Mentor Wanted - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro for Canon

10/29/2005 11:45:02 AM · #1

I would like a personal mentor from this site to help me grow as a photographer. I want to do photography for a living. I want someone who already is an established photographer. Someone who has been in the business for quite some time who will direct me in the right path.

I want someone who is honest. Please don't tell me you like the picture when it is just "ok". I wouldn't take up much of your time. I have a full time job and three kids so I stay pretty busy myself. I want help in putting a portfolio together and suggestions on how I get my name out there. I will also be getting a Canon 20D for christmas (or soon after) and I need someone who uses this camera or one like it because I will need to be taught how to use it effectively.

I have no money to pay you. Consider me a charity case! I want to do portrait photography as a profession. I do not want to do weddings. I will never get the opportunity to take model photo shoots either because of where I live. I live in a VERY rural portion of Tennessee and people just do not take up modeling around here nor are there any angencies.

I need help on getting started in the business. I have bought books, but they don't help me. I have no idea what to charge, how to approach a potental client or anything. I do get side jobs about once a month, but I don't feel that I am very professional about it.

Does anyone want me?

Qart

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

10/29/2005 12:02:31 PM · #2

Good luck in your search Mandy... I think you're destined for success with you attitude, determination and talent.

Jutilda

Canon EOS-7D

10/29/2005 12:09:32 PM · #3

Hell, you can be MY mentor!!!

10/29/2005 12:12:25 PM · #4

Ha ha! Very funny Jut! I don't think I should mentor anybody! Half the time when I get a good picture it was on accident.

10/29/2005 12:17:21 PM · #5

well, so far I have rec 3 pm from other members wanting the same thing as me. I hope that I rec a mentor, but if I don't I understand. I am sure that the pros are very busy getting work, unlike myself. LOL

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

10/29/2005 01:39:36 PM · #6

Why not get someone to start a "Professional Photography" mentorship thread so several people can benefit. It should include the business aspects of photography as well and members should take an "oath of honesty" to join. ;-)

Regarding no models where you live, you could still do some model photography by seeking out people that may have an interest in modeling. I could be wrong, but at least a portion of supermodels com from the backwoods of somewhere - they're just waiting to be discovered.

My two cents. Let me know if you want to start a Godzilla poster business. I'm confident of your success in whatever direction you go with your photography. ;-)

Brent_Ward

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

10/29/2005 01:47:29 PM · #7

If you can't find anybody else more qualified, I can help. As far as the "no models" thing goes, start rounding up people and shooting them. If there isn't an agency, be the local modeling rep. You can get at least $300 for a modeling portfolio. Keep in mind that modeling requires normal looking people too...

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

10/29/2005 01:51:11 PM · #8

I'd offer to help, but while I was a succesful professional photographer for a long time, my photographic world was very different from the one you describe, in that I did architectural and product photography, plus landscape work, and you are describing a people-oriented business as far as I can tell. Nevertheless I'd be happy to help in any way you think my feedback is useful.

Robt.

Brent_Ward

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

10/29/2005 01:52:19 PM · #9

Originally posted by bear_music:

Bears a much more qualified candidate then I am...

Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical HF for Pentax

10/29/2005 03:57:25 PM · #10

Thank you so much for the offer of help. You guys are great! I rec about a 20 emails! I'm not kidding! If ya'll don't mind I might email you with questions every once in a while. A photography business mentorship thread would be perfect since I am not the only one who would want this advice. I wish someone would do it.

Jewellian

Pentax *ist DL

10/29/2005 03:59:30 PM · #11

I second the idea. there are many of us here who are very interested in starting our own, or working with others in a professional sense. So I think that it would be a great idea to hear from the pros we have here.

Apple iPhone 5

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/29/2005 04:00:45 PM · #12

Originally posted by mandyturner:

Does anyone want me?

Me! Me! Pick me!

;-)

10/29/2005 04:04:58 PM · #13

Originally posted by mandyturner:

A photography business mentorship thread would be perfect since I am not the only one who would want this advice. I wish someone would do it.

I used to write articles about the business end of starting our studio - I'm making the leap to full time wedding and portrait photographer as we speak. If anyone wants my opinion on the business end, I'll start a mentorship thread on this.

Is there a formula I'm supposed to follow or something? I didn't really get into them.

M

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/29/2005 04:05:10 PM · #14

someone had a bunch of great threads about setting up a photo buisness anyone remember who it was? They were all ... wait I remembered I bookmarked them before I was able to cough up the dough to become a member!!! :0)

This is just one of many, maybe you should comment or ask questions in these threads and will naturally evolve when it comes back on the boards?

New Studio Thread

Hope this helps some! :0)

10/29/2005 04:05:56 PM · #15

LOL

We posted at the same time.

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=213767

That's the link to the last (8th) of those threads and has links for the other 7.

M

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/29/2005 04:07:42 PM · #16

hehe- Thanks Matt, I thought they were great! I think they just faded away into the oblivion of the forums... I thought you used to have them listed on your profile page- maybe you could do it again? How's it all going by the way???

edit to say- a link to the next part at the top of your post would be great too, here I thought there were only three!!! :0)

Message edited by author 2005-10-29 16:12:23.

10/29/2005 04:08:32 PM · #17

It's all going great! Actually, I meant to continue writing these, then someone suggested putting them together in an e-book so I thought about that - then wedding season hit and I've been swamped. I am thinking of continuing the series OR e-booking it this winter.

M

CalliopeKel

10/29/2005 04:14:26 PM · #18

Mandy-

Can't help you with the mentorship thing, but I know a website effectively designed by someone who knows what they are doing is a huge plus in attracting clients. Im like you, not interested in weddings, but rather edgy and unique portraiture.

I use Google Adwords to get my website to go live instantly with the keywords and bids I select based on my budget.

Also...get your kids to pass out some cards at school to their friends. Talk with moms. Do a few pro-bono shoots to build your portfolio and get some confidence and practice. Leave business card everywhere you go even restaurants (when you leave your tip).

Thats my advice and what I am currently doing, as I want the same thing as you. Except I have a rebel xt not a 20D.

Good Luck in your quest Mandy.

10/29/2005 04:25:37 PM · #19

Originally posted by mavrik:

If anyone wants my opinion on the business end, I'll start a mentorship thread on this.

Is there a formula I'm supposed to follow or something? I didn't really get into them.

M

Go for it! Just let me know when you start the thread. I have plenty of questions.

//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=295893

10/29/2005 04:36:21 PM · #20

oOWonderBreadOo

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/29/2005 04:52:23 PM · #21

you rock Matt!!!! :0)

alfresco

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/29/2005 05:52:13 PM · #22

I think a lot has to do with marketing. I spent (too much time) a while with marketing people ...

Charging, I'd say give yourself a target that you'd like to make per year. Take that number and determine what you can realistically shoot per week. From that you can get an hourly wage. Determine how long it will take you to do a job. From that you can find a "Per Job" basis. Some will come out high, some lower. You'll average out to what you want to make with the time investment you're willing to make.

Past that marketing is key. Make the person feel special and you'll go places. As the photog if you can find what makes the person "themself" and encourage them to emote like that through talking to them, you'll REALLY go places.

Marketing your business - it can help so much to find a reputable marketing consultant.

Someone far smarter than I will probably kick my advice in the jimmies, but that's my very very very high pass look at it.

I agree with you - having advice from people who've actually gone down this specific road in this specific field would be exceedingly valuable.

ramble
ramble
ramble

-jp

carlos

Canon EOS-50D