of art on a conditional basis. There are people who assert that a still photograph is never art, while there are others who assert that photography is considered art under the right circumstances, but that not every photograph taken is automatically considered a work of art. 

Acclaimed visual artist Roger Ballen holds a complicated view on is photography art? He believes there is an important distinction between a photographer and an artist who uses photography as their medium.

What is photography in art? Roger Ballen answers

The entry barrier for photography is at an all-time low. Technological advances have turned it into one of the most accessible hobbies in the world. So much so that it’s uncommon for anyone between the age of 8-99 to walk around without a camera in their pocket at all times. Many of them even have their own photography website where they share their creations with the entire world.

In a way, being a photographer has never been easier, but at the same time it’s an incredibly hard endeavour. You can start taking pictures at any moment, and even get quite good at it after practicing enough. But learning how to become a professional photographer actually requires much more than being good at shooting images.

You’ll need to learn the technique behind every shot, develop a unique perspective of the world, fight your way up an incredibly competitive space, and constantly develop yourself personally and professionally. Overall, this means you’re in for many years of dedication, hard work, and practice.

Learn how to become a professional photographer with this step-by-step guide:

1. Define your purpose 

2. Master your skills

3. Take some classes

4. Practice non-stop

5. Explore all possibilities

6. Find your niche

7. Get the right gear

8. Dedicate time to editing

9. Develop a personal style

10. Build a solid portfolio

11. Create a professional photography website

12. Brush up on your networking skills

13. Nail your marketing strategy

14. Put together a business plan

15. Invest in your growth

01. Define your purpose 

There are many things to consider before starting your journey towards becoming a professional photographer. Start by putting together a list of questions you’ll need to answer before embarking on this new adventure.

• Some of the points that should definitely be part of this list include:

• Why do I want to be a professional photographer?

• What will motivate me when my passion falters?

• Am I ready to put in the time and effort that this requires?

• What can I offer to my local industry?

• Can I become as good as I need to be?

• How can I actually make money as a photographer?

• How much am I willing to dedicate to this goal?

The answer to some of these questions will require hours of self-reflection, while for others it will require you to do some research both online and offline. It’s even possible that you won’t be able to find all the answers at this point, as some solutions go hand-in-hand with time and experience. 

One of the best ways to start your adventure towards becoming a professional photographer is by talking to actual professional photographers. They’ll be able to tell you about their journeys, as well as offer some tips and guidance to set off on your own.

02. Master your skills

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but the most important investment on your quest to becoming a professional is the development of your photography skills. To quote Ansel Adams: “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.”

Whether you’ve been shooting pictures for half a decade or have never held a camera other than that disposable Fujifilm you took on a field trip in 3rd grade, keep in mind that you have a long learning process ahead.

While the pace and steps of this process will completely depend on your current knowledge and preferences, it’s recommended to start by brushing up on your knowledge of the most common photography terms. Talk the talk to walk the walk. Being able to understand the discipline’s jargon will help you navigate better through professional and educational opportunities alike. 

Once you feel comfortable with the theory, put every single concept to practice. Start with basic techniques and tackle more complex ones only after you feel completely comfortable with them. There are two main goals you should work towards: Being able to identify the technical needs of every scene, and knowing how to meet them with your camera.

03. Take some classes

Formal learning is not a requisite for becoming a professional photographer. As you might know, there are numerous experts in the industry who are completely self-taught. However, working with a mentor can add a lot of value to your career and significantly speed-up your learning process. 

Based on your preferences and availability, you can choose to enroll in university courses, attend local programs, sign up for workshops, or take online photography classes. While the level of difficulty and in-depth of these studies can vary significantly, they will give you a solid foundation upon which you can keep building your professional photography career.

More importantly, you’ll be able to learn from people who have already experienced the path you’re just setting out on. You’ll not only hear about what they did to succeed, but also what obstacles they faced and how they overcame them. These insights are an incredibly valuable tool that you will likely miss if you choose to take the self-learning route.

04. Practice non-stop

It’s said that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. That is roughly 417 days, so get ready to spend most of your time with a camera in your hands. Before you book your first paid gig as a professional photographer, your should be able to effortlessly determine which gear and camera settings each scene requires and switch between them with your eyes closed.

Pair practice with a solid foundation in theory. Start by learning about a specific technique or setting, and putting it into practice right away. Once you feel comfortable enough, move on to tackle the next one on your list. As your knowledge grows, so will your confidence and the quality of the images you capture.

Carry your camera with you everywhere, as if it were your phone or your wallet, and put your skills to test with different subjects and under different environmental conditions. Constant practice is the best way to get comfortable behind the camera and to truly take your skills to where they need to be. Plus, you’ll be producing a generous amount of content to share on social media and in your portfolio.

05. Explore all possibilities

A very common mistake among beginners is to focus all their energy on a specific photography genre right away. Even if you start your journey to becoming a professional photographer with a very clear idea of what you want to do for a living, it’s important that you start your career by trying out multiple types of photography.

