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11/03/2005 02:02:23 AM · #1 |
I turned down money again today. Some one at work offered to pay me to photograph his parents anniversary party and I declined. He asked why and I told him I wasn't comfortable doing the photography for something like that. If I mess up, the moments and the shots can't be redone.
This is the 2nd time I have declined money because of doubts of my ability to do a good job. I think I'll just stick to having fun taking pics on my own terms. No pressures and no demands.
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11/03/2005 02:16:06 AM · #2 |
Everyone has their niche. Ansel Adams did great landscapes - i bet he turned down a few family functions or a wedding or two in his time.
Renoir is a good painter, but would he paint a house? Painting is painting, right?
You are an artist and working for money, well, that is just so beneath you. You want to remain pure!
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11/03/2005 02:29:36 AM · #3 |
whatever you do, keep photo fun!
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11/03/2005 02:34:23 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Everyone has their niche. Ansel Adams did great landscapes - i bet he turned down a few family functions or a wedding or two in his time. |
Amen to that! Take Helmut Newton for one. Great, absolutely marvellous shots of nude women. And then look at his landscapes. The guy didn't have clue what to do with his camera with no studio lights and naked women around. |
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11/03/2005 02:52:44 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by dsmeth:
I turned down money again today. Some one at work offered to pay me to photograph his parents anniversary party and I declined. He asked why and I told him I wasn't comfortable doing the photography for something like that. If I mess up, the moments and the shots can't be redone.
This is the 2nd time I have declined money because of doubts of my ability to do a good job. I think I'll just stick to having fun taking pics on my own terms. No pressures and no demands. |
I feel exactly the same way man! I've been offered to do weddings and always decline for this exact reason. If for some reason you messup, it can't be redone. |
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11/03/2005 03:38:32 AM · #6 |
I am no way experienced enough to take on weddings etc and certainly would not feel able to charge a fee for taking shots BUT I gained a lot of confidence in shadowing a photographer at my son's wedding. In fact there were more photographers than guests! (joking).
By taking shots at the wedding then comparing them with the official pics, I was able to judge my standard much better. The official photographer also had a "learner" with her shooting at the wedding, getting those candid shots that can be such fun to see afterwards. He stayed with Matthew in the morning while the official one stayed with Helen then they were together during and after the ceremony. He wasn't paid but gained in experience. John was also asked to shoot and so there was a wealth of pics to look at.
So I'd say if you are being asked to do this sort of occasion, why not try shadowing at a friend's or family wedding and see if you feel the results give you the confidence to strike out on your own?
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11/03/2005 03:39:39 AM · #7 |
My two cents: The fact that you are posting here indicates to me that you probably want to get paid to take pictures, but have an understandable amount of fear and lack of confidence. Weddings would be out of the question in my mind for a first paid gig, but an anniversary party is not that risky and might be good to cut your teeth on. I know many people would say you shouldn't do it for free, but that would take some of the pressure off.
My uncle asked me to shoot my cousin's wedding some years back (pre-digital camera, but I had Photoshop 4, I believe). I thought I was going to just be a backup photog, shooting candids, but noooooo. The pics I took were the only pics taken except for some point & shoots by various family and friends. I was sweating bullets, but wasn't charging them so if they came out halfway ok, I was safe. As it turned out most of them came out great and I did some cool PS stuff and put a little album together as a gift.
My brother has been a wedding videographer for close to 20 years and is now doing photography as well. I could never do this type of stuff cuz I don't have the patience or personality for it.
Getting to my point - do what you like and enjoy, but don't let fear keep you from at least trying something you may like and may be great at.
More like four cents - keep the change. ;-)
edit: echo RiponLady's advice about shadowing also.
Message edited by author 2005-11-03 03:40:30. |
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11/03/2005 07:44:33 AM · #8 |
I've turned down a half dozen or more offers to be paid for taking pictures -- from a rock band wanting pics for an album cover to a cheerleaders coach wanting action shots and protraits of her girls. It wouldn't be right to take someone's money for something that you are not sure you can do well. You'll know it when the right offer comes along. That little voice inside of you will be saying "I know I can do this type of photogrpahy easy, and this sounds like fun." If the money part is a minor consideration, or an afterthought, then it's probably the right opportunity for you to give up your status as an amatuer and turn pro.
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11/03/2005 07:48:22 AM · #9 |
Why wouldn't you go to test out the waters of the party. You never know, you might just suprise yourself. Keep trying for free until you get it right, then when you know you can do it start charging.
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11/03/2005 09:13:22 AM · #10 |
Great advice Ken. My two cents added to his four: when people ask you to do these sort of things, they're probably looking to get some decent photos just to keep the memories and keep costs down a bit. They are probably not looking for a "top notch" photographer, otherwise they could just open a phone book or go online to find someone who's been doing this for 30 years and then pay a TON of money. They probably have an idea how much event photographers charge and don't want to shell out that kind of money (or can't).
My opinion is that if this area of photography interests you and you want to start doing these sort of jobs and make some money on the side, go for it. It'll be great experience for you, and you have to start somewhere. Just be honest with him/her up front and tell them your concerns. Have him sign a liability release if that concerns you. Gracefully take whatever they offer you, and bank the experience you'll get (which is priceless). Best of luck to you.
Marc |
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11/03/2005 10:03:09 AM · #11 |
| You can always have an agreement that the clients will only have to pay if they're happy with your work and decide to accept and keep the photos. That may be a bit too much risk for wedding jobs, but for bands looking for album covers - why not? |
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