Become an assistant.
Summer Scotland, a photographer for Rikka Zimmerman Photographers, credits her five year career as a photo assistant for helping her achieve success a full-fledged photographer. “I would bounce the light, carry the bags, help with set up, changing the lens, and helping Rikka [Zimmerman] in any way she needed. Then, I would step back and let Rikka set up shots the way she wanted them. If there was a tie that needed to be straightened, I would straighten it. [After the weddings] we would make prints and adjusted them to look the way that they were requested [to look]. Then to create a package, I would do things like make sure no one’s eyes were closed and crop things if someone stepped into the frame.”

Scotland admits though, that like most assistants, she had to supplement her income for the first several years with other jobs that allowed her to follow her dream on the all- important wedding weekends.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE
Zimmerman and Schiffman agree that great shots don’t necessarily make a great photographer. “You have to have a business savvy. I think getting out there and promoting [yourself] and schmoozing is as important as being talented. Talent’s only so much,” advises Schiffman.

“You have to be really good at engaging other people’s personalities,” adds Zimmerman.

Median Income: $26,080
Job Growth Rate: 9 to 17 percent through 2014
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor