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Pause. Hold. Look. Adjust. Press the shutter. Repeat. As a commercial photographer, A significant quantity of time is spent figuring out how to adjust a light stand, arrange a gobo, force light through a grid, power up your power pack, stop down your aperture and place your subject in the frame. The easy side of commercial photography does not exist. Nothing is simple when it comes to taking a picture in-studio or on-location. This is the very first thing you learn when you start to truly study how an image is composed. It isn't the simple depressing of a shutter button. If you suspect this is photography then you need to return to the camera shop now and ask for an exchange. You do not need all that gear you need a point and shoot camera for your "straighforward" pictures. Leave the rest up to the professionals.

The second thing you will find out more about commercial photography is how to capture the image in camera before post-processing. Think of it this way, the less Photoshop you need to use the better your images will become. Not only this but think about Photoshop as a file modifier just like your snoots, umbrellas, diffusers, gels and grids are light modifiers. It is there to help you create an image it isn't there to make the image. Without your camera Photoshop is a worthless tool. Get what you want in your camera. If you'd like to modify it when you're done, fine. If from the start in your sketchbook you want to use a filter, screen, wash, or mask in Photoshop to build, create, revolutionize and exhilarate your images - then that's glorious. But again, Photoshop is meaningless without that camera file. So be kind to your customer, your self-esteem and ultimately you by capturing what you want in your camera before you tear down that set.

The final thing you want to learn prior to beginning your journey into learning photography in a commercial context, is be tough. You will be faced with more challenges on a daily basis then you know what to do with. Do not get daunted. Buck up buttercup! You're going to want to grow a skin. Folk are going to get personal, critiquing your work. You have to stand tall. Let the words sink in. Don't be threatened by another photographers' years of expertise. But listen. Their advice is priceless. When you start to feel intimidation, turn the other cheek and keep on clicking away. You will find your trail. Your path is out there in the world of photography. Understand one thing. These photographers are accomplished folks in their respective fields and for this you owe them all your total attention. They're going to teach you what you want to understand. Even though you learn just one thing from one grotesque tiny mean pro cameraman it's still one thing more you have learned about being a commercial photographer. Grin. And stroll off with your pride intact.

Now you are ready to get out there. Pull out your gear. Unload your creative concepts and push the limits since you know the 3 integral parts to being a commercial shutter-bug. Commercial photography isn't particularly easy. Neither is it just pressing a button. Photoshop is only a tool. Without a camera, Photoshop is only a software application. And finally be adaptable, grow a skill and learn as much as possible from people who have come before you.