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02/08/2007 07:21:59 PM · #1 |
Ok, i will try to explain this as easy as possible.
My Goal:
I would like to make a living taking photographs.
So...Where do i start ? At present i have the camera and a standard 'walkabout' lens
I am hoping that as time goes by DPC will help me in my quest to become a better photographer and build a portfolio. I think the challenges set by the moderators are a great way to do assignment work, although i am having problems getting my 28 yr old blonde, blue eyed female neighbour to get her kit off in the name of education, but that another story.
So, what would you suggest is the bare minimum you would need to go professional ? and please be as specific as you can, because i may just base my future career on your suggestions.
(see Turning professional Part (2)part for further information....) |
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02/08/2007 07:56:25 PM · #2 |
What type of photography do you want to do for money? Weddings, portraiture, journalism, ...?
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02/08/2007 08:09:02 PM · #3 |
Mainly portraits but weddings is an option.
The way i see it. In order to fund the equipment i will need for a studio setup, i am figuring i will have to try and use what i have to earn as much as i can,if possible of course. Thats what i need to figure out first.
Message edited by author 2007-02-08 20:10:22. |
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02/08/2007 08:18:26 PM · #4 |
I'd love to turn professional, but am concentrating on my technical grasp and the photo's im making rather than equipment.
Having said that i am at present better equipped than you i'm assuming, as you mentioned you have only a walkabout lens.
I've got 2 weddings booked for this year, quite nervous!
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02/08/2007 08:20:42 PM · #5 |
my advice would be to find work as a freelance photographer for as many newspapers and like publications as possible. the pay is dirt, but the experience is invaluable. you'll be exposed to more types of photography than you ever dreamed, and, if you really push yourself to learn the craft, you'll develop a far better eye for story-telling photography than most people that are stuck in the ruts of their photographic niches.
also, the harder you work at it, the more of a name you'll make for yourself--and there's absolutely nothing better than people knowing you by your reputation.
granted, this might not be for everyone, but it sure has worked for me. |
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02/08/2007 08:21:17 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Ben:
I'd love to turn professional, but am concentrating on my technical grasp and the photo's im making rather than equipment. |
This explains why you have a 30D and a 350 EOS....... |
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02/08/2007 08:26:36 PM · #7 |
Shoot and learn, man, shoot and learn. It's amazing what kind of effect practice can have on your photography. Learn from others' critiques of your images; if you think you've taken a great photo, its a great feeling that will bring back alot of memories for years to come, but you have to connect with others to make a living. You don't buy your own photos, after all. DPC is an excellent place to work on making images that will appeal to others, cause thats what this site is all about.
All in all though, I think the best advice for an aspiring photographer is the same advice that can be given to any aspiring artist, be it music, acting, etc: Don't quit your day job... :-P
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02/08/2007 08:30:05 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
Originally posted by Ben:
I'd love to turn professional, but am concentrating on my technical grasp and the photo's im making rather than equipment. |
This explains why you have a 30D and a 350 EOS....... |
Could you not be bothered to read the following sentence?
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02/08/2007 08:33:06 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
This explains why you have a 30D and a 350 EOS....... |
Cameras are the cheap part.
You got lenses, tripod, lights, backdrops, insurance, the list can go on and on. But by far the camera is the most replaced item in the list.
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02/08/2007 08:36:39 PM · #10 |
One thing I wish I had done before jumping into shooting weddings is this: I wish I had hired on with another photographer, or even worked without pay, for the chance to learn some of the ins and outs of weddings before I ever shot my first one. Instead, I jumped in both feet having no clue what I was getting into. It's been a pretty wild ride, and I'm glad for what I've experienced. It just seems like some kind of "apprenticeship" would have given me a better start.
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02/08/2007 08:41:15 PM · #11 |
Don't quit the day job is probably the best advise I've seen. I'm trying to start generate some income in order to fund my lens and perhaps a better body. I'd be interested to know also, how does one register with the newspapers to get them to look at your photos to freelance? I just picked up a job through self marketing or in other words showing everyone that'll look my best 5 or ten photo in 8 by 10 size. I got a referal to shoot a building and apartment for an advertising brochure from this. I'tll be my first paying job. A few of my shots have already been used in advertising (Event fliers and ads, billboards and websites)and I let them use them for free to try and develop a name. Who knows how much I'll make in my "career" but I'm sure having a lot more fun than my job as an advertising executive. (though I do use my position to promote my photography)
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02/08/2007 08:43:37 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Ben:
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
Originally posted by Ben:
I'd love to turn professional, but am concentrating on my technical grasp and the photo's im making rather than equipment. |
This explains why you have a 30D and a 350 EOS....... |
Could you not be bothered to read the following sentence? |
It still doesnt seem to cut out the fact that you went out and bought a 30D... let me pause what i would say is after you already had a 350... but i cant prove which you bought first people buy backup cameras all the time.
"I don't see where it says I was responsible even though i had the money I didn't go out and buy better equipment because I knew the equipment i have now would asit me in learning better technique. The equipment I had already is quite capable and wont necessarily make me a better photographer"
Im not trying to bash you its just the fact that you have both a 350 and a 30D kinda makes people think that they dont practice what they preach. |
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02/08/2007 08:44:15 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by rex:
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
This explains why you have a 30D and a 350 EOS....... |
Cameras are the cheap part.
You got lenses, tripod, lights, backdrops, insurance, the list can go on and on. But by far the camera is the most replaced item in the list. |
Snap i need some insurance! J/K... sorta |
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02/08/2007 09:26:58 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by dwterry:
One thing I wish I had done before jumping into shooting weddings is this: I wish I had hired on with another photographer, or even worked without pay, for the chance to learn some of the ins and outs of weddings before I ever shot my first one. Instead, I jumped in both feet having no clue what I was getting into. It's been a pretty wild ride, and I'm glad for what I've experienced. It just seems like some kind of "apprenticeship" would have given me a better start. |
Yes, that's very good advice. I've thought about doing that myself, even though I don't think I'd want to do that sort of thing for a living. I just love photography and would love to try all types.
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02/09/2007 06:37:31 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
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That's ok, i see what you mean.
I was however very fortunate after saving for months to buy a 350D, a year later my Aunt offered to loan me, indefinately, money to buy a 30D and 24-70 2.8 lens, i can pay it back in a few years without interest.
I just got lucky.
:)
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