Keep in mind that each type of photography has different requirements, and therefore giving each of them a shot will allow you to further extend your knowledge and skills. For example, if you only photograph landscapes you won’t learn a thing about studio photography, and little to nothing about artificial lighting. 

Furthermore, being able to capture outstanding images across different genres will open a lot of doors for you early on. Take a look at the available freelance photography jobs online and see which ones you would feel comfortable enough to apply for. Afterwards, look at the gigs that didn’t make it on your list and dedicate time to master the abilities required. In the long run, a well-rounded set of skills will take you much further than quick growth in a very specific discipline.

06. Find your niche

Establishing your niche is the first step towards building a personal style and brand that will allow you to stand out from the crowd. It will also help you avoid oversaturated markets and further define the kind of professional photographer you want to become.

After spending enough time in the field shooting different areas of photography, you’ll find the type that truly speaks to you and the purpose you set all the way back in step one. This step is crucial for your career as a professional photographer, so don’t try to rush it and settle for something other than ‘The One.’

Keep in mind that you should find a balance between what you love to do and what the market needs. Spend some time doing research, paying special attention to the latest photography trends and the trajectory of different genres across recent years. In order to become a professional photographer with a focus, you’ll need to make sure you can actually sustain a career in that field. 

Now, finding the genre you want your career to focus on doesn’t mean you’re legally not allowed to shoot any other type of photography ever again. In fact, you’ll most likely end up doing so every so often. This specialization will simply be the type of work you’re known for, which in return will help potential clients find you much more easily.

07. Get the right gear

One of the most widespread photography myths claims that you need expensive gear to take great photos. While that is simply not true, there is no denying that gear is a very important element to take into account as you learn how to become a professional photographer. You might be able to take outstanding photos with your smartphone, but in most cases clients won’t feel too confident about paying someone to take their pictures with the same phone they have in their pocket.

Start your career with the gear you already own, or buy what you can afford at the time if you’re starting from scratch. The equipment you’ll need for your work depends on the niche you choose to focus on, and therefore you should refrain from spending money on camera accessories you might not need for another few months. 

As with many things, gear quality is much more important than quantity. You’ll be better off investing in an excellent glass rather than buying a handful of different types of camera lenses that are just mediocre. This, of course, means that the price you pay for each new addition to your collection might be remarkably high.

The best option when it comes to working with high-end gear is renting it. This allows you to see how comfortable you feel with it, and the results you can get, before investing fully. Renting is also a great option if your gig requires more equipment that what you own, especially if they’re not tools you’ll constantly need.

08. Dedicate time to editing

Don’t let the bad reputation of the word ‘photoshopped’ and the popularity of the photography hashtag #nofilter fool you. Even the most outstanding photos require minimal editing. Your camera sensor simply cannot see and interpret the scene the exact same way you do, no matter how spot-on your settings are. 

Post-processing takes your photos from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ and allows your personality and style to shine. Because of this, you should dedicate just as much energy to it as to the development of your camera skills. You should start working with basic tools and moving forward to advanced tutorials as your editing abilities improve. 

The two most popular choices in the industry are Photoshop and Lightroom, both developed by Adobe. But there is a long list of free photo editing software available online that you can try before signing up for a subscription.

09. Develop a personal style

Ideally, anyone who sees your work should be able to identify that you’re the person behind it right away. This is the ultimate goal for any artist, as it means that their vision of the world is unlike any other. In order to try to achieve this honor, you’ll need to find your photography style.

Start by putting together a selection of your absolute best images, the ones you’re most proud of. See what they have in common and sum it up in no more than three words. These can cover anything from composition to emotions. 

Afterwards, set some basic guidelines that allow you to implement these concepts on any subject and scene. Make sure you feel comfortable maintaining them across several setups, as you don’t want it to limit your creativity in future endeavors.

10. Build a solid portfolio

The vast majority of people who hire your services will do so because they like your work. The rest will be comprised of family members, friends, and friends of family members. The collection of images you show to potential clients is known as a portfolio.

This might just be the most powerful tool in your quest to becoming a professional photographer, as it’s essentially the key to a successful career. It should be focused on your niche, and include only the type of work you would like to be hired for. Make sure to include only your most outstanding photos, and update it regularly.

You can gather inspiration by browsing professional photography portfolios from other creators in the field, both online and offline. Doing so will allow you to see how they choose to display their work, as well as the average number of photos included. 

11. Create a professional photography website

A photographer without a website is like a ship without an engine. Sure, you’ll be able to get by without it, but won’t ever be able to reach your full potential. The list of reasons why you need a photography website is nearly endless, the main one being that it’s the 21st century and if you’re not online you simply don’t exist.

Having a professional photographer website is mandatory. Not only for sharing your work easily with anyone in the world, but also to be found by potential clients looking for the services you offer. While sharing can be done through other platforms such as social media, being found online requires SEO tools for photographers only available on a website.

A website will also allow you to advertise your services, get booked for gigs, share digital albums with clients, tell your story, and even sell your photos online.

Because we know this might sound like way too much to take care of, we have put together a detailed guide on how to create a complete photography website. We even have a long list of professionally designed portfolio templates to help you look your best in no time